SMART News - SMART Union

SMART News, December 2024

December 23, 2024

Welcome to the December 2024 episode of SMART News!

This month’s episode features videos on: the upcoming change in presidential administrations , both what members can expect and how SMART is preparing; members helping members on the CSX railroad via the company’s Operation RedBlock Program; the union difference in Texas, where megaprojects are helping SMART locals bring in formerly nonunion sheet metal workers; and the Local 33 SMART Army, who recently built soccer pitches for children in Toledo, Ohio.

As 2024 comes to a close, Americans are preparing for a change in presidential administrations. SMART News sat down with Director of Governmental Affairs Steve Dodd to talk about what members can expect in the coming months — and what SMART is doing to prepare.

SMART, labor movement prepares for change in presidential administrations

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Members of the Local 33 SMART Army in Toledo, Ohio, stepped up to support their local community last fall, volunteering to build soccer pitches and giving children access to the world’s most popular sport.

Sheet metal workers build soccer pitches for kids in Toledo

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Federal investments in new megaprojects have sparked unparalleled demand for sheet metal workers across both the United States and Canada. In Texas, newly organized SMART members shared their experiences working nonunion and the differences they've seen on recent jobsites -- now working as Local 67 members.

Texas sheet metal workers experience the union difference

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The Operation RedBlock Program at CSX Railroad celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. In that time, this members-helping-members program has provided life changing assistance for over 48,000 of our brothers and sisters. SMART News sat down with the Operation RedBlock System Coordinator Mike Jackson (Local 1347, Newcastle, Pennsylvania), to discuss how RedBlock got started in 1984, and what has made it such a success over the past four decades.

Railroaders help railroaders at CSX

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SMART News, November 2024

November 18, 2024

Welcome to the November 2024 episode of SMART News!

This month’s episode features videos on: the ongoing success of the SMART Heroes program, which offers military servicemembers an accelerated pathway into the unionized sheet metal trade; Local 540 members in Mississauga, Ontario, who sew union pride into a variety of garments, apparel and other goods; and the 2024 Tradeswomen Build Nations conference, where more than 420 SMART sisters and allies demonstrated our strength and solidarity.

For military servicemembers transitioning into civilian life, the SMART Heroes program offers more than just accelerated entry into a union apprenticeship. It provides an opportunity to join a career defined by camaraderie and fulfilling work; two key traits that many program graduates tie to their time in the service.

From military servicemembers to union sheet metal workers: SMART Heroes' success continues

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"When I see that we have over 420 women attending this conference ... you can't tell me that we don't have the momentum." - SMART General President Michael Coleman. SMART sisters and allies showed out in force during Tradeswomen Build Nations 2024 in late September. This year's record-breaking attendance numbers did more than illustrate the progress we've made; it demonstrated our unity and our strength moving forward.

SMART sisters and allies take the streets of NOLA during Tradeswomen Build Nations 2024

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Delegates to the Third SMART General Convention left Las Vegas with a range of SMART gear: TD hats, SMART polo shirts and more. Not only were these products union-made; they were created by fellow SMART members in South Central Ontario. As members of Local 540, garment workers at Union Made Apparel and Season Group are living the union advantage: gaining reliable work and strong benefits while producing local, high-quality goods.

Local 540 workers sew union pride into Union Made Apparel in Ontario

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SMART News, October 2024

October 14, 2024

SMART News is back after a summer hiatus, with new videos covering the importance of SMART’s new maternity leave benefit fund; the Third SMART General Convention; SMART-TD and Senator Sherrod Brown’s successful effort to save Ohio railroad jobs; and principles of trade unionism at the core of the SMART Rapid Response Protocol.

In August, SMART leaders and delegates gathered for our union’s Third General Convention. Throughout the week, members voted to set the course for the future: electing International officers and welcoming SMART’s General Secretary Treasurer John Daniel, former business manager and financial secretary-treasurer of Local 265.

SMART members elect leaders, set sights on future growth at Third General Convention

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In September, SMART and SMACNA introduced a union-wide maternity leave benefit fund, launching in January 2025. Years earlier, Local 265 introduced a maternity leave benefit at the local level, with Danielle Wilson, a journeyperson, the first woman able to use it. From personal experience, Wilson shared how truly massive this expansion is for sisters in the sheet metal industry.

Illinois sheet metal worker details the importance of SMART's new maternity leave benefit fund

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"The Rapid Response Protocol is trade unionism at its best." As we continue to grow our union, solidarity is more important than ever. That’s why SMART introduced the BE4ALL Rapid Response Protocol: To make sure we always stay true to our core values of brotherhood, sisterhood and having each other’s back.

