Minnesota sheet metal worker: “I’m proud to be union”

As part of the Belonging and Excellence for All (BE4ALL) challenge — which asks SMART members to answer the question, “Why are you proud to be a SMART union member?” — Minnesota sheet metal worker Omar discussed the power of collective bargaining, the labor movement’s legacy and the solidarity he feels as a member of Local 10.

“Being a union member isn’t just about having a job — it’s about being part of something bigger than myself. It’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with my coworkers, knowing that together, we have the power to demand fair wages, safe working conditions and respect on the job.

“I’m proud to be in a union because I know that every benefit I have — whether it’s healthcare, a pension, or paid time off — wasn’t given to me out of generosity. It was fought for, sometimes through long negotiations, strikes and years of perseverance. The union is the reason workers like me don’t have to accept whatever scraps an employer is willing to throw our way. Instead, we bargain collectively, ensuring that our voices are heard and our labor is valued.

“But being in a union is about more than just contracts and wages. It’s about solidarity. It’s about never standing by while a coworker is mistreated. It’s about knowing that when one of us faces injustice, we all stand up and fight. It’s about lifting each other up, training the next generation of workers and making sure that no one has to struggle alone.

“For 20 years, I’ve been a proud union member. I’ve seen firsthand the power of solidarity, the strength of collective action, and the real difference we can make when we stand together. I’ve watched as we’ve fought for and won better wages, safer workplaces and dignity on the job. I’ve stood alongside my brothers and sisters through challenges and victories, knowing that we are stronger together than we could ever be alone.

“I take pride in the victories we’ve won, the rights we’ve secured and the battles we continue to fight. Being a union member means I’m part of a legacy — one built by those who came before me, who refused to be exploited, and who paved the way for a better future. And it’s a legacy I’m committed to protecting, for myself, for my coworkers and for the workers who will come after us.

“This is why I’m union. This is why I fight. And this is why I’ll never back down.”