
On Monday, July 15th, during an instructors’ meeting at the SMART Local 177 (Middle Tennessee) JATC, Organizer David Larue presented a BE4ALL Toolbox Talk to instructors, describing the need to support apprentices’ mental health (Toolbox Talk #8) as they attend training. The group discussed the role of an instructor being much more than just a teacher, Larue said.
“We are on the front lines of the well-being of our apprentices and often serve as counselors, life coaches, social workers — and friends,” he explained. “It is our duty as union brothers and sisters to look out for each other and show a sense of understanding, compassion and guidance when we see a fellow member in need.”




In attendance: JATC Training Coordinator Joe Maloney, Instructors Aaron Brown, Tony Easley (retired Local 177 business manager), Russ Hawkins, John Lloyd, Dave Morgan, Aroldo Pedrero, Danielle Piper (Local 177 recording secretary), Michael Smith, Casey Stanley, Jason Street (Local 177 president) and Luther Tate (Local 177 business manager).

Related News
- Special Focus: The real enemy
- Strength in unity
- The SMART difference
- SMART-TD’s mission remains the same
- SMART Canada celebrates 50th Canadian Convention
- Elections have impact: Two-person crew becomes law in Va.
- Fourth General Vice President Billy Kenyon retires
- Local 85 builds on SMART-TOOTRiS partnership to offer apprentices child care
- Government retreats on passenger rail investment
- What the union is doing for you: SMART-TD wins for members at NRAB First Division