Rapid Response Protocol aims to strengthen SMART through core trade unionism

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The CSX Railroad recently unveiled a plan to change how they move freight between Chicago and the east coast. This new plan would have closed down operations in Cleveland’s Collinwood Yard, forcing more than 120 SMART-TD members to either relocate or leave the industry and their pensions behind. That's when SMART-TD leaders in Ohio enlisted the help of Ohio’s U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, who stepped in on their behalf and kept our men and women from facing this life altering choice.

SMART-TD, Sen. Sherrod Brown take action to protect Ohio railroad jobs

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SMART News, May/June 2024

June 3, 2024

SMART News is your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. The May/June 2024 episode features videos on SMART MAP and Union EAP mental health programs for members, an innovative outreach program to help Local 16 members recruit new sheet metal workers, one retiree’s account of the life-changing impact of pension relief in Ohio, and SMART-TD Local 1033’s .

"We don't necessarily want to talk about it on the jobsite, but when we're given a safe space to be able to talk a little bit about it, we have our members really opening up." Mental health continues to impact workers in the construction industry at extremely high rates, and SMART is taking action in response. With the SMART Membership Assistance Program (MAP) and Union EAP, union members and their families can access resources and support for their mental well-being and safety.

Mental health programs support the well-being of sheet metal workers

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In Portland, Oregon, Local 16 works constantly to spread the word about careers in the union sheet metal industry. Now, thanks to an innovative new local training program, outreach is being performed by the best possible advocates: Local 16 members themselves.

Outreach program helps Oregon sheet metal workers recruit the next generation of union members

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"I got all the money back. I was ecstatic." In 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law. One year later, funding from that law saved the pensions of Local 33 members like James Chester, giving them the retirement they earned.

"I got all the money back." Akron retiree details the pension-saving American Rescue Plan

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Railroaders often believe they need to leave SMART-TD when they become locomotive engineers. But nothing could be further from the truth. In Atlanta, SMART-TD Local 1033 members Chris Dixon, Craig Culver, and Allen Sharp started a local Engineers’ Committee, or E-Committee, instead of joining another rail union. Not only have they created a viable option for CSX conductors to be promoted to engine service -- they have also brought members who had left back to SMART.

Atlanta railroaders strengthen union with engineers committee, internal organizing

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SMART News, April 2024

April 29, 2024

SMART News is your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. The April 2024 episode features videos on the FRA’s new two-person freight crew regulation, Local 105 member Humberto Rocha’s journey from apprentice to foreman, Local 47’s brand-new training centre in Ottawa, Ontario, and a job-creating high-speed rail project that will be built and operated by SMART members.

In April, SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FRA Administrator Amit Bose announced a huge victory for railroad workers and communities across the United States: a nationwide two-person crew regulation. But as SMART-TD Alt. National Legislative Director Jared Cassity explains, the fight is by no means over.

Two-person freight train crew regulation is a win for workers, rail safety

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Years ago, Local 105 member Humberto Rocha started in the Los Angeles SMART apprenticeship program, working his way through the ranks. Now, he is making his name as a leader in our union, serving as a foreman at the Alloy jobsite off the historic 6th street bridge.

Los Angeles sheet metal worker lives union-made American dream as general foreman

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Massive investments in high-speed rail infrastructure are creating union jobs for SMART members. Thanks to funding from federal legislation, new high-speed rail lines from Las Vegas to Los Angeles will be operated by SMART-TD railroaders — and built by SMART sheet metal workers.

High-speed rail project to create jobs for union railroaders and sheet metal workers

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SMART News, March 2024

March 27, 2024

SMART News is your union’s monthly video playlist that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This month’s episode features videos on Local 19’s successful effort to expand prevailing wage laws in Delaware; SMART-TD Local 202’s use of various communications tools to forge solidarity and win high-profile victories in Colorado; a cross-industry tradeswomen group founded by Local 285 (Toronto) sister Samara Sampson; and Local 105 Business Rep. Tim Hinson’s well-deserved honor from the City of El Monte.

Bad-faith contractors in Delaware have long used loopholes regarding custom offsite fabrication to exploit their employees. But thanks to the hard work of SMART Local 19, the state passed a bill that expands prevailing wage to cover custom offsite fabrication, leveling the playing field and creating more union jobs.

Delaware sheet metal union wins prevailing wage law to increase pay for workers

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SMART-TD Local 202 has put itself on the map with big wins across the state of Colorado, achieved through solidarity and member activity. Local 202's Legislative Representative Omar Ledesma credits much of this success to communications outreach, which has brought members together as a cohesive unit.

