Washington, DC—Last week, Congress unveiled a significantly scaled back version of the reconciliation bill. In response, SMART issued the following statement.
“This bill represents significant progress for working people and will create good union jobs. This legislation supports our members by applying labor standards to clean energy tax credits, supports workers’ right to organize, expands registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, invests in high-speed rail projects, and addresses indoor air quality in schools. Paired with the bipartisan infrastructure bill, these two pieces of legislation will help revitalize our economy and build back better. While this legislation is an important step forward, we still have work to do to fully rebuild our crumbling school infrastructure, strengthen rail and transit safety provisions and address other SMART priorities excluded from the package. We call on Congress to deliver on the entirety of President Biden’s agenda and pass both bills right away.”
Speakers and panels also focused on the importance of mentorship, moving a pro-labor agenda under the Biden administration, rail and transit safety, lessons learned from local SMART leaders and safe buildings post-COVID
Vice President Kamala Harris SMART conducted a virtual business agents’ conference in July 2021. More than 300 local and national SMART leaders, as well as special guests that included Vice President Kamala Harris, participated in the one-day online gathering. An in-person conference had been scheduled to take place in New York City, but due to the unpredictability of the pandemic and rising COVID cases in the summer, it was changed to virtual. The overall theme of the conference was “I Got Your Back,” with many plenary speeches and breakout sessions focused on the importance of union solidarity and working together to build a culture within SMART characterized by inclusion and mutual support. “The past 16 months caused us to reflect on what is most important,” said SMART General President Joseph Sellers in his keynote speech to the conference. “We leaned on each other to get through this crisis, and union solidarity is our foundation. That is why this year’s theme is ‘I Got Your Back’.”
“The past 16 months caused us to reflect on what is most important. We leaned on each other to get through this crisis, and union solidarity is our foundation. That is why this year’s theme is ‘I Got Your Back’.”
– SMART General President Joseph Sellers
Sellers pointed out that, at the 2019 SMART General Convention, delegates took a hard look at how their sisters and brothers were treated at work and how this impacts SMART members and industries. Delegates unanimously adopted amendments and resolutions that aimed to make the union more inclusive and added language to the SMART Constitution that makes harassment, bullying and hazing chargeable offenses. “Now, two years later, we need action,” said Sellers. “Words in our constitution are not enough. Goals and intentions are not enough. We are putting words to action… We are asking each member to stand up and look out for our fellow sisters and brothers.” SMART General President Joseph Sellers
The week of the BA conference, SMART international mailed to every local an “I Got Your Back” campaign kit that included stickers, instructions and promotional materials.
“This campaign provides our membership with the opportunity to recognize those members who were there for them — who supported them — and to pay it forward to the next generation. When members see a fellow member wearing the ‘I Got Your Back’ sticker on the jobsite, they will know they have an ally to turn to. They will know that member has their back.” SMART General Secretary- Treasurer Joe Powell, who taught hundreds of apprentices during his time as an apprenticeship instructor at Local 206 in San Diego, underscored the importance of mentorship for SMART members. SMART General Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Powell “We have all had mentors who had our backs during our careers,” said Powell. “And it is important for us to mentor and be an ally to those entering the industry behind us.” SMACNA President Angie Simon echoed SMART’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and mutual support in her video presentation, noting that the signatory sheet metal sector “continues to shine,” but still has room for growth when it comes to recruitment and keeping up to date with technology. “The future of our industry is not represented by one color, one race, or one gender,” said Simon, “but will depend upon the best and brightest being drawn to our industry by our training, our craftsmanship, the economic opportunity and unrestricted opportunity to succeed.” Many speakers noted the unprecedented challenges and stresses faced by SMART members over the past year due to the pandemic and related economic turmoil and how members had risen to these challenges time and time again. “You are the essential workers, representing our members throughout this pandemic,” said Sellers. “You have endured shutdowns, converted hospitals for COVID care, and manufactured the air handling equipment and goods that have kept our nations running and the air we breathe safe and clean.”
