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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 15h

#PartnersInProgress: SMART locals and SMACNA members partner on more than just sheet metal work itself. In CT, SMACNA Southeastern New York and Local 38 collaborated to ensure workers performing off-site fabrication work get the prevailing wage they deserve on public projects.

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AFL-CIO @aflcio.org · 28/09/2026

Ohioans: Make sure you’re registered to vote, and let’s send pro-worker candidates like @sherrodbrownoh.bsky.social to the Senate and create an economy that works for all of us! ✊

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

SMART-TD members at Charlotte Area Transit System operate buses AND do the mechanical work that keeps them running safely. TD President Jeremy Ferguson and Vice Presidents Alvy Hughes and James Sandoval recently witnessed that work firsthand: www.smart-union.org/a-homecoming...

smart-union.org

A Homecoming in Charlotte: SMART-TD Leadership Tours CATS Bus Yard and Mechanical Facilities - SMART Union

A leadership team visit to one of the union's biggest bus properties was both a homecoming and a safety inspection. Read on to see how CATS Locals 1715 and 1596 gave our President and VP’s firsthand k...

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Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO @ttdaflcio.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

As a transit worker with a career spanning over a decade, Rene Fuentevilla is a dedicated coworker, community member, and SMART-MD steward. He is also a loving husband and father to his wife and young son. We are proud to represent workers like Rene!

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

TRANSPORTATION WORKERS TAKE CAPITOL HILL: From safety and staffing to working conditions and the future of our transportation infrastructure, SMART-TD is bringing workers’ perspectives directly to the people writing the laws. www.facebook.com/share/r/1boz...

facebook.com

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

THE AMERICAN DREAM: In North Carolina, new Local 5 member Andres is not only reaping the benefits of union membership. He is actively helping the union with its organizing efforts, strengthening Local 5 as it aims to take on growing workforce demands. Read more: www.smart-union.org/the-american...

smart-union.org

The American Dream: New members find respect, opportunity and a future with SMART Local 5 - SMART Union

In North Carolina, new Local 5 member Andres is reaping the benefits of union membership while helping the local grow.

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AFL-CIO @aflcio.org · 20/09/2026

America’s unions wish our Jewish union siblings a meaningful fast this Yom Kippur. G’mar chatima tovah.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The SMART-SMACNA Best Practices Market Expansion Task Force is meeting in Boston to strategize how to grow the unionized sheet metal industry and win work for members across North America!

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, from SMART! Across our union, Hispanic and Latino members continue to build, move and power our organization and our nation.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

In early September, 360 SMART-TD members gathered in Baltimore for three days of intensive work, focused on education, training and advocating for members nationwide. These leaders broke yet another attendance record for TD's Regional Training Seminars: www.smart-union.org/current-loca...

smart-union.org

Current Local Leaders Break Another Attendance Record at Baltimore Regional Training - SMART Union

Once again, a SMART-TD Regional Training Seminar (RTS) set another attendance record as more than 350 local officers gathered in Baltimore to equip themselves with the skills and knowledge needed to s...

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

SMART members who step up to become union representatives take on a vital responsibility — proving that we, the members, are the union. That's why the Education Dept held its New Reps course recently, helping local officials take on this crucial role: www.smart-union.org/smart-offici...

smart-union.org

Education Dept. holds class for new SMART representatives | SMART Union

The SMART Education Department held its New Representatives class in St. Louis, Mo., during the week of August 24, 2026.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

#NeverForget: 25 years on, we honor and mourn all who lost their lives on 9/11, and in its aftermath. We will forever remember the first responder heroes who risked everything to help others in response — including SMART members, building trades workers and other union members.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

TRAINING TOMORROW'S LEADERS TODAY: Local 66 and SMACNA Western Washington have taken a proactive approach to filing leadership positions on the jobsite, creating a Foreperson Upgrade Training Program to teach leadership skills: issuu.com/partnersinpr...

issuu.com

Partners in Progress Volume 20 No 2

This issue covers several ways establishing external relationships supports labor-management cooperation. Local 265 and Illinois SMACNA engage code officials early in projects; Local 49 and SMACNA New

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

#ICYMI: Watch SMART General President Michael Coleman's Labor Day message to members: youtu.be/xAlxrGyEG0M "SMART members are the people who keep North America running. But today is not just about our jobs. It's also about our history."

youtu.be

Labor Day 2026: SMART General President Michael Coleman's message to members

YouTube video by SMARTUnion

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Economic Policy Institute @epi.org · 03/09/2026

New Gallup polling finds that 71% of people in the U.S.—across generations and party lines!—approve of unions. This continues the highest period of favorability in over 60 years + coincides with the greatest number of workers represented by a union in 16 years. Get the 1-pager 👇

epi.org

Unions are extremely popular: 56 million workers would join a union if they could

New Gallup polling finds that 71% of people in the U.S. approve of unions, continuing the highest period of favorability in over 60 years. This coincides with the greatest number of workers represente...