Colorado rail union uses communications to forge solidarity and win high-profile victories

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For underrepresented workers in construction and similar industries, isolation on the jobsite can lead to retention problems. That’s why Local 285 (Toronto) member Samara Sampson co-founded Women On Site: a grassroots organization that fosters community and inclusion for ALL workers in our industries.

Grassroots organizing builds solidarity for women across industries together in Canada

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The city of El Monte, California recently honored Local 105 Business Representative Tim Hinson for his work helping community members achieve a better life through our union. The certificate of recognition is a testament to Brother Hinson’s dedication to his community – and to the principles of the labor movement.

SoCal sheet metal worker honored for training efforts

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SMART News, February 2024

February 21, 2024

Welcome to the February 2024 episode of SMART News, your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This month’s episode features videos on how SM Local 206 helped win a citywide project labor agreement in San Diego; bus and transit workers’ fight against violence on public transformation through the SMART Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety committee; Local 105 apprentice Charles Cashaw’s life-changing decision to join our union; and the importance of recognizing and celebrating Black History Month

In 2012, the rich and powerful helped ban project labor agreements in San Diego. But just 10 years later, SMART Local 206 and fellow union workers turned the tide. In 2022, voters repealed the PLA ban by approving ballot Measure D. And this year, the San Diego City Council voted to pass one of the largest citywide PLAs in the country.

San Diego sheet metal workers help win citywide project labor agreement

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"If someone hits us while we're in a turn, and that has happened ... that bus could go out of control, you have a bunch of passengers on your bus that can then be injured." As violence on public transit continues to rise, SMART-TD members formed the Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety Committee, or BTAPS, to protect our members. Watch bus operator and BTAPS Committee Chair Christine Ivey describe how the committee intends to increase protections for SMART-TD transit workers.

Union bus and transit workers fight to end violence on public transportation

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"I feel safe at work, I feel like they have systems in place to keep us safe ... just having things like that, the insurance, not seeing that amount come out of my check every week. ... It's a lot." After 15 years working nonunion, Local 105's Charles Cashaw is proving that it’s never too late to get the pay and benefits you deserve. As a fifth-year apprentice, Cashaw takes home family-sustaining pay and stellar benefits, feels safe and valued on the job, and continues to grow in his craft.

Los Angeles sheet metal worker discusses the union advantage

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The struggles for racial justice and workers’ rights have always been intertwined. That’s why our union recognizes Black History Month: Every February, we proudly celebrate the generations of Black Americans and Canadians who have built our nations, strengthened our union, and empowered the labor and civil rights movements.

SMART celebrates Black History Month

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SMART News, January 2024

January 26, 2024

Welcome to the January 2024 episode of SMART News, your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This month’s episode features videos on a new business manager training aimed at strengthening member representation; trailblazing sisters at Local 56 on Cape Breton Island; forward-thinking action by SMART local unions in the Pacific Northwest to recruit and retain working moms; and the positive impact of SMART-TD’s Regional Training Seminars.

Sheet metal leaders from across our union gathered in Nashville for SMART’s inaugural business manager training in 2023. The training centered on continuing to raise our high standards for member service and representation.

Union leaders kickstart SMART's inaugural business manager training program

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On Cape Breton Island, SMART Local 56 sisters are trailblazing their way to success in the trades. Thanks to a greater effort to bring women and underrepresented communities into our union, this Canadian local is proving that people of all backgrounds can thrive in our union and our industries.

Local 56 women trailblaze to success thanks to greater inclusion efforts in Nova Scotia

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In the Pacific Northwest, SMART locals have made enormous strides to recruit and retain women, including new mothers. In this video, SMART Northwest Regional Council President Lance Deyette and Local 16 Organizer Korri Bus speak about some of the challenges women face on the jobsite, and what SMART is doing to offer solutions to our sisters.

Sheet metal unions take action to keep working moms on the job

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SMART’s Transportation Division has made education and training a longtime focus, aiming to strengthen our union while holding carriers accountable. Evolving out of the pandemic, TD Regional Training Seminars bring expertise and information to where it can be deployed for the benefit of all TD members. So far, these trainings have achieved stellar results, including increased win rates on appeals.

New trainings help SMART-TD strengthen representation for transportation workers

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SMART News, December 2023

December 18, 2023

Welcome to the December 2023 episode of SMART News, your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This month’s episode features videos on Tradeswomen Build Nations 2023, organizing success in Georgia, a Local 28 apprentice’s quick action to save her foreman, and the fight against transit assaults in New Jersey.

Hundreds of SMART sisters and allies took to the streets of Washington, DC, during Tradeswomen Build Nations 2023 in early December. The conference displayed our union’s commitment to partnership, solidarity and progress for ALL workers.