AFT Pres. Randi Weingarten NABTU Pres. Sean McGarvey SMART TD Pres. Jeremy Ferguson Local 265 Bus. Rep. Louise Medina
Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson underscored the impacts of COVID-19 on TD members, taking a moment to remember the 19 active TD members who had died due to COVID-19 as of mid-July. Ferguson also noted that many bus operators, freight rail members and Amtrak members were furloughed early in the pandemic as schools and offices closed, businesses slowed down and tourism ceased. He emphasized the work SMART has been doing throughout the pandemic around rail safety, rail and transit funding and coordinating with the sheet metal division to work with the Biden Administration to advance initiatives important to SMART members. He added that most Amtrak members were recalled after passage of the American Rescue Plan, which SMART actively lobbied to support. “We are continuing to battle to keep two people on every train, following the attacks on our crew consist agreements shortly after I took office,” added Ferguson. “Most importantly, we continue to fight for workplace safety, as our union has seen a startling number of fatalities and amputations in the last two years as a result of the previous U.S. president’s administration creating what I will call a ‘deplorable safety culture’ — one where profits and shareholders are valued more than our members lives or the federal safety regulations previously written to protect them.”
“We are continuing to battle to keep two people on every train, following the attacks on our crew consist agreements shortly after I took office.”
– SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson
In a video address to the BA conference, Vice President Kamala Harris underscored the Biden administration’s commitment to standing with working families. “President Joe Biden and I are determined to be the most pro-union administration in American history,” said Harris. She noted that the American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Biden, allocated nearly $31 billion toward supporting transit systems and workers impacted by the pandemic, as well as strengthening pension plans for workers across industries. “We could not have passed the American Rescue Plan without your support and leadership,” she added. Vice President Harris also addressed bipartisan infrastructure legislation, noting that SMART members know, perhaps better than most, that America’s infrastructure is in desperate need of update. Proposed infrastructure legislation, she said, “will put Americans to work in good, union jobs, fixing our roads and our bridges and modernizing our transit system.” Other guest speakers included American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and North America’s Building Trades (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey. Local 265 Business Representative Louise Medina spoke to conference participants in her capacity as president of the newly formed SMART Recruitment and Retention Council. Quoting from the council’s mission statement, she said it will help guide efforts “to recruit, retain and promote diverse groups in our organization and to ensure workplace equality within our industry; and to promote respect, inclusion and safe, non-hostile work environments at all levels of SMART.” Medina, who also serves on the SMART Women’s Committee, said the new council plans to hold meetings twice a year, hopefully in person, to discuss these issues and develop resources, trainings and other materials to support locals and regional councils in recruiting and retaining underrepresented workers. If you have questions or need information on how to affiliate with the council, email Louise Medina at louise@smart265.org. SMART Director of Education Chris Carlough, left, and Local 285 Business Manager Bob Gougeon. SMART Director of Governmental Affairs Steve Dodd discusses ventilation verification specification. The “Safe Buildings Post-COVID” panel. After the main conference plenary, delegates could choose among the following breakout sessions: Profiles in Leadership This session addressed fundamentals of leadership and featured interviews with local leaders discussing strategic thinking, challenges they have faced and leadership lessons learned. SMART Director of Education Chris Carlough led discussions with Local 285 Business Manager Bob Gougeon, NW Regional Council President Tim Carter and Local 265 Business Manager John Daniel. Beyond Bias This session featured Dushaw Hockett of SPACES introducing the concept of “implicit bias” and breaking down examples of what it can look like. The session concluded with a live Q&A session with General President Sellers and General Secretary- Treasurer Powell. Safe Buildings Post-COVID This session featured a panel discussing what every SMART leader needs to know about indoor air quality and proper ventilation coming out of the pandemic. Panelists included NEMIC Northeast Regional Representative Jeremy Zeedyk, ITI Field Representative Darrell Garrison, SMART Director of Governmental Affairs Steve Dodd and SMART Director of Canadian Affairs Chris Paswisty.
The bipartisan Infrastructure Framework and reconciliation package, being negotiated as of press time, presents a historic opportunity for millions of Americans and for the labor movement. If and when it is passed, it will represent the largest infrastructure investment in almost a century, with the potential to create a generation of good-paying union jobs and boost economic growth thanks to the biggest labor reforms since the days of the New Deal. At the same time, SMART is working on making sure Congress gets this package right. That’s why it is essential that Congress passes the bipartisan infrastructure deal and reconciliation package together and that both contain strong labor and worker protections.
If and when it is passed, it will represent the largest infrastructure investment in almost a century, with the potential to create a generation of good-paying union jobs.
This means any project receiving federal support complies with a base of labor standards that include prevailing wage, registered apprentices, the elimination of misclassification and wage theft, and neutrality agreements so that workers are given a fair choice to form or join a union. The package includes local hire provisions, so wages stay local, and robust funding for school construction, so schools can improve and update indoor air quality and put thousands of SMART members to work. President Biden proposed $100 billion for school construction and, as of now, that number is fluctuating during negotiations. Additionally, the House reconciliation package includes rail and transit safety provisions that will keep Amtrak and transit operations fully funded while providing a jumping-off point to enhance safety for America’s railroaders. See Below For Highlights of Currently Proposed Legislation That Will Have A Direct Impact On SMART Members
HIGHLIGHTS OF CURRENT STATE OF BUDGET RECONCILIATION: (as of Oct. 25, 2021)
Labor standards on clean energy tax credits:
Over $180 billion in clean energy tax credits, with a bonus tax credit for paying prevailing wages & using registered apprentices.
New $4,500 tax credit for union-made electric vehicles built in the United States.
New $500 tax credit for batteries manufactured in the United States.
Labor law reform:
Some of the most significant labor reforms since the New Deal have the potential for being passed in this bill. This includes new civil monetary penalties for existing unfair labor practices committed by employers during union organizing campaigns. The penalties are a dramatic step up from current sanctions and reach $50,000-$100,000 per violation.
New civil monetary penalties for new unfair labor practices, which include the holding of captive audience meetings, striker replacements, mis classification, lockouts and compulsory arbitration with fines of $50,000-$100,000 per violation.
For the first time, sanctions can be made against individual corporate officers, so directors and company CEOs can be personally liable. For example, if a director knew about an unfair labor practice and didn’t do anything about it, he or she could be held personally liable with significant penalties.
Union dues:
In 2017, the Trump administration removed the tax deduction for union dues. In this bill, that deduction is restored with a $250 cap.
School construction:
Currently, $82 billion for school construction and modernization is included in this bill.
Registered apprenticeship funding:
An additional $74 billion is included for job training that includes the expansion of registered apprenticeships and funds new workforce training programs to fight climate change.
Health and safety that will benefit union members and families:
For the first time ever, Universal Paid Leave is included, with up to 12 weeks, along with a $3,000 per child tax credit extended to 2025. This is in addition to universal pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as two years of free community college.
Childcare centers:
Over $15 billion is included in this bill to build childcare centers, which includes work for energy retrofits and HVAC systems that will put union sheet metal workers to work.
Affordable housing:
There is a $50 billion increase in affordable housing, which includes building energy retrofits & HVAC systems to put members to work.
HIGHLIGHTS OF CURRENT BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LEGISLATION FOR SMART: (as of Oct. 25, 2021)
$550 billion over current spending on basic infrastructure, which is mainly focused on building roads, bridges, airports, electric vehicle charging stations, drinking water, transit, rail/Amtrak and power grid modernization.
Energy efficiency/HVAC upgrades:
The bipartisan infrastructure bill includes $250 million to be used for an energy efficiency revolving loan fund, which can be spent on indoor air quality.
$50 million for an energy efficiency pilot program for nonprofit buildings to conduct energy efficiency upgrades, including HVAC systems.
$500 million for school energy efficiency that can be used to upgrade ventilation.
Transportation funding:
$6 billion for Northeast Corridor grants, along with an additional $16 billion for the national rail network.
$36 billion for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail, with $24 billion set aside for the Northeast Corridor.
$5 billion for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant program.
$3 billion for the Railroad Crossing Elimination Program.
$50 million for restoration and enhancement of the current rail system.