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The Summer 2026 SMART Members' Journal is now available to read online! Read messages from International leadership, local union news, organizing victories, analysis of politics and corporate power, and much more: www.smart-union.org/category/mem...

smart-union.org

Summer 2026 Members' Journal | SMART Union

The SMART Summer 2026 Members' Journal includes union news, local union updates, messages from International union leadership and much more.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

#OnThisDay in 1963: The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom brought 200,000-300,000 people to Washington, DC, to demand civil rights, racial justice and workers' rights. We will continue to fight for the shared goals of the Civil Rights movement and the labor movement.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

NEW: GP Coleman issued the following statement in response to US-Canada trade negotiations: “Across the United States and Canada, SMART members are the hardworking people who build and move North America. We are also one union family, and we are proud to call each other brother and sister.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

In SMART, solidarity extends well beyond our union. Cam Williams, an instructor at Local 20 (Indiana), is a prime example, serving as mentor and board member for Boys II Men -- a local org that helps middle school boys grow into the best version of themselves: www.smart-union.org/local-20-ins...

smart-union.org

Local 20 instructors mentors more than apprentices | SMART Union

Local 20 (Indianapolis) Instructor Cam Williams brings the mentorship and leadership of the training center to his work with Boys II Men.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

The 2026 Leadership Conference theme embodied SMART's values, our mission and the way we achieve change: “Powered by Members, Strengthened by Unity.” As was the case throughout the conference, that theme defined the proceedings of the conference’s closing day: www.smart-union.org/a-unified-fo...

smart-union.org

A unified foundation for a member-powered future: 2026 Leadership Conference comes to a close - SMART Union

The 2026 SMART Leadership Conference came to a close in the same way it began: with a focus on empowering members for the long haul.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Day two of the 2026 SMART Leadership Conference was all about putting our theme into action. We celebrated workers who stood together and won, honored members whose courage made a difference, heard from leaders across the labor movement and got to work in breakout sessions.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

The 2026 Leadership Conference featured the start of a new tradition: the inaugural General President’s Awards of Excellence, given to SMART members who went above and beyond to make a difference in their communities — specifically, by saving people’s lives. Congratulations to the recipients!

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Thank you for joining us at our conference this morning and for your leadership every day, President @lizshuler.bsky.social!

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Scenes from day one of the SMART Leadership Conference! SMART leaders from across North America came together to celebrate our members, recognize hard-fought victories and hear from allies who are standing with working families. Powered by Members. Strengthened by Unity.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

A room full of leaders committed to moving our union forward. SMART’s 2026 Leadership Conference kicked off today!

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

The 2026 SMART Leadership Conference kicks off TOMORROW. SMART members build and move the Windy City; now, over the next three days, SMART leaders will gather in Chicago to build our power and strategize for the fights ahead. Let's get to work! Photo: Allen McGregor, CC BY 2.0

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Partnership with the federal government is leading to huge investments in Canada's infrastructure and building trades. That's why the SMART Education Department held its Top-Down Organizing class in Ottawa in July, helping locals prepare to organize the future. www.smart-union.org/as-canada-pl...

smart-union.org

Education Department holds Organizing class in Canada | SMART Union

As Canada invests in the unionized construction industry, the SMART Education Department held its Top-Down Organizing class in Ottawa.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

HUGE WORKER WIN: A federal appeals court upheld the two-person freight crew rule, rejecting railroad industry challenges and affirming 2-PC is in effect across the country! www.smart-union.org/federal-cour...

smart-union.org

Federal Court Upholds 2-PC - SMART Union

A federal appeals court upheld the two-person freight crew rule, rejecting railroad industry challenges and affirming 2-PC is in effect across the country.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

WORKER WIN: For years, SMART-TD’s bus and transit members have delivered a simple message to lawmakers: no one should have to risk being assaulted simply for showing up to work. Last week, that message was heard loud and clear in the U.S. Senate: www.smart-union.org/critical-bus...

smart-union.org

Critical Bus Operator Safety Legislation Results from Years of Advocacy - SMART Union

A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. Senate this week is a direct result of a yearslong effort by SMART-TD to ensure that our bus operators are protected on the job. Read on to find out how this l...

