Sheet Metal News
SMART Local 16 holds first orientation for newly organized sheet metal workers
Organizing is not just about recruiting new sheet metal workers into our union; retaining members is a critical part of the equation. SMART local unions need to grow in order to bolster collective bargaining and ensure health and pension funds remain strong. That can only happen when members both join and stay in SMART. For that reason, SMART Local 16 held its inaugural new organized member orientation on March 7, 2026.
Local 105 organizer named San Gabriel Valley Volunteer of the Year
On March 26, 2026, Local 105 (Southern California) SMART Army Coordinator and Organizer Eric Farrar was honored with the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez of Council District 25.
Sister Heather Steele Turns Adversity into Action
After experiencing a brutal on-duty assault nearly two years ago, Sister Heather Steele refused to let the incident define her career or her legacy. Instead, she’s becoming the face of the national rail safety movement while continuing her physical recovery. As Women’s History Month draws to a close, read on to learn how Sister Steele embodies what it means to build history in real time and what’s next on her advocacy journey.
Patience, persistence lead to union benefits for New Jersey workers and new signatory contractor
What began as simple walk-ins and persistence by SMART Local 27 organizers ultimately turned into a successful organizing effort — one that expanded the union’s reach into a specialized part of the HVAC industry and set a precedent for future organizing in the duct cleaning sector. Now, new signatory company Induct Air Duct Cleaning and its workers are set to benefit for the years to come.
SMART Local 80 shows what union solidarity means in Detroit
For SMART members, solidarity means action — from the jobsite, to the cab of a locomotive, to city council meetings, to marches and rallies, and well beyond. And for members in Detroit, it meant taking on harsh conditions to make life better for local students: On March 13, Local 80 staff and nine member volunteers volunteered to help clean up the park ahead of the annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Sister Kim Collier Paves the Way Forward for Women in Wyoming
After more than three decades working as an engineer for Union Pacific, Sister Kim Collier (Local 1857, Green River, Wyo.) will be the first one to tell you that she’s pretty much seen and done it all. As Women’s History Month approaches its last full week, read on to learn more about her unexpected entry into the industry and why she believes that welcoming more female members starts with us.
Trump administration’s Labor Department issues dangerous guidance on registered apprenticeship — GP Coleman responds
On Monday, March 9, the Trump administration’s Department of Labor (DOL) issued new guidance regarding registered apprenticeship programs. Read SMART General President Michael Coleman's statement in response. "I’ve said since January 2025 that I’m committed to calling balls and strikes with this administration. Calling for one million new apprentices? That’s a strike. Getting to one million apprentices by lowering the standards and potentially damaging our union’s apprenticeship programs? That’s a ball, no question."
Members and contractor benefit from union advantage in Sacramento
Union membership brings real change to workers and employers alike, and Div 15 Tech, Inc. out of Sacramento, California, is proof. “I should have done this 20 years ago,” said Div 15 Tech owner Blake Harrison.