Sheet Metal News
Recruitment and Retention Council meets in Pittsburgh to strengthen SMART
Pittsburgh welcomed SMART leaders, staff and members as the Recruitment and Retention Council kicked off the first day of the Three-Pack Attack — the three-day meeting of the Recruitment and Retention, Production and Sign, and Roofing and Building Enclosure Councils. From child care and worker protections to recruitment tools and workforce partnerships, the first day in Pittsburgh centered one shared goal: expanding opportunity for current and future SMART members.
San Diego transit workers build skills and solidarity through new SMART trainings
SMART Local 398 members from San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) came together in February and April 2026 for two impactful rounds of training designed to educate, empower and build stronger connections within their workplace and across San Diego County transit employers.
Local 36 members rebuild roof of Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center
For SMART sheet metal workers, union solidarity and union craftsmanship go hand-in-hand. SMART Local 36 proved that with its work to rebuild the roof of the Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center.
SMART Canada offers free financial literacy tool to members
In April 2026, SMART announced a new benefit for union sheet metal workers and roofers across Canada: Enriched Academy, a financial literacy tool available to members for free.
From the people who brought you the eight-hour workday: a brief history of May Day
While Labor Day is celebrated in September in the United States and Canada, International Workers’ Day is an official public holiday in countries ranging from Denmark and France to Nepal. But despite its international character, the modern origins of May Day are very American, dating back to the 19th-century fight for an eight-hour workday.
SMART leaders attend NABTU Legislative Conference to secure a better deal for members, workers
In April 2026, SMART leaders gathered in Washington, DC, for the 2026 NABTU Legislative Conference. From meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to hearing from labor leaders and political candidates, union officers worked to secure a better deal for workers across the country.
Local leaders work to strengthen SMART through organizing in Bottom-Up Organizing class
Organizing is the foundation of the labor movement, and it remains the key to SMART’s health and strength to this day. Bringing unorganized workers into our union is how we grow union density, maintain the health of our funds and build our strength at the bargaining table. For that reason, the SMART Education Department held its Bottom-Up Organizing class in St. Louis, Mo., during the week of April 13, 2026.
General President Coleman brings the voice of SMART members to Congress
SMART General President Michael Coleman joined the United States Congressional Labor Caucus on April 15, 2026, to bring the voice of SMART members to Congress.