Sheet Metal News
Sheet metal industry leaders gather to secure the future at Partners in Progress 2026
The future of the unionized sheet metal industry depends on the things that matter equally to both local unions and signatory employers: growing market share, steady work opportunities, investments in apprenticeship programs and more. That’s why, on February 17-18, 2026, the SMART-SMACNA Partners in Progress Conference brought together leaders from across the trade. For two days, union leaders and employers focused exclusively on bettering the industry — for SMART members and SMACNA contractors alike.
SMART Local 1 signs new contractor to complete specialized workforce request
In January 2025, SMART Local 1 (Peoria, Illinois) announced the successful signing of Prow’ess Construction Corp. as a signatory contractor and the completion of a highly specialized workforce request for an international Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-regulated project.
WATCH: Members Step Up to Take Care of Their Own
Faced with a life-altering amputation, Brother David Garringer (Local 1393, Buffalo) felt helpless for nearly two years. Things changed once the SMART Army heard about his situation and did what our union does best: step up and take care of our own. Read on to learn about the SMART Army and watch a video about how our brother benefited from their efforts.
Fighting for prevailing wage in the shop: Massachusetts union leader explains the offsite fabrication loophole
The SMART Northeast Regional Council is fighting to close the offsite fabrication loophole on prevailing wage projects in Mass., which currently enables bad-faith employers to pay shop workers less than what they deserve.
General President Coleman’s statement on the shooting of Alex Pretti
"This cannot stand. We cannot have government agents killing people in the street. We cannot have people afraid to go to work because of what’s happening outside their doors. We cannot sit back and let government agencies dictate the everyday lives of working people without facing any consequences."
“We take care of each other:” SMART Army builds custom wheelchair ramp for TD brother
After SMART-TD member Dave Garringer suffered a life-threatening injury on the job, he "didn't see any light" at the end of the tunnel. That's when the Local 71 SMART Army showed up to build a custom wheelchair ramp for their brother in need; now, "we're not in a tunnel anymore," Garringer said.
Veterans helping veterans: SMART members help build new VA Medical Center in Kentucky
In Kentucky, SMART Local 110 members and military veterans are working on a project that means something extra: a massive new Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center that will provide health care for those who served.
House passes bill to stop health care price spike for SMART members — General President Coleman responds
On January 8, the United States House of Representatives voted to pass a clean extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax subsidies, which would stop a huge price hike in health care costs for working Americans. Read SMART General President Michael Coleman's statement in response.