SMART sisters bring the noise to Washington, DC for Tradeswomen Build Nations

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In Georgia, so-called “right-to-work" laws make it hard for unions to organize and retain members. Workplace language barriers can be another challenge.
Despite such obstacles, SMART Local 85 has made big inroads at Price Industries, where approximately 70% of the workforce speaks Vietnamese as a first language. A Vietnamese-speaking organizer and shop stewards and are key to this success:

Vietnamese-speaking organizer and shop stewards help Local 85 organize and grow in Georgia

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"The assaults are out of control, it's unacceptable, and we can't take it any longer." The inexcusable violence facing our brothers and sisters operating public transit continues to rise. Jerome Johnson, general chairperson of SMART-TD’s General Committee 610 and President of Local 60, spoke with us about how assaults are affecting members on New Jersey Transit – and the role SMART is playing to keep them safe.

Union transit worker discusses assaults on public transit in New Jersey

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In New York, Local 28 apprentice Shanae Kemp drew plaudits after saving the life of a foreman, who suffered a heart attack on the job. Thanks to her brave and quick action, he was able to receive life-saving medical treatment.

New York City sheet metal worker saves coworker's life

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SMART News, November 2023

November 21, 2023

Welcome to the November 2023 episode of SMART News, your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This episode features coverage of how a Ford megaproject in Kentucky is driving massive organizing and growth; SMART-TD Colorado’s progress on train length legislation; freight rail yardmasters sounding the alarm on task overload and safety; and more.

The massive Ford Blue Oval plant in Glendale, Kentucky, is a case study in how new megaprojects are driving growth in the sheet metal industry – and in our union. SMART Local 110 has nearly doubled its membership since January 2023, organizing hundreds of non-union workers to help meet unprecedented workforce needs at the plant. RELATED LINKS: SMART Local 110
https://smart110.org FORD TO LEAD AMERICA'S SHIFT TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES WITH NEW BLUEOVAL CITY MEGA CAMPUS IN TENNESSEE AND TWIN BATTERY PLANTS IN KENTUCKY
https://corporate.ford.com/articles/electrification/blue-oval-city.html

Ford megaproject drives huge union growth, organizing in Kentucky

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Long before the East Palestine disaster turned the nation’s eyes to rail safety, SMART-TD had been working to pass laws that protect railroaders and local communities. Now, Colorado is set to become the first state to pass legislation related to train length.

Colorado on track to be first state to pass law related to freight train length

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In late September, the Federal Railroad Administration awarded SMART-TD more than $600,000 in grant money to expand its training and safety programs. This is a crucial step in the wake of tragic trainee deaths earlier in the year.

SMART-TD lands $600K FRA grant for training and safety programs

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SMART’s 1,800 yardmasters are responsible for safe and efficient operations in America’s rail yards. In recent years, carriers have piled more responsibilities on our members as they pursue more profits through consolidation and so-called Precision Scheduled Railroading. We spoke with SMART-TD yardmasters about how task overload is making their jobs harder.

Freight rail yardmasters sound the alarm on task overload, rail safety

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SMART News, Oct. 2023

October 11, 2023

Welcome to the October 2023 episode of SMART News, your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This episode features coverage of our union’s ongoing work with the Biden administration, highlighted by visits to local unions by Secretary Pete Buttigieg and President Biden; SMART-TD’s work to help furloughed Union Pacific workers preserve their rail careers; an interview with a SMART-TD leader on the SAG-AFTRA strike and the importance of solidarity; and much more.

BE4ALL Committee member and Local 36 apprentice Sheena Jones discusses her journey into the trade, her work with the BE4ALL Committee and how creating belonging and inclusiveness on the job helps strengthen our union.

BE4ALL Voices: Sheena Jones

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“We’re trying to create good environments where our members can thrive and become successful in the career of sheet metal and roofing.” Watch as SM Local 30 (Toronto, Ontario) Business Rep. Justin Vertolli discusses his career in the trade and the importance of the BE4ALL committee for the future of our union.

BE4ALL Voices: Justin Vertolli

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Amanda Filpo, a member of Local 28 (New York City) and the BE4ALL Committee, talks about her role as a deputy foreman and how BE4ALL strives to give every SMART member a voice. "As a woman, I've been able to grow in my career, and I think women in the past weren't given those opportunities. Being in this position, to be a part of a committee like this, I hope that I can open those doors for women to come after me."

BE4ALL Voices: Amanda Filpo

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Will Scott is a 32-year veteran of the sheet metal trade who now works as a SMART International organizer based out of Los Angeles. In this video, he talks about his career path, the challenges he has seen for African-Americans in the trade, and his belief that the BE4ALL initiative is helping to create a better future for all in the sheet metal industry.

