I Got Your Back

The SMART I Got Your Back Campaign

In 2021, SMART launched the I Got Your Back Campaign, which celebrates the many great mentors and allies in our membership and reinforces member solidarity throughout our great union. The campaign encouraged members to share an “I Got Your Back” sticker with those who have had their backs — whether on the jobsite, in the union hall or beyond — to show that they will have all members’ backs.

Three years later, in spring of 2024, SMART announced the expansion of the I Got Your Back Campaign — “Speak Up, Speak Out.” The expansion aimed to further reinforce a culture where members Speak Up, Speak Out when they see something wrong. Along with designating local “I Got Your Back” coordinators to provide localized support to members who need it, the campaign asked every member to do the following:  

  1. If you witness a fellow member being bullied, harassed, discriminated against or mistreated on the job, please Speak Up, Speak Out.  
  2. If you are being bullied, harassed, discriminated against or mistreated on the job, please Speak Up, Speak Out if you are comfortable doing so, or ask a trusted ally for help.  

As the campaign continues, SMART encourages members to take advantage of I Got Your Back resources, including their local I Got Your Back coordinators (if necessary) and the Belonging and Excellence for All website, and to submit stories of the solidarity, mentorship and camaraderie that define our union.

Get involved:

Local 28 apprentice Shanae Kemp had her foreman’s back on the jobsite.

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