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An African American man faces away from the camera, wearing a gray hoodie with the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 logo on the back, while ahead of him people out of focus march in a parade.

Local 19 organizes to secure opportunity for sheet metal workers in New Jersey

When companies use low-road contractors on construction projects and lower local jobsite standards, sheet metal workers, communities and businesses suffer — which is exactly why SMART local unions organize to make sure that doesn’t happen. For SMART Local 19, a campaign that started with a Chick-fil-A construction site in Glassboro, New Jersey, eventually led to a huge victory for sheet metal workers and communities across the state.

LACMTA Operators Benefit from Year of Safety Wins

After leading groundbreaking Operator safety efforts in 2024, SMART-TD General Committee of Adjustment (GCA) 875 matched and exceed those achievements last year. This comes at a pivotal moment as assaults on transit Operators nationwide continue to increase. Read on to learn how GCA-875 is keeping safety at the forefront of its work.

President Ferguson Responds to Washington Post

After the Washington Post criticized the Railway Safety Act of 2026, SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson responded with the railroaders’ perspective. Read on to see how he is setting the record straight on rail safety and why workers’ voices matter.

Driverless Vehicles Raise Serious Concerns

The influx of recent headlines makes it clear: when it comes to autonomous vehicles, safety usually takes a back seat. This poses a danger to both our rail and bus members. Read on to learn how one incident in Texas reignited these concerns and why new technology must support safety and workers.

Merger Delay Does NOT Impact Jobs for Life Agreement

In September of 2025, SMART-TD announced a groundbreaking Jobs for Life agreement that protects our members from furloughs or downsizing after the merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Six months and a brief delay in the merger process later, these safeguards are still worth fighting for. Read on to learn what happens next in the process and how SMART-TD is continuing to advocate for long-term job security for our brothers and sisters.

SMART leaders train to better advocate for our union in Effective Communication class

Whether explaining HVAC systems to aspiring sheet metal technicians, talking to policymakers about project labor agreements or explaining the benefits of union membership to workers on a jobsite, communication is a key skill for SMART union leaders. That’s why the SMART Education Department held its most recent edition of the Effective Communications class in Houston, Texas, during the week of March 2, 2026.

Sister Robin Smith Shows What Solidarity Really Means

Whether it’s ensuring that new female hires know the ins and outs of their contract or just need a trusted advocate in their corner, Sister Robin Smith puts her members first. As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, read on to learn how she did exactly that at a recent hearing involving a fellow union sister and why she believes that education and knowledge are key to bringing more women into the fold.

Skilled trades jobs offer real opportunities, to be highlighted during National Careers in Trades Week

National Careers in Trades Week (NCIT), which takes place April 6-10, 2026, comes at an opportune time for people seeking skilled trades jobs: rewarding, essential careers with excellent pay and strong benefits, including healthcare and pensions. “There is a lot that has changed about our country over the years: technology, artificial intelligence, you name it. But one thing that won’t ever change is this simple fact: We need skilled trades workers to build our country,” said SMART General President Michael Coleman.