BE4ALL Voices: Will Scott

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Local 85 (Atlanta, Ga.) and BE4ALL committee member Jan Chappell discusses her career as a tradeswoman and details the importance of creating upward pathways for ALL SMART members

BE4ALL Voices: Jan Chappell

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David Moore, a 28-year member out of Local 33 in Cleveland, Ohio, talks about his career in the trade and how BE4ALL can help create more fairness and equality in the unionized sheet metal industry.

BE4ALL Voices: David Moore

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SMART Local 73 (Ill.) Organizer Jeff Hillery talks about the Belonging And Excellence for All (BE4ALL) effort and why the project is important to him.

BE4ALL Voices: Jeff Hillery

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SMART News, Sept. 2023

September 18, 2023

Welcome to the September episode of SMART News, your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This episode features reporting on the 2023 SMART Leadership Conference; a successful rank-and-file organizing campaign that saw workers at the third-largest employer in Ketchikan, Alaska join SMART Local 23; the steps SMART-TD is taking to secure bus and transit operator safety, starting with one operator’s call to action at the Leadership Conference; and much more.

SMART sheet metal and Transportation Division union leaders gathered in Washington, DC for the SMART Leadership Conference in August. Attendees worked to ensure our union takes advantage of unprecedented work and growth opportunities, simultaneously refocusing on the battles that lie ahead.

Union members focus on growth, safety at SMART Leadership Conference

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SMART Local 23 won a wall-to-wall election at Vigor Alaska’s Ketchikan shipyard in June 2022. The campaign, which was led by rank-and-file workers, successfully unionized the third-largest employer in Ketchikan. Learn more from Danny Van Nostrand, a Vigor employee who helped lead the organizing drive.

Alaska shipyard workers win rank-and-file union campaign

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SMART-TD bus and transit operators are frequent targets of physical assaults, with recent incidents across the country making national headlines. GCA secretary and bus operator Christine Ivey stood up during the TD session at the SMART Leadership Conference and demanded change, motivating TD President Jeremy Ferguson and other attendees to introduce a committee on transit operator safety.

California bus operator stands for safety, helps form committee during SMART Leadership Conference

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Each year, SMART presents the Joseph J. Nigro SMART Army Award to sheet metal and Transportation Division members who exemplify the values of the SMART Army. This year’s winners demonstrate the many ways SMART members support their communities, from Vancouver, Canada, to Kansas City and beyond.

Union sheet metal and railroad workers honored for community service, solidarity

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SMART is committed to fostering welcoming work environments and ensuring all are treated with dignity and respect. Toolbox Talks, distributed by the BE4ALL Committee every other month, support this goal, helping position our union to grow and strengthen collective bargaining power.

Toolbox Talks promote solidarity and inclusion to strengthen the union sheet metal industry

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SMART News, Episode 11

July 27, 2023

Welcome to the 11th episode of SMART News, your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This episode features coverage of the National Transportation Surface Board’s hearing in East Palestine, Ohio; ongoing construction on the new home of the LA Clippers; SMART-TD’s efforts to protect bus and transit operators; an on-site visit to the Atlanta Heavy Metal Summer Experience, a career exploration camp for young people interested in sheet metal; a strike authorization rote at a tourist railroad in Alaska; and much more.

In June 2023, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board held a rare on-site investigatory hearing in East Palestine, Ohio. The two-day panel discussion looked into what caused the Norfolk Southern train derailment in February, and what can be done to prevent anything similar from happening again. SMART’s Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity, who is also the head of SMART-TD’s National Safety Team, represented SMART at the hearing. His questions prompted revelations about Norfolk Southern’s “vent and burn” at the accident site, as well as policies that may have led to the rail catastrophe.

NTSB holds investigatory hearing on East Palestine derailment

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NTSB holds investigatory hearing on East Palestine derailment

Across the country, high school students and recent graduates have been participating in the Heavy Metal Summer Experience, a free career exploration camp that introduces them to the unionized building trades. SMART News visited the shop of signatory contractor RF Knox in Atlanta, where Local 85 members were running the sheet metal summer camp — and introducing a new group of teens to career options in the trade.

Heavy Metal Summer provides teens with hands-on intro to union sheet metal trade

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Heavy Metal Summer provides teens with hands-on intro to union sheet metal trade

Transit operator safety is a serious concern for workers, riders and SMART-TD, with recent assaults in North Carolina and California making national headlines. SMART-TD Bus Department Vice Presidents Calvin Studivant and Alvy Hughes joined SMART News to discuss the ongoing problem and the need for real action.

