Idaho organizing win shows the power of union communication

One of the biggest barriers unions face is misinformation: misconceptions about labor unions, often promoted by anti-union organizations, that cause workers to question the power of membership and collective strength. In Idaho, two SMART Local 55 staffers demonstrated the importance of communication in spreading the truth about the union difference.

At Southwark Metal Manufacturing’s Idaho operation, a recent new employee orientation became a strong example of what consistent union communication can accomplish. Carlos Arroyo and Chris Howell, who work for SMART Local 55, spoke with new hires about the value of union membership and, with support from workers who helped carry those conversations, signed up 20 of the 22 workers entering the facility.

Southwark Metal Manufacturing’s Idaho Division, located in Caldwell, Idaho, produces sheet metal products and services wholesale distributors across Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Organizing members in a production shop can be difficult, and doing so in a “right-to-work” state — where local unions are weakened by having to represent workers who don’t sign up to pay dues — makes the challenge even greater.

That made the results of the orientation especially meaningful.

Rather than leading with a scripted pitch, Carlos and Chris began by asking workers what they had heard about unions. From there, they focused the conversation on real workplace experience, and they relied on the credibility of workers who helped explain what the union means on the shop floor.

They explained that union strength comes from participation. When more workers join and take ownership of their union, their collective voice becomes louder in negotiations and stronger on the shop floor. That message connected union membership directly to the issues workers care about every day.

The conversation also covered concrete benefits, including vacation, Union Plus programs and holiday pay. At this shop, workers receive 10 paid holidays.

Carlos and Chris were careful not to overdo the message. Instead, they kept the discussion focused, practical and tied to real results. They talked about workplace conditions the union had helped improve, including times when painting fumes became a problem or when blistering heat made the floor harder to work on. In those situations, the union helped push for solutions such as moving fans onto the floor and addressing conditions workers were facing directly.

Local 55 Regional Manager Kolby Hanson recognized this effort, noting that organizing production workers is especially difficult in a right-to-work environment. He credited Carlos with developing strong communication skills with production workers over the past couple of years and added that Chris is now building those same skills alongside him.

Their success at Southwark is more than a one-day achievement. It reflects the importance of steady communication, clear explanations of union value and trusted conversations with workers. By meeting new hires where they are, answering questions honestly and working alongside worker leaders who can speak from direct experience, Carlos and Chris helped demonstrate what strong internal organizing looks like.

Congratulations to Carlos and Chris on this important achievement and on helping to strengthen Local 55 at Southwark!