Category: Members Journal
Meslin named 11th GVP; Butler, Dunne appointed International reps
On February 9, 2026, SMART General President Michael Coleman announced the election of SMART Local 28 (New York City and Long Island) Business Manager Eric Meslin to the SMART General Executive Council (GEC), following former Fifth General Vice President Bob Butler’s appointment as SMART International representative. In addition, former Local 44 Business Manager Don Dunne was appointed an International representative for the mid-Atlantic region.
Local 24 member writes book on the life-changing power of the sheet metal trade
Long-time Local 24 member Roger Hoover has written a book on the life-changing power of a career in the unionized sheet metal trade.
SASMI gives active members a big financial boost in 2026
SASMI trustees recently approved a 50% match on employer contributions to active members’ Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs). The match begins with 2025 allocations that members received in their HRA balances early April 2026.
Sheet metal a family affair when parents, kids apprentice together
The trades have a reputation for “running in the family.” Historically, a young man often followed in his father’s and even grandfather’s footsteps into a union. These days, not only is it increasingly common for women to find careers in the unionized trades, but in some cases the generational order of apprenticeship is switched around.
84-year member Renato Favero passes away at 102
On Wednesday, February 4, 84-year Local 218 (Springfield, Ill.) member Renato Favero passed away at the age of 102 years old. In a fitting tribute to his long life as a World War II veteran, sheet metal worker and family man, he was surrounded by loved ones.
Partners in Progress 2026: Sheet metal leaders work to secure the future
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.
Workers at SPX Cooling Technologies organize for change
On February 23, 2026, workers at SPX Cooling Technologies, LLC in Springfield, Missouri, voted to ratify their first contract as SMART members. The three-year agreement includes a $1,500 ratification bonus, wage increases of over 11%, the preservation of health and retiree benefits and just cause protection against unfair discipline. The victory came from workers who were organized to stand together and utilize labor’s oldest and most powerful weapon: the strike!
BE4ALL Corner: General President Coleman on Belonging and Excellence for All
SMART General President Michael Coleman writes about the importance of BE4ALL, which he says "is strategic. It's about making sure SMART locals and our contractors — the UNIONIZED sheet metal industry — can grow and take on more work in every single part of North America.