Check out our step-by-step guide to forming a union with SMART from our new organizing site: SMARTCareers.org. Workers across North America are standing up for higher pay, benefits, a voice at work and the knowledge that they have each other's backs; if you know anyone working nonunion in the sheet metal or transportation industries, share this video with them!
#Union #LaborUnion #HowToFormAUnion #Organize #OrganizeYourWorkplace #Organizing #UnionProud #UnionStrong #Solidarity #1u
#UnionPride: Our SMART-TD Brother Richard Creecy recently shared how his SMART membership has benefited him, at work and beyond:
"Being a SMART member has impacted me greatly in my everyday life. I have never used any of the discounts provided because the union has been able to negotiate great contracts, and with that I’ve been able to bring home what I need to provide for my family. With SMART, I’ve been able to better myself as a local president, and as a person in general, to better understand what is needed to make the workplace better for my fellow brothers and sisters. I’ve received the education and training needed to be successful. The leadership of SMART has been more than generous when it comes to assisting with any issues that my local has had and any issues that I have heard of others locals having.
"When it comes down to it, it takes all of us working in unison to make the union stay alive, and the reason SMART has been so successful for so long is because of all the wonderful members and leadership that we have. I couldn’t be happier to be a part this union!"
"This weekend is a chance to recharge, spend some time with family and friends, and reflect on the important role we play: building and strengthening our communities across the nation. There is a lot of work ahead, but with your skills, dedication and craftsmanship, you will be at the centre of it all."
Watch SMART General President Michael Coleman's video message to Canadian members ahead of the Victoria Day weekend!
TWO WEEKS until the second BE4ALL Town Hall in Seattle, taking place May 28 at 5 p.m. Pacific!
To secure the future of our trade and create more opportunities for members across North America, the unionized sheet metal industry needs to keep growing stronger. BE4ALL is a key effort to do just that, and the Town Hall will give members the chance to talk about it directly with SMART General President Michael Coleman, SMACNA President Todd Hill and Sheet Metal Industry Institutes Executive Director Michael Harris.
Find registration links for both the in-person Town Hall and the livestream at the link in bio!
Here's what to know:
- The in-person Town Hall takes place at the Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way South, Seattle, at 5 p.m. Members get free admission all day! Note: Please arrive 10-15 minutes before 5 p.m. so we can start on time.
- Attendees will be entered into a raffle for a Milwaukee Tool Pack Out and $100 SMART apparel gift card, plus receive free BE4ALL swag (safety vest, T-shirt, stickers and more).
- A child care subsidy will be available for Local 66 members to use during the event; more info on the event page.
The SMART Recruitment and Retention Council met today in Pittsburgh, Pa., bringing together SMART leaders to discuss ongoing efforts to grow and strengthen our union. From child care and worker protections to recruitment tools and workforce partnerships, the first day in Pittsburgh centered one shared goal: expanding opportunity for current and future SMART members.
Read more at SMART-union.org.
#UnionStrong
“... no matter where we come from or what department or transit agency we work for, a lot of us are dealing with the same workplace issues and want the same things: respect, fairness and a voice on the job."
SMART Local 398 members from San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) came together in February and April 2026 for two impactful rounds of training designed to educate, empower and build stronger connections within their workplace and across San Diego County transit employers.
Workers at both transit systems operate throughout the county but rarely — if ever — interact. With these training sessions, SMART brought members a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, compare best practices and build a unified approach to common workplace issues. Participants engaged in hands-on learning, open discussions and strategy sessions aimed at strengthening both individual capability and collective voice.
“If we want stronger membership, we need stronger connections. This training is helping build those needed connections,” said Local 398 MTS Maintenance of Way Department worker Rene Fuentevilla.
Read more at SMART-union.org.
#UnionStrong #UnionProud #Solidarity
From the SMART Women's Committee: "We would like to wish all of the hard-working mothers of SMART a relaxing and joy filled day! Thank you for all you do on the job and at home."
#MothersDay
Happy Mother's Day, from SMART!
Pictured: Local 105 member Claudia Rodriguez with her daughters, Perla and Roselyn Soto — who are also Local 105 members!
"Thanks to Local 28, I can be a great father and husband all around."
Our Local 28 (New York) Brother Joel Barba recently shared his answer to BE4ALL's Spring Member Challenge: Why are you proud to be a SMART union member?
"Joining Local 28 was one of the best decisions I made for my family and myself. A few months after getting in my daughter was born, and luckily with our health benefits, all it cost me was a $50 copay at the time. Great timing. I’ve been in seven years now, I’ve been able to provide my family with food, vacations, and luxuries that I never thought I would’ve been able to. Every weekend we’ll go have a family outing, a trampoline park or even Legoland if the weather is nice. Thanks to Local 28, I can be a great father and husband all around."
THAT is the union difference!
#PartnersInProgress: Reclaiming Residential Service Hours to Benefit Members
The housing crash of 2008 knocked most signatory contractors out of the residential market, but SMART locals and @smacna signatory contractors are showing how labor-management partnerships can bring residential hours back.
“It takes stamina to rebuild the residential side,” says Matt Gugala, president and business manager of Local 265 in Illinois. “When we started, there were no national contractors. Recovering the residential market has been a slow grind.”
But the hard work pays off in work hours.
“Both Welsch in St. Louis and my company started out doing commercial work, but we saw new opportunities and moved to residential work,” says Matthew Smith, president of Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., in Stockton, California. “We’re about 30% residential now, and Welsch is completely residential.”
Reminder: The 2026 BE4ALL Art Contest is now open for SMART members and families! BE4ALL is looking for art by members or their children (or grandchildren) that depicts them in action at work, or a family tradition or celebration. All participants will receive BE4ALL swag and be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card!
Last year's winners were Karli-Rose Anderson and Ryder Anderson; Local 104 (Northern California) member Brian Anderson inspired his kids' rendition of dad at work, both pictured on the flyer.
Submit your entry at tinyurl.com/2027artcontest! The deadline is September 12, 2026.