Bus drivers, transit operators seek protection from rampant assaults

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Bus drivers, transit operators seek protection from rampant assaults

Approximately 125 SMART Local 105 members are performing HVAC, kitchen, architectural and TAB work on the new home of the Los Angeles Clippers. Known officially as the Intuit Dome, the $2 billion project is set to open for the 2024-2025 NBA season. SMART News toured the project in May with Local 105 member, Marine Corps veteran and Southland Industries General Foreman Mike Juran.

Union sheet metal workers help build new LA Clippers arena

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Union sheet metal workers help build new LA Clippers arena

The White Pass & Yukon Route is a tourist railroad that operates between Southeast Alaska and Canada’s Yukon Territory. After six years spent working without a contract, SMART-TD Local 1626 members working on the railroad voted to authorize a strike in July. A tentative agreement, yet to be ratified, followed soon after.

Union railroaders authorize strike at White Pass & Yukon Route in Alaska

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Union railroaders authorize strike at White Pass & Yukon Route in Alaska

General Committee 2, which is comprised of local unions in the SMART Rail and Mechanical Department, recently held its convention in Fort Lauderdale. John McCloskey, General Chairperson of General Committee 2, discussed the vital work carried out at the convention and the importance of solidarity in winning hard-fought victories for members.

Union solidarity on display at SMART General Committee 2 convention

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Union solidarity on display at SMART General Committee 2 convention

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SMART News, Episode 10

July 6, 2023

Welcome to the 10th episode of SMART News, your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This episode features an interview with Local 19 member Elena Farina on the Biden administration; GP Coleman’s visit to Ford’s Blue Oval City megaproject in Tennessee; coverage of SMART-TD’s historic agreements, including paid sick leave; infrastructure funding creating good, union jobs in Boston; and another two-person crew victory in Minnesota.

SMART members joined workers from dozens of unions in Philadelphia on June 17th to officially endorse President Joe Biden for reelection. Local 19 apprentice Elena Farina, who attended the Labor for Biden event, discusses how President Biden's pro-worker agenda has benefited SMART members, creating tens of thousands of jobs and improving working conditions across industries.

Philly sheet metal worker discusses Biden endorsement, pro-worker policies

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Philly sheet metal worker discusses Biden endorsement, pro-worker policies

Longtime sheet metal worker Mike Coleman assumed the position of SMART General President on June 1st, 2023. He immediately began emphasizing the extraordinary opportunities on the horizon for SMART members, including work at megaprojects like Ford’s Blue Oval City in Stanton, Tennessee.

SMART GP Coleman visits Ford Blue Oval City megaproject in Stanton, Tenn.

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SMART GP Coleman visits Ford Blue Oval City megaproject in Stanton, Tenn.

Following on last year’s national rail negotiations, SMART-TD members have gained paid sick leave benefits for train & engine workers at some of the Big Four U.S.-based carriers.

Union railroaders negotiate historic tentative agreements

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Union railroaders negotiate historic tentative agreements

Workers, union leaders and elected officials came together during a May event at the Local 17 training center in Boston to highlight the union jobs created by ongoing infrastructure investments. SMART Northeast Regional Council Business Rep. Shamaiah Turner discussed how infrastructure funding is creating unprecedented opportunity for sheet metal workers in New England.

Union leaders, elected officials highlight infrastructure jobs in Boston

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Union leaders, elected officials highlight infrastructure jobs in Boston

Each year on June 19th, our union celebrates Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people following the end of the Civil War, and provides an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our country’s past, present and future. Local 33 (northern Ohio) member David Moore joined SMART News to discuss the history and importance of Juneteenth.

Ohio sheet metal worker discusses Juneteenth

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Ohio sheet metal worker discusses Juneteenth

SMART members in Minnesota mobilized throughout the 2023 legislative session, pushing elected officials to stand with working families. That hard work paid off when Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed legislation that will benefit sheet metal and Transportation Division members. In a major victory for railroaders, one of those bills mandates a two-person crew minimum on freight trains operating in the state.

Minnesota railroaders win two-person crew, passenger rail funding

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Minnesota railroaders win two-person crew, passenger rail funding

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SMART News, Episode 9

May 26, 2023

Welcome to the ninth episode of SMART News, your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This episode features coverage of Kansas railroaders’ innovative fight to win two-person crew law in their state; a groundbreaking new labor standards ordinance in Berkeley, California; a report on the terrifying dangers posed by blocked crossings and long trains; strong labor standards tied to public funding for megaprojects; and more!

SMART TD won a huge victory in May, when Kansas became the 10th state to require two-person crews on freight trains. As Kansas State Legislative Director Ty Dragoo explained in this segment, this win is a validation of our work with politicians across party lines, as well as the activism and strength of our membership.

Union railroaders in Kansas mobilize to pass two-person crew law

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In Berkeley, California, the mayor and city council voted in early May to adopt a new labor standards ordinance that will require employer-funded healthcare and apprenticeship standards on ALL projects over 50,000 square feet in the city of Berkeley. The law is the first of its kind in the state and will benefit construction workers, prioritize safety on jobsites, and help local residents find good careers in the industry.

Sheet metal workers help win groundbreaking labor standards ordinance in Berkeley

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"It's just a matter of time before one of these precious children gets seriously injured or killed." - SMART-TD Indiana State Legislative Director Kenny Edwards A recent ProPublica/InvestigateTV report revealed the terrifying dangers posed by long freight trains, which SMART members have been raising concerns about for years. In Hammond, Indiana, a working-class town just south of Chicago, crossings that are blocked for hours are forcing children to crawl under and around trains, risking their lives just to get to school. RELATED RESOURCES
------------------------------ TRAIN COUNTRY
Investigating Railroad Safety in America
As Powerful Railroad Companies Race to Maximize Profits Through Efficiency, Safety is Left Behind.
https://www.propublica.org/series/train-country May 25, 2023
Miles-long Trains Are Blocking First Responders When Every Minute Counts
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2023/long-trains-block-intersections-paramedics/ May 1, 2023
Blocked Crossings Crisis Draws Local and National Calls for Action
https://www.propublica.org/article/trains-blocked-crossings-kids-lawmakers-response April 26, 2023
Railroaded: Blocked Crossings Force Kids to Crawl Under Trains to Get to School
InvestigateTV
https://youtu.be/RHItuGWpeeM April 26, 2023
As Rail Profits Soar, Blocked Crossings Force Kids to Crawl Under Trains to Get to School
https://www.propublica.org/article/trains-crossing-blocked-kids-norfolk-southern April 3, 2023
The True Dangers of Long Trains
https://www.propublica.org/article/train-derailment-long-trains

ProPublica/InvestigateTV report shows blocked train crossings forcing kids to crawl under trains

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“It wasn’t that long ago that a $1 million sheet metal job was very exciting; now we have 60 megaprojects in the pipeline," says SMART Chief International Rep. Scott Parks. "It’s a good time to be a sheet metal worker.” SMART's work with the Biden administration has helped to foster massive infrastructure investment, on both public and private projects: From New York state, to Central Ohio, to Arizona and beyond, megaprojects are creating tens of thousands of jobs for SMART sheet metal workers.

Strong labor standards help create union jobs on megaprojects

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SMART-TD leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. in May for Rail Safety Day on the Hill. Union leaders from across the country met with legislators and pushed our elected officials to act on rail safety, bringing the voice of our membership to the capitol.

Railroad union brings member voices to D.C. on Rail Safety Day

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SMART members gathered with fellow union workers for the 2023 NABTU Conference in Washington, D.C. in April. We heard from pro-worker elected officials and called on Congress to pass laws that help create jobs, benefit our members and strengthen our communities.

Union leaders gather at NABTU Legislative Conference to push pro-worker agenda

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SMART News, Episode 8

May 2, 2023

Welcome to the eighth episode of SMART News, your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This episode features videos on organized labor’s success repealing so-called right-to-work in Michigan; SMART Heroes reaching the 500th graduate milestone; victories against wage theft in Virginia and Washington; SMART-TD’s rail safety efforts in the U.S. Senate; SMART members’ retirement security; and much more!

"For us to get to this point that we could repeal right-to-work and get prevailing wage reinstated is a huge win for labor." — SMART Local 80 (Detroit) Business Manager Tim Mulligan Workers won a huge victory in Michigan in March 2023 month when the Democratic-controlled state legislature and governor kept their promises and repealed the state’s so-called right-to-work law, while also restoring prevailing wage legislation. Republicans passed right-to-work legislation in 2012, when they controlled state government. This forced unions to represent members who refused to pay union dues, and weakened our bargaining power.
Since then, Michigan’s unionization rate has dropped significantly, and the state’s median wage has fallen below that of many other U.S. states. SMART members and union workers across Michigan worked tirelessly since 2012 to repeal the state’s right-to-work law.

Michigan Repeals Anti-worker “Right-to-Work” Law

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Michigan Repeals Anti-worker “Right-to-Work” Law

"I wasn't really sure what to expect. But after I got those first few paychecks as a second-year apprentice, my pay was about the same as I was making in the military as a specialist. And now that I'm a fourth-year apprentice, I'm making more than what I ever could have dreamed of."
— Sean Thompson, SMART Local 66, Dupont, WA The SMART Heroes program graduated its 500th participant in March 2023, reaching this milestone in just over five years. The program provides accelerated sheet metal industry training, free of charge, to active-duty U.S. military men and women and recent veterans, helping them transition to family-sustaining, union careers once they leave military service. Learn more: https://www.smart-heroes.org

SMART Heroes, Veterans Celebrate 500th Grad Milestone

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SMART Heroes, Veterans Celebrate 500th Grad Milestone

"In those four cases, they found that [the owner of 360 Sheet Metal] owed over $200,000 in back wages to 20 workers and they assessed $115,000 in penalties for failing to pay prevailing wage in the shop." — Brian Noble, Business Manager, SMART Local 16 (Portland, Ore.) Wage theft and job misclassification are forms of exploitation that plague the construction industry, where far too many unscrupulous employers take advantage of employees. Across the United States and Canada, SMART is standing up for prevailing wages, battling wage theft and job misclassification, and helping workers get the pay and treatment they deserve. This video highlights recent victories by sheet metal workers in Washington state and Virginia.

Sheet Metal Union Wins Back Pay for Wage Theft, Job Misclassification

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Sheet Metal Union Wins Back Pay for Wage Theft, Job Misclassification

In a significant victory for SMART and freight rail safety, Ohio has become the ninth state to require a two-person crew on freight trains. The state legislation was passed on March 31, 2023. A few days before that bill was passed, SMART-TD Ohio State Legislative Director Clyde Whitaker testified before a U.S. Senate committee hearing that focused on conditions leading up to the February derailment and subsequent toxic chemical spills in East Palestine, Ohio, as well as the proposed Railroad Safety Act of 2023. "This derailment [in East Palestine] did not have to happen," said Whitaker. "And it makes it so much more frustrating for us to know that it was very predictable. And yet our warnings and cries for help over the last seven years have fallen on deaf ears. And the outcome was exactly as we feared. Now, the result is a town that doesn't feel safe in their own homes, businesses failing to survive and a railroad that prioritized its own movement of trains before the people in the community, as well as its workers." The committee also heard from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, rail industry stakeholders and the state’s two U.S. Senators — Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance. "Norfolk Southern followed the Wall Street business model: Boost profits and its stock price by eliminating over the last decade 38 percent of its workforce," said Sen. Brown. "These profits were spent on stock buybacks that benefit executives instead of iinvesting in workers and investing in safety. Instead, they compromise safety cut costs to boost profits, the communities along their route be damned View Whitaker's full testimony before the Senate committee here:
https://youtu.be/kPQvTfk3Y8I

SMART-TD Testifies on Rail Safety, East Palestine at Senate Hearing

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SMART-TD Testifies on Rail Safety, East Palestine at Senate Hearing

As a result of massive investment and new megaprojects from companies like Intel, Honda and more – spurred in large part by federal legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act – the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council estimates that more than 115,000 union workers will work full time from 2023 to 2025. The enormous number of jobs on these projects opens a huge window of opportunity for sheet metal workers for years to come, for both current and future SMART members. North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) highlighted these opportunities during a “Meeting the Moment” event in Columbus in March. The event featured leaders and members from across the trades. SMART Local 24 Journeyperson McKenzie Quinn joined elected officials and others to talk about one thing: The more than $155 billion worth of projects currently breaking ground in Ohio. "I am very excited about the big jobs that are coming up," said Quinn. "We have many opportunities that they offer for those who are willing to work, work hard and learn new skills."

Union Building Trades Highlight OH Megaprojects, Jobs

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Union Building Trades Highlight OH Megaprojects, Jobs

SMART Army activists with sheet metal and transportation locals across the United States and Canada rolled up their sleeves and mobilized to serve their communities throughout the month of April . We spoke with Johnny Walker, Secretary for the SMART-TD Maryland State Legislative Board, about work SMART members did at Curtis Bay Elementary School in Baltimore to help clear brush, put down mulch, clean up a garden area and paint inside the school. "It was overall a great opportunity for all of us to get together," said Walker, "and kind of take a
break from what we do at transportation and, you know, really give back to the community."
We also spoke with SMART Local 280 (British Columbia) Business Representative Jeff Lind and about how members of his local turned out for the Vancouver Steps For Life Walk, helping the event sponsors to raise a total of $66k towards helping families who have suffered a workplace tragedy.

April is SMART Army Month of Community Action

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April is SMART Army Month of Community Action

GP Sellers Reflects on SMART's Pension Progress

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GP Sellers Reflects on SMART's Pension Progress

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SMART News, Episode 7

March 29, 2023

Welcome to the seventh episode of SMART News, your union’s monthly video/web show that highlights news impacting SMART industries, members and jobs across the United States and Canada. This episode features an interview with General President Joseph Sellers on his retirement and career with SMART, a conversation with incoming General President Michael Coleman, an update on rail safety legislative efforts following the East Palestine disaster, and much more.

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