Sheet Metal News

SMART statement on DOL rule rescinding IRAPs

Today the United States Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule to rescind the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program (IRAP), and will instead direct the department’s resources toward registered apprenticeships. The DOL issued this final rule after revi [...]

SMART Local 18 apprentice wins September Tradeswomen Heroes award

Fourth-year SMART Local 18 apprentice Angela Poore received the September North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Tradeswomen Heroes award – a recognition of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin sheet metal worker’s perseverance, skill and dedication to her craft. “She is hard-wor [...]

Commenting on Rule of 2 a call to action for our members, allies

Most topics divide our organization to varying degrees. It’s a healthy debate that assists SMART to formulate majority-based positions on the many issues for which they advocate on our membership’s behalf. The belief that there should be a minimum of two persons on a train cr [...]

SMART Local 16 (Portland, Ore.) members strike at 360 Sheet Metal

Following a successful organizing campaign against union-busting opposition, SMART Local 16 members at Vancouver, Washington-based 360 Sheet Metal are now on strike, protesting unfair labor practices and a refusal to come to the bargaining table by management. Workers have be [...]

SMART statement on passage of Inflation Reduction Act 

Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Inflation Reduction Act, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law. In response, SMART issued the following statement. “SMART applauds the work of the United States House and Senate [...]

SMART Leadership Conference day three: building solidarity and strength

Day three of the SMART Leadership Conference focused on developing community solidarity and legislative power. From local efforts to engage members across sheet metal and transportation, to the International’s relationship-building with allies in federal and state governments [...]

SMART Leadership Conference day two: locals continue hard work 

Day two of the first-ever SMART Leadership Conference served as a continuation of day one: After hearing from a variety of speakers during the joint and industry-specific sessions, sheet metal and Transportation Division leaders decamped for more breakout sessions, carrying o [...]

SMART statement on signing of the CHIPS and Science Act  

Today, President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act, codifying legislation that will strengthen America’s ability to build, expand and modernize semiconductor facilities. In response, SMART released the following statement.   “We commend President Biden for taki [...]