The SMART International Women’s Committee was created to support, promote and advocate for women in the sheet metal industry. The committee works on programming at the annual Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) conference, informational webinars, networking and mentoring, SMART Women Trivia Nights and organizing a variety of activities around Women in Construction Week each year, among other projects. The SMART International Women’s Committee can be reached at SMARTSisters@smart-union.org.
SMART has long been committed to creating an environment of welcoming, belonging and excellence for all of our members. However, SMART recognizes that not all individuals and groups are situated the same, with the same access to resources and opportunities. Therefore, the Belonging and Excellence for All (BE4ALL) effort is a targeted approach to ensure that all members, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, experience these universal goals.
We need a culture that enables our union to attract and retain the best, most skilled workers – and in doing so, affirms the dignity and worth of every human being who walks through our doors. We need to reinforce union solidarity so that each and every one of us has the other’s back. We need an industry that embodies professionalism – not only in our technical skills, but in the work environment we create: free from harassment, discrimination, bullying and hazing. We need an industry where our members and contractors can do the best possible work efficiently and effectively. These are all critical ingredients to creating a thriving culture and industry. And SMART believes BE4ALL is the vehicle for how we make this happen.
SMART’s “I Got Your Back” campaign intends to promote solidarity and a safe haven among all members of SMART. The campaign is based on awareness of work environment discrimination, bullying, hazing and harassment.
Do you have that special mentor who had your back? Now is the time to let them know how their support impacted you and recognize them for their solidarity.
Share an “I Got Your Back” sticker with them to show that they — and YOU — will have all members’ backs.
It helps a member know that when they need an ally, they have a safe place to turn to.
Send your story about those who mentored you to mentors@smart-union.org or share on social media with the hashtag #SMARTIGOTYOURBACK.
The SMART Army is a key vehicle for engaging in our communities, raising the visibility of our union and highlighting the important work that SMART members do, as well as the essential services we provide. It is also a great way to improve our image among the voters, community leaders and politicians whose support we count on to back new union-built projects, Community Benefit Agreements and the high workplace and training standards that are the foundation of good union jobs that support our families and entire communities.
We take action on our core issues at every level. As a union, as members and as citizens we stand together, not only to build a stronger middle class, but also to protect the timeless union values that help ensure all workers have the chance to succeed with dignity — and leave Canada and the world better for our children.