Latest SMART News
Stay on top of what’s happening in your union
December 1, 2022
As prescribed by the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, the SMART Transportation Division acknowledges the ability of Congress to legally impose the Tentative National Rail Agreement upon the operating-craft employees represented by the SMART-TD. While it is unfortunate that our members were not able to approve the agreement in which they work under, we […]
December 1, 2022
As the largest freight rail operating union in the United States, the SMART Transportation Division rejects the notion that any extension of the status quo cooling-off period would have a benefit to alleviating the current contract impasse. The intransigence of the railroad carriers over the span of the more than three years of negotiations with […]
November 30, 2022
The SMART Transportation Division does not support the notion of Congress intervening in our collective bargaining negotiations to prevent a strike. We firmly believe in the workers’ right to fight for their own best interests, as well as the best interests of their families. Unfortunately, threats to the economy have caused this Congress to believe […]
November 21, 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters: As you are undoubtedly aware, voting on the 2022 Tentative Agreement concluded yesterday evening at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. I would like to sincerely thank each and every member who exercised their right to participate in this ratification, regardless of how you voted. While the final outcome is somewhat disheartening, I […]
November 21, 2022
BLET members vote to ratify national rail agreement with the nation’s Class I railroads; operating craft (Train & Engine service) members of SMART-TD have voted to reject it, while TD yardmasters have voted to ratify their national agreement. INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Voting concluded midnight Sunday for members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen […]
We Look Out For Each Other
SMART members have each other’s backs. The SMART “I Got Your Back” Campaign is designed to reinforce our solidarity and let union brothers and sisters know that as union members, we have each other’s backs. This union is built on the foundation of mentorship, and we support each other in the face of adversity – which may include the ongoing pandemic, difficult life events or hardships on the job, such as hazing, bullying and harassment. Â
Download the SMART Union App
Always stay connected with your union. Keep in touch with union news and benefit information, scan labels, and contact your local when you need representation – all with a simple touch of your smart phone. Text the word APP to 67336 to download the SMART Union app.*
*Message and data rates may apply
SMART-SMACNA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement
In recognition that working together on diversity, equity and inclusion within our industry would be the most effective way to effect real and lasting change, SMART and SMACNA have partnered to recruit and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce with the skills to meet the sheet metal industry’s needs now and in the future.
A Rewarding Career
Through our wide-ranging network of 148 sheet metal industry training centers, you can get the high-quality education and training designed to give you a rewarding lifelong career in one of the fastest growing industries in North America. Start your journey today.
Our Careers
Architectural Sheet Metal
Architectural sheet metal is a combination of technical skill and artistry. As an apprentice, you will specialize in fastening and joining, managing expansion and contraction, sealing and controlling moisture to ensure the appearance and durability of buildings. You may spend a good part of your career working at large commercial/industrial sites or residential jobs. Opportunities […] Learn more
Bus Operators & Mechanics
Bus operator and mechanic duties vary, depending on whether they drive or work on local buses in cities and suburbs, intercity buses, long-distance buses between states, charter buses on tours or school buses. When drivers report to terminals to get their assignments, they inspect their buses, check the fuel, oil, water and tires, and make […] Learn more
CAD, Drafting & Detailing
Sheet metal detailing, also known as sketching, is often thought of as CAD (computer-aided drafting). A certified detailer is a skilled commercial HVAC trade person who will advance to provide coordination between the fabricators and the installers from various trades. You will work with project documents and plans and specifications, take field measurements and create […] Learn more
Freight Rail
SMART TD, with more than 450 locals in the U.S., has more members than any other railroad labor union and holds some of the best freight rail contracts in North America. It is the only labor union that has united various operating crafts while protecting craft autonomy and has the most effective voice among transportation […] Learn more
HVAC Shop/Fabrication
Sheet metal workers sometimes exclusively, or in conjunction with field installation work, will fabricate, assemble, install and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes and furnace casings. Work may involve setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks or forms […] Learn more
Lagging