Amtrak reforms:
New stipulation that prohibits contracting out work if current employees who can perform that work are currently furloughed, as well as new requirement that requires Amtrak to staff station agent positions at stations that receive certain levels of traffic.
New rules requiring that Amtrak and commuter rail employees who are victims of assault must now be covered by critical incident stress plans and the benefits and protections provided by such plans.
To avoid reduction in operating service, a new rule is included that increases the difficulty for Congress to eliminate a long distance route.
Registered apprenticeship funding:
An additional $74 billion is included for job training that includes the expansion of registered apprenticeships and funds new workforce training programs to fight climate change.
Health and safety that will benefit union members and families:
For the first time ever, Universal Paid Leave is included, with up to 12 weeks, along with a $3,000 per child tax credit extended to 2025. This is in addition to universal pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds, as well as two years of free community college.
Childcare centers:
Over $15 billion is included in this bill to build childcare centers, which includes work for energy retrofits and HVAC systems that will put union sheet metal workers to work.
Rail safety:
The bill requires a National Academies study on the safety of trains longer than 7,500 feet, as well as the requirement that FRA incident reports include information on train length, the number of cars and the size of the crew on board. The DOT must also create a process to better involve stakeholders, including rail labor representatives, in its investigations.
Finally, a new rule requires a quarterly report on failures and functions of Positive Train Control technology.
SMART members lead in push for infrastructure
On Wednesday, September 23rd, a delegation of San Francisco Local 104 sheet metal workers delivered signatures from members living in U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s district on behalf of SMART SM and TD members across the United States. This photo was taken in front of her office prior to making the deliver y. From left to right: Danny Campbell, Business Representative; Aloysius Cummings, Apprentice; Zhi Zhu, Apprentice.
SMART Local 73 sheet metal workers were with the education secretary in Illinois on the return to school road trip. According to LU 73 President and BM Ray Suggs, “using skilled & trained workers for HVAC upgrades & repairs is the key to achieving safe indoor air quality.”
SMART Local 33 sheet metal workers joined Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in Ohio to talk about adult education and apprenticeships. According to Local 33 Business Manager Tim Miller, “increasing registered apprenticeship is critical. Skilled & trained workers are essential to safe indoor air quality & making sure our schools reopen safely.”
SMART members from across the United Sates and Canada are taking action in the I Got Your Back Challenge by posting photos of themselves with their mentors at work and displaying the solidarity that makes our Union strong. The I Got Your Back Campaign took off this August with stickers distributed to locals across North America for members to share with their mentors. Below are a few of the submissions the Journal has received. Contact your Business Manager or a local officer for a sticker to share with your fellow members and post your photos and stories online with the hashtag #SMARTIGOTYOURBACK You can also email your stories and photos to mentors@smart-union.org “This dude right here, Steve ‘El Duderino’ Hoover is who I want to hand off the Local 9 Union sticker ‘I Got Your Back’ to. I met Steve 4 years ago in the field, and he’s become a brother to me. Steve is not only a hard-working family man and veteran but he’s also a man of God, a warrior, and a philosopher. Our conversations about life, love and the pursuit of the American dream have got me through my hardest times. Having him on jobs has not only uplifted my spirit but the spirit of others. He attends Local 9 Union meetings and always pushes for “what could be better.” Today, we both received layoffs due to work reduction, and instead of panic or concern, we went and had coffee and laughed about how great God has been to both of us, looking, with generosity, to the future. Steve has my back, and I got his, not only as Union brothers, but as brothers in God, and brothers of this crazy thing we call life. Love you, Steve. I got your back.” SM LU 27 (Central and Southern NJ) journeyperson Makenzie Cromer at work for Gerard Sheet Metal. She’s been with the company since day 1 and an apprentice contest winner as well. SMART Local 177 sheet metal workers David LaRue & Aida Kruse have each others’ backs and those of their fellow brothers and sisters. SMART Local 18 Wausau members Kelsie Rigney and Bill Smith.
SMART Local 18 sheet metal workers at JM Brennan on the St. Camillus new retirement housing high rise have each others’ backs:
Apprentice Caleb Ogden w/ Journeyman Luke