Sheet Metal News
Local 27 members become owners of new signatory contractor
When two members of SMART Local 27 (Southern New Jersey) started to think about starting their own sheet metal company, the local initiated organizing conversations right off the bat. The result? Local 27’s latest signatory contractor: SteelCraft Industrial, a specialty steel fabrication company in Keyport, New Jersey.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Local 206 partners with signatory contractor to successfully flip college housing project
In a victory for SMART members, university students and jobsite standards, Local 206 (San Diego) recently flipped a large college housing project away from a nonunion competitor.