News Archive
DC attorney general secures $1.5 million from construction company for wage theft, worker misclassification
On December 9, 2025, District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced that “Brothers Mechanical Inc., a construction company that has worked on large development projects in NoMa, Navy Yard, and other DC neighborhoods, will pay $1.5 million to resolve allegations that the company and its subcontractors misclassified hundreds of workers as independent contractors.”
Posthumous Retirement Ceremony Honors Lost Brother
Brother Thomas D. Hein (Local 1190) passed away 11 months before his scheduled retirement date. As a longtime and dedicated member, his union family was determined that a longstanding retirement tradition would continue. Read on to hear how they made it happen while showing what being a family is all about.
SMART-TD: Built by Members, Driven by Your Voice
Starting today, members may receive an e-mail or text from the National Safety & Legislative Department with a link to a confidential, anonymous survey conducted by a trusted third-party partner. If you receive the survey, please complete it to help us better serve you. Read on for details.
Conductor, Volunteer Firefighter Injured and Needs our Help
While responding to a call as a volunteer firefighter, Brother Chris Brick (Local 316) suffered serious injuries to his face and head. Currently in the ICU, he will require multiple surgeries and needs to have his jaw wired shut. He and his family need our support as he recovers. Read on to learn how you can help our union brother in need.
Local 85 members organize 5K to address mental health, suicide in the construction industry
In the construction industry, suicide is an urgent crisis — one that isn't talked about nearly enough. That's why Local 85 apprentice Dee Lee and Nathan Allred, assistant shop foreman at RF Knox, decided to take action to take action: organizing the first-ever Healing for Hardhats 5K event to raise money for suicide prevention.
FRA Doubles Our Risk By Reducing Track Inspections
The FRA’s late-Friday decision to cut required human track inspections in half directly increases the risk for rail workers, communities, and the national network by relying more heavily on automated systems that miss many defects trained inspectors routinely catch. Read on to see how SMART-TD National Safety & Legislative Director Jared Cassity explains the dangers of this rule change, the industry motives behind it, and why every railroad worker’s safety is now more at stake.
Building a union for all members: Interview with Local 47 member Lisa DuPuis
Lisa DuPuis of Local 47 (Ottawa, Ontario) is a journeyperson, executive board member and local women’s committee chair. In a recent episode of SMART News, DuPuis looked back on when she first entered the sheet metal industry and spoke proudly about how the number of sisters in the trades has grown since then.