Lagging is the finishing material (such as steel, aluminum or other materials) used to cover many types of insulation, especially on large flat surfaces such as boiler walls, flues, ducts, precipitators, selective catalytic reduction systems, baghouses, wind boxes or fans. Insulation and metal lagging of mechanical system components includes flat work, round work, pressure vessels […] Learn more
Passenger Rail
SMART represents workers on Amtrak, the largest passenger rail operator in the United States, as well as other smaller regional and local passenger carriers. Rail remains one of the most sustainable and efficient ways of safely transporting travelers to their destination, and recent national legislation has reaffirmed its key role in national infrastructure going forward. […] Learn more
Production / Manufacturing
Production and manufacturing is the creation or production of goods from components or raw material with the help of equipment, labor, machines and tools. The term may refer to a range of work, from handcraft to high-tech, but it is most commonly applied to industrial design, in which raw materials from the primary sector are […] Learn more
Rail Mechanical
Union sheet metal members work in freight and passenger rail transportation, including commuter railroads. They maintain and rebuild locomotives that move freight, long-distance passenger train equipment and equipment used in commuter rail service. Additionally, members of the sheet metal craft maintain heating and ventilation systems, as well as pipefitting and plumbing, within the railroad shops, […] Learn more
Residential HVAC
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. As a residential HVAC technician, you will work on installing and servicing complete residential HVAC systems. You’ll install ductwork for a wide variety of residences including single-family homes, town homes and apartment buildings. You may also work on duct systems for existing buildings to remodel, upgrade or […] Learn more
Roofing
A roofer is a skilled tradesperson who installs a waterproof membrane on a building that has either a flat or sloped deck consisting of wood, steel or concrete. They may specialize in residential or industrial roofing. The most commonly used roofing product is a layer of asphalt paper embedded in hot asphalt up to four […] Learn more
Service and Refrigeration
Almost everything we do indoors depends on a working heating and cooling system. These systems make buildings comfortable and safe. Demand for skilled technicians in this specialized field is high. As a service and refrigeration technician, you’ll work on a variety of job sites. You may install and test systems to ensure that they are […] Learn more
Shipyard
SMART members perform work in shipyards from coast to coast, including Pearl Harbor in Hawaii and the Ingalls Shipyard in Mississippi. Most, but not all, of the ships that members work on are vessels for the U.S. Navy. We build new ships from the ground up, and we also perform maintenance of the entire Navy […] Learn more
Sign Fabrication & Installation
As a sign hanger and builder, your job includes installing, mounting, servicing and repairing signs in commercial, industrial and high-rise residential settings. Your duties include preparing poles, buildings, billboards and other structures for installations, and then mounting the signs. You also have a chance to showcase your creativity and skills in some of the most […] Learn more
Indoor Air Quality and Energy Efficiency (TAB)
Testing, adjusting, and balancing (TAB) is an important part of air and water delivery systems. TAB technicians make sure that air and water in heating and air conditioning systems are delivered efficiently, quietly and safely throughout a building. As a TAB technician, you will be responsible for working on air and water delivery systems to […] Learn more
Transit & Commuter Rail
SMART represents workers on a number of major regional transit providers, including light and heavy rail carriers in major metropolitan areas nationwide. Rail remains one of the most sustainable and efficient ways of safely transporting travelers to their destination, and national legislation has reaffirmed its key role going forward as part of U.S. infrastructure, reducing […] Learn more
Industrial and Shop Welding
Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. In this process, heat is applied to metal pieces which melts and fuses them to form a permanent bond. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace and thousands of other manufacturing activities. Welding also is used to […] Learn more
Yardmaster
Yardmasters are the traffic controllers of the yards and terminals in the railroad industry. Using computers and supervising switching equipment in the yard tower, they route trains and engines within the yard. The yardmaster reads switching orders and schedules to determine the time trains will arrive or depart, the sequence of movement and the routing […] Learn more
Become a SMART Member
Take the next step on your journey towards a rewarding career. Learn how you can become a SMART member.
Member Voices
Hear about the union directly from SMART members themselves.
Meet Danielle Wilson, An Illinois Sheet Metal Worker
SMART Sheet Metal Local 265 broke ground with maternity leave for members included within its benefits package. Danielle Wilson, a four year member of SMART, was one of the first to benefit from this new package.
Latest Jobs: Sheet Metal Opportunities
Most sheet metal jobs are available directly through our local unions. SMART Job Bank listings usually reflect large projects, which will appear here when open positions are available.
