News Archive
Local 26 helps protect apprenticeship standards in Nevada
SMART apprenticeship programs are a core part of our union’s foundation. Across North America, local apprenticeships help ensure the future of our union. They change lives, helping working people enter fulfilling careers in the sheet metal industry. And on top of that, they benefit communities across the United States and Canada, setting the standard for craftsmanship, skill and training. That's why Local 26 worked to help protect apprenticeship standards in Nevada in late 2025 and early 2026.
Organizing pays off for Local 91, new signatory contractor
SMART organizers across North America work constantly to help contractors learn about the union advantage: top-notch training, a skilled workforce, the opportunity to grow through partnership and more. That learning process can sometimes take years — but ultimately, local unions, contractors and employees benefit. That’s the case for recently signed Local 91 (Rock Island, Illinois) contractor O’Dell's Heating and Air, which officially partnered with the local in December 2025.
Notches Change, The Reverser DOESN’T
Colorado Pacific Rio Grande Railroad sought concessions from SMART-TD Local 204, but members held firm and secured a unanimous agreement that preserves base earnings while increasing effective hourly pay and improving overtime opportunities. Read on to see how creative bargaining delivered stronger protections when working across affiliated railroads, and several quality-of-life improvements for our Local 204 brothers.
Local 441 organizes big gains at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi
SMART Local 441 members at Ingalls Shipbuilding — a shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, currently building ships for the United States Navy — recently ratified a five-year agreement that will provide an 18% pay increase right away, 32% increases in the first four years and a variety of other benefits. The new contract demonstrates the importance of organizing rigorously in so-called “right-to-work” states — and the power of a union contract.
A Legacy of Leadership: Sister Sandra Pineda Sets an Example Behind the Wheel and at Home
Over 20 years ago, Sister Sandra Pineda (Local 1563, El Monte, Calif.) began working as a bus operator for LACMTA as a single mother supporting her three daughters. What started out as a job has grown into two decades of service, solidarity, and unwavering support for her brothers and sisters. To kick off Women’s History Month, we are honored to share a reflection on Sister Pineda’s journey within our union written by one of the people who knows her best.
New Railroad Safety Enhancement Act Builds Momentum
Bipartisan rail safety bills are advancing in both chambers of Congress as the House’s Railroad Safety Enhancement Act builds on the Senate bill locking 2-PC requirements, and many more safeguards for railroaders into federal law. Read on to see how momentum for rail safety could translate into long-sought federal protections, and why your support will be what gets it across the finish line.
Education Department holds third Collective Bargaining class to strengthen member contracts
For the third time in five months, the SMART Education Department brought local leaders together to strengthen the foundation of our union: collective bargaining. From February 2-6, 2026, union representatives gathered in Austin, Texas, to develop the teamwork skills needed to negotiate the contracts that members deserve.
Union College Benefit Launches New Discounts, Expands Access
Since its launch in June of 2025, the Union College Benefit has provided SMART-TD members and their immediate families with an opportunity to reach their higher education goals by offering discounted tuition and flexible study options at accredited colleges and universities nationwide. Now, the program is expanding even more. Read on to learn what’s new and how you can start enrolling today.