Sister Robin Smith Advocates for Female Rail Workers

As a union leader, Robin Smith ensures new hires know their rights and have a trusted advocate in their corner.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Robin Smith, a conductor and engineer for Norfolk Southern, has become a go-to resource and mentor for female rail workers in her local union. After rising through the ranks to become the first female officer of her local, Smith has made it her mission to educate new hires, especially women, about their contracts and support them through disciplinary proceedings and other challenges they may face in the male-dominated industry.

Why it matters

Smith's efforts highlight the importance of having visible female role models and advocates in traditionally male-dominated fields like railroading. By providing a supportive presence and ensuring women know their rights, she is helping to make the industry more inclusive and welcoming for the next generation of female rail workers.

The details

After being hired as a conductor in 2010, Smith became the first female officer of her local union just two years later. In her roles as Treasurer and Safety & Legislative Representative for Local 830, Smith has made it a priority to reach out to new female hires, make sure they understand their contracts, and offer herself as a trusted advocate, especially during disciplinary hearings where women can feel intimidated. Recently, Smith accompanied a female member to a hearing where she was the only woman in a room of eight men, providing emotional support and ensuring her voice was heard.

  • Robin Smith was hired as a conductor for Norfolk Southern in 2010.
  • Smith became the first female officer of her local union in 2012.
  • Smith recently accompanied a female member to a disciplinary hearing in 2026.

The players

Robin Smith

A conductor and engineer for Norfolk Southern who has become a leader and advocate for female rail workers in her local union, Local 830.

Local 830

The local union that Robin Smith is a member of and holds leadership positions in.

Norfolk Southern

The railroad company that employs Robin Smith as a conductor and engineer.

Tommy Gholson

The General Chairperson of GCA 898, who has observed Robin Smith's advocacy and support for female union members.

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What they’re saying

“During the hearing and recesses, [Robin provided a] shoulder and motherly care for the younger member. It was very obvious to us that she is a role model to the female and membership alike in this area.”

— Tommy Gholson, General Chairperson of GCA 898 (smart-union.org)

“As a female officer, when females are hired, I always try to reach out to them, make sure they have my number if they need anything, if they have questions. It can be very lonely out there when you're new.”

— Robin Smith, Conductor and Engineer, Local 830 (smart-union.org)

What’s next

Smith plans to continue her advocacy work, reaching out to new female hires and providing them with the support and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry.

The takeaway

Robin Smith's commitment to supporting and empowering female rail workers in her local union demonstrates the importance of having visible female leaders and advocates in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her actions are helping to make the industry more inclusive and welcoming for the next generation of women in railroading.