News Archive
Local 435, North Florida Building Trades win big on Jacksonville Jaguars stadium
Thanks to the advocacy of SMART Local 435 and the North Florida Building and Construction Trades Council, locally hired apprentices will help build the new Jacksonville Jaguars stadium — a more than $1-billion project. “Jacksonville has not seen a project this size in decades [...]
Dallas Training Empowers Local Leaders
Since they were first held in 2020, SMART-TD’s Regional Training Seminars (RTS) have proven to be highly effective in enhancing the union’s strength. Local officers and union leaders came together in Dallas to enhance their skills, knowledge, and boost member representation. Read on to find out what new content made its debut at this training and what additional topics were featured on the agenda.
SMART GP Coleman statement on tariffs impacting North American workers
“We need trade policies that strengthen North American industries, protect union jobs and reinforce the shared success of the United States and Canada. What we are getting instead are policies that weaken the U.S.-Canada relationship, threatening the industries that put union members to work."
Eli Baccus to lead SMART Education Department
Former local union organizer and SMART International Instructor Eli Baccus has been named director of the SMART Education Department — another step in a career dedicated to advancing the interests of union workers across North America. “Eli’s extensive experience, dedication [...]
Privatizing Amtrak: a disaster in the making
Discussions about privatizing Amtrak gain new momentum without a clear understanding of why this plan, which is not a new one, always results in failure. Read on for a roundup of the top reasons that our proud national rail line is better for the country and our members without DOGE intervention.
National Careers In Trades Week spotlights opportunities in construction
To raise awareness for the abundance and evolution of trade careers, building trades unions and skilled trade associations, including SMART, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) and International Training Institute (ITI), have come together to launch the first national Careers In Trades Week, April 7-11, 2025.
From fire truck to train: Manda Snide leads by example
Growing up, Manda Snide saw the benefits of union membership firsthand. Now, she’s committed to paying it forward through her role as Nebraska’s Alternate Safety & Legislative Director. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to learn what spurred her work on the railroad and why she’s committed to serving as a resource for her members.
DOGE to close seven RRB Regional Offices
SMART TD is addressing the closure of seven Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Regional Offices, as announced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which plans to cancel their leases. The RRB has requested an exemption to keep these offices open, and SMART-TD is actively working with lawmakers to highlight the importance of these services.