Talking SMART: Ep. 2 Looks At SMART-Union Response to COVID-19

In the second episode of Talking SMART, we talk with SMART leadership about the impact the COVID-19 crisis is having on our members and their jobs, as well as how SMART is mobilizing across the United States and Canada to help and support members and communities in need. We f [...]

CARES Act (Corona Virus Phase III) Passes Congress 

Here are the key provisions that will impact members in the $2 trillion package the Senate approved on March 25, 2020, and the House today on March 27. Examples of How the Bill Affects Building Trades Members:   Anticipated real-life scenarios of how the CARES Act will impact [...]

Canada Passes Emergency Response Act: Details On New Benefit for Workers

After an overnight session, the Canadian Parliament has passed the new COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, ensuring that Canada has the tools and flexibility to respond quickly to the rising challenges being posed by the COVID-19 virus. The Act includes the new Canada Emergency [...]

State Resources and Benefits Available for Workers Impacted by COVID-19

State Resources and Benefits The following are online links to U.S. states and some local municipal resources for workers that have been impacted by COVID-19.  Within these links are resources for Unemployment Insurance as well as other support services. ALABAMA General infor [...]

U.S./ Canada Emergency Legislative Center

The purpose of this page is to serve as an information clearinghouse for clear and accurate information about emergency legislative an regulatory activity regarding the COVID-19 outbreak affecting the general public along with SMART members and their families.  This site is t [...]

New Emergency Employment Insurance Benefits Passed In Canada

Below is a summary of EI sickness benefits, EI regular benefits, the new Emergency Care Benefit and a new Emergency Support Benefit for Canadian members passed by the Canadian government.  EI Sickness Benefits Workers that have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus or are en [...]

Families First Act Signed Into Law: How This Affects SMART Members

On March 18, 2020, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law, marking the second major legislative initiative to address COVID-19 (the first was signed on March 6 and provided emergency funding relief for domestic and global efforts). The Families First [...]

SMART-TD petitions federal agencies for worker COVID-19 protections

CLEVELAND, Ohio. (March 20, 2020) — SMART Transportation Division filed a request to both the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) urging them to issue Emergency Orders (EO) to address employee safety conditions in respo [...]