Labor Day 2026 brought transportation workers together with other organized labor groups for parades, community gatherings and workplace solidarity actions across the country. SMART-TD members participated in events ranging from longstanding Labor Day traditions to labor demonstrations, highlighting the union's involvement in community and worker advocacy.
In Galesburg, Illinois, SMART-TD Locals 195 and 445 participated in the city's Labor Day parade. Illinois Safety and Legislative Director Bob Guy served as grand marshal, while SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson joined members and their families.
Local 1202 participated in Fort Wayne, Indiana's annual Labor Day picnic organized by the Northeast Indiana AFL-CIO. The event attracted approximately 5,000 people and involved about 35 unions. SMART-TD members assisted with event operations and community activities.
In Omaha, Nebraska, approximately 150 SMART members and their families participated in the Labor Day parade. The Nebraska Safety and Legislative Board's miniature train was also part of the event.
SMART-TD transportation members joined sheet metal members for Labor Day events in several locations. In Detroit, Michigan, members from both divisions marched together while carrying U.S. and Canadian flags, emphasizing solidarity across the union's U.S. and Canadian membership.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, members from CATS bus operations, CATS maintenance and CSX freight railroad participated in the city's Labor Day parade for the second consecutive year. Local members also built a float for the event.
SMART-TD members in Toledo, Ohio, participated in the city's parade alongside state representatives and other union members, connecting the event with the union's broader transportation safety and legislative efforts.
In Reno, Nevada, SMART-TD operated a booth at the annual LaborFest, where the union received recognition for the event's best booth. The event combines labor activities with employment and union career outreach.
In Boston, SMART-TD members and leaders joined UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 on a picket line outside the Encore casino. The action, which began Sept. 4, focused on wage increases and staffing security for organized casino workers.
SMART-TD's Labor Day participation demonstrates the role of transportation workers in broader labor and community activities. Events across multiple states also provided opportunities for members to work alongside other unions, engage with communities and reinforce labor solidarity.
The range of activities, from public parades and community events to picket-line participation, reflects the union's involvement in both workplace representation and organized labor initiatives.
Source: Smart.
