New York, NY – Anthony Simon was born June 11, 1963 and raised in Richmond Hill Queens. He is the GO-505 General Chairman for SMART Transportation Division representing conductors, track workers, building and bridge workers, special service attendants, track supervisors, car repairman and car appearance personnel on the Long Island Rail Road in New York. He also serves as an alternate VP for the SMART Transportation Division International Union, as well as serving on various safety and legislative committees nationally representing passenger rail service.
Simon hired on the LIRR in 1990 as a station cleaner and was promoted to Assistant Conductor in 1993. He certified to the position of Conductor in 1997 and began his career as a union leader soon after. He first served as a committee secretary and elevated to local secretary & treasurer in 2000. In 2006, he ran for the position of General Chairman, which heads the largest union on the LIRR, and ran unopposed having overwhelming support from union members. He was elected in 2010 as District 1 Chairperson on a national level, and has since elevated to International Alternate Vice President. Anthony also served on the constitution merger committee as the SMART union was created through merger. He is the true example of working his way from the bottom up.
Simon served on the Passenger Hour of Service working group with the Federal Railroad Administration’s Safety Advisory Committee, while demonstrating tremendous commitment to transportation safety in our region. He organized and implemented a Hurricane Sandy relief fund to benefit railroad families in need affected by the storm, and hosts an annual golf fundraiser in support of families affected by autism on Long Island.
He’s been a vital asset in working with the Governor’s Office and the MTA to move forward on an aggressive LIRR infrastructure expansion which includes Mainline double and third track, station rehabilitation, Belmont improvements, ongoing East Side Access work as well as other railroad projects. His expertise in fair negotiations while prioritizing safety and efficiency has been a model for successful labor relations practices in the industry.
Anthony was also appointed Second Vice Chairman in 2018 by the Nassau County Executive to the IDA (Industrial Development Agency) as the Labor Representative. He was instrumental in getting Amazon to agree to use 100% Union Labor to build its Syosset warehouse.
SMART Transportation Division union represents one of the largest commuter rail systems in the Northeast Region. The union negotiates labor contracts which cover work rules, health and welfare and pensions. It’s also part of numerous safety boards to ensure the Long Island Rail Road maintains a safe work environment. It also has a Labor Representative seat on the MTA Board since the Long Island Rail Road falls under the umbrella of the MTA.
The organization has worked closely with Senate Majority Leader Schumer to push the much needed funding for infrastructure. It also works with the NYS Senate Chair of Transportation, Senator Tim Kennedy to ensure transportation in our region is fully funded.