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

For 11 years, SMART-TD fought to make Maryland a safer place for railroaders and communities. On the morning of August 3, 2026, that fight finally ended in a victory. Read more on this win for safety, achieved by the persistence and determination of TD members: www.smart-union.org/maryland-leg...

smart-union.org

Maryland Legislature Finishes the Job on 2-PC - SMART Union

This week, Maryland lawmakers chose to stand with rail workers when they voted to override the governor's veto of HB 862, which requires two-person crews on freight trains. Read on to see how our unio...

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AFL-CIO @aflcio.org · 05/08/2026

The Trump admin hasn’t been talking to working people. Prices on everything are going up while paychecks don’t budge. Workers are fighting just to pay their bills. This economy only works for the billionaires and giant corporations, not workers who create their profits.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

After several months of warning signs, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) sent a letter to the Belt Railway of Chicago requesting information on what it calls “concerning trends” and an action plan for stabilizing freight rail operations in the region: www.smart-union.org/enough-is-en...

smart-union.org

Enough is Enough: STB Puts the Belt Railway of Chicago on Notice - SMART Union

After several months of warning signs, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) sent a letter to the Belt Railway of Chicago requesting detailed information on what it calls “concerning trends” and an a...

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

#PartnersInProgress: SMART Local 36 members working for SMACNA's Design Aire are racing to install 259 HVAC systems before Washington University’s fall semester: www.smacna.org/news/smacnew...

smacna.org

RESIDENTIAL: The 12-month Build

Inside Design Aire’s race to install 259 HVAC systems before Washington University’s fall semester.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

#PartnersInProgress: A look inside Ventcon's 124,000 square foot shop, featuring SMART Local 80 members hard at work!

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

In fabulous Las Vegas, Local 88 is organizing to grow its membership, strengthen union contractors and create more opportunities for members. In the last two months, the local’s Organizing Department has signed up a number of sheet metal workers from larger nonunion contractors in the region.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

WORKER WIN: Rhode Island became the latest state to require a minimum two-person crew on trains on July 23, and SMART-TD’s New England Safety & Legislative Board helped lead the way. Read more about this victory for workers and communities: www.smart-union.org/another-win-...

smart-union.org

Another Win for Safety: 2-PC Signed into Law in Rhode Island - SMART Union

Rhode Island became the latest state to require a minimum two-person crew (2-PC) on trains after Governor Dan McKee signed H7608 into law on July 23. Read on to learn why it took a true collective eff...

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Another piece of common-sense legislation! The Build America Plan invests in SMART members, American jobs and our country’s manufacturing industry — prioritizing our national interests while supporting the people who build and move our nation every day.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Rep. Walkinshaw's bill would implement a comprehensive review of indoor air quality conditions across all federal buildings, protecting the safety of millions of people and putting SMART members to work ensuring indoor air quality in those buildings.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Across our union, SMART sisters are experiencing the union difference first-hand: Performing top-notch work and getting the pay and benefits they deserve while they do it. Visit SMARTCareers.org to learn more!

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

In Wheeling, W.V., Local 33 and the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE) are showing young people what it’s like to work in the sheet metal trade. Out of 19 participants in the HMSE Summer Camp, nine are now working as apprentices for Local 33 contractors! www.smart-union.org/a-future-in-...

smart-union.org

A future in the trades: Local 33, Heavy Metal Summer Experience recruit the next generation in Wheeling - SMART Union

In Wheeling, West Virginia, SMART Local 33 and Heavy Metal Summer Experience introduced young people to the sheet metal trade.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

WORKER WIN: Workers at Dallas-area contractor Stratus Systems first started organizing back in 2023. Over the years, they faced plenty of challenges — but the workers never gave up. And on May 1, the workers voted UNION YES to join SMART Local 68! Read more: www.smart-union.org/texas-worker...

smart-union.org

Texas workers build strength together, organize with SMART Local 68 - SMART Union

Texas workers at Stratus Systems, LLC won a big victory in May 2026, overcoming several setbacks to join SMASRT Local 68.

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SMART Union @smart-union.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

When air quality is dangerously low outside, having clean, reliable air inside is even more important. Thank you to the union sheet metal workers who work to keep us breathing quality indoor air across North America!

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Economic Policy Institute @epi.org · 15/07/2026

Tripling union membership would: 👉 Strengthen communities. States with high union density invest more in public education, have higher unemployment insurance recipiency rates, and have all adopted Medicaid expansion. 7/

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Economic Policy Institute @epi.org · 15/07/2026

Tripling union membership would: 👉 Boost the number of people with health insurance. Since unions increase other forms of compensation, like health insurance benefits, the number of non-elderly people without health insurance would fall by about 25%. 6/

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Economic Policy Institute @epi.org · 15/07/2026

Tripling union membership would: 👉 Raise wages in every state. Annual wage increases would range from $1,900 to $10,600, according to the report’s state-by-state breakdowns. 4/

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