General Discussions

One of our members has emailed the SMART-TD International Presidents office inquiring about the establishment of a separate LCA for METRA. According to the Presidents office, this is not a requirement as the current LCA has the right to represent both Union Pacific and METRA properties and has done so since the separation of service took place on 03/16/25.

What is the LCA (Local Committee of Adjustment)? This is the committee in your local that includes the positions of Local Chairperson, Vice-Local Chairperson (we have 3, one for each district) and Secretary LCA. The LCA operating budget is paid for by a portion of the dues from the 291 members that are in our local.

The proposal would be to take 72 members out of the current LCA structure and place them in this new LCA for METRA. This would leave 219 members remaining in the Union Pacific LCA to shoulder the burden of the administrative cost. The expenses from the LCA dues include salary, reimbursements and taxes. The portion of dues going to the LCA to operate are $55 per member.

This separation would result in the loss of $3,960 monthly in operating revenue for the remaining members of the Union Pacific LCA. Divided by the remaining members (219), this could result in an increase of dues of approximately $19 monthly for each member of the Union Pacific LCA to maintain the current LCA operating cost. The METRA LCA would also have to figure out their operating costs and establish a budget which may increase or decrease their dues based on the authorization of the 72 members.

We are taking a poll of ALL members to provide to the International Presidents office in Cleveland so that the President-TD can make an informed decision on this matter. Only the President-TD can make this decision. Please make your voice heard by indicating if you are a yes or no to this split. Thank you for your participation.

This poll will be closed in 30 days (08/08/25)