The purpose of this newsletter is to keep leaders informed of news and events of importance to SMART leaders at every level of the organization. Below are items included in this month’s version of the Loop. Please respond with any news items or suggestions for future editions of the Loop.
GP Sellers to Retire May 31, AGP Coleman to Serve As Incoming GP Joseph Sellers, Jr. announced his retirement on January 24, 2023. Sellers will retire on May 31, 2023, and will be succeeded by current Assistant to the General President Michael Coleman. Sellers has served as general president since May of 2015, when he succeeded prior General President Joseph Nigro.
SMART News Episode 7 Watch the new episode of SMART News, featuring information about the retirement of General President Joseph Sellers and an introduction to incoming GP Michael Coleman. Also included is more reporting on rail safety action following the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, information on SMART MAP and new megaproject work in the Southwest. SMART News is a monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada.
Information for SMART Travelers Learn the details about the SMART Travelers Incentives. Always contact your SM local union before traveling. For more information, visit our website at smart-union.org and find information in the SMART SM Job Bank.
Ohio SLD Whitaker, Senators State Case for Rail Safety In the aftermath of February’s rail disaster in Ohio, the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee held a key hearing March 22 on “Improving Rail Safety in Response to the East Palestine Derailment” to get to the bottom of what went wrong in the accident and to discuss the bipartisan Railway Safety Act of 2023.
Second BE4ALL Toolbox Talk Promotes Effective Communication The Belonging and Excellence for All (BE4ALL) Committee launched its second Toolbox Talk on March 16 – part of the committee’s ongoing work to strengthen SMART and the unionized sheet metal industry by making all members feel welcome, on and off the job. Toolbox Talk #2, titled “Effective Communication,” addresses the important steps that can be taken to avoid miscommunication and conflict on the jobsite.
Railway Safety Act Takes Center Stage The much-anticipated hearing of the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Environment and Public Works featured a discussion of the Norfolk Southern derailment and the subsequent release of chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio. The spectacle of seeing NS CEO Alan Shaw fend off questions from the senators was clearly the main event of the day; however, the undercard of the hearing was well worth the price of the ticket.
New Job Bank Opportunities New positions are available for members interested in traveling in places such as Stanton, TN, Florida City, FL and Phoenix, AZ. Please check each week as openings are added frequently.
SMART Local Union Directory An updated SMART directory of local unions for March.
Talking SMART Podcast: New Incentives for Sheet Metal Travelers SMART released the latest episode of the Talking SMART podcast on February 23, featuring a discussion with SMART Assistant to the General President Darrell Roberts, Local 265 President/Business Manager and SMART 11th General Vice President John Daniel and SASMI Executive Director Ken Colombo about new travel benefits and incentives available to sheet metal members.
Local 280 SMART Army Honored for Terry Fox Run Participation In September 2022, SMART Local 280 (Vancouver, British Columbia) led the SMART Army’s involvement in the annual Terry Fox Run to raise money for cancer research. Fox was a Canadian athlete and cancer research activist who, after losing a leg to cancer, embarked on a cross-Canada run in 1980 to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although cancer eventually forced him to end his quest, and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting legacy in Canada and around the world.
SMART Statement On Veto Of HJ Resolution 30 On March 20, President Biden vetoed HJ Resolution 30, which would have rescinded the Department of Labor’s rule entitled “Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights.” In response, SMART issued this statement.