Sheet Metal News
As Canada plans a union-built future, SMART leaders prepare with Top-Down Organizing class
Thanks to partnership with the federal government, huge investments are being made in Canadian infrastructure and the building trades. That’s why it’s more important than ever for SMART local unions to continue growing their signatory contractor base, providing more work opportunities for members in every province. And that’s why the Education Department held its Top-Down Organizing class the week of July 20-24, 2026, in Ottawa, Ontario
PRESS RELEASE: SMART members at Alstom LA Metrolink deliver overwhelming ratification of new collective bargaining agreement
The members of SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department (SMART-MD) Local 434 employed by Alstom on the Los Angeles Metrolink have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. The new four-year contract delivers a total of 22% in general wage increases, $5,000 total in lump sum bonuses and substantial improvements to the members’ health and welfare benefits and monthly contributions.
He had college offers. He chose to sign with Local 49.
When he graduated high school, Albuquerque's Tobias Romero had plenty of options, including college scholarships. He chose to earn while learning with SMART Local 49.
Idaho organizing win shows the power of union communication
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.
SMART leaders train to engage union members with new communications class
SMART local officers gathered in St. Louis, Missouri, from June 23-26, to build the skills and strategies needed to engage current and future members — from the jobsite, to the union hall, to social media.
Las Vegas sheet metal union grows membership, wins better pay for Nevada workers
Throughout the state of Nevada, SMART Local 88 (Las Vegas) is organizing to grow its membership, strengthen union contractors and create more opportunities for members. That organizing has paid off, with the local recruiting sheet metal workers from nonunion competitors to meet ongoing workforce demands.
A future in the trades: Local 33, Heavy Metal Summer Experience recruit the next generation in Wheeling
In Wheeling, West Virginia, SMART Local 33 and the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) are showing young people in the area what it’s like to earn a great living while working in the sheet metal trade. Out of 19 participants, nine are now working for union contractors as Local 33 apprentices, with three more set to join.
Local 26 organizes at Tesla Gigafactory to build union strength, create opportunities for members
A threat to Local 26's market share quickly became an opportunity when the local's Organizing Department leapt into action, organizing new members to create more opportunities in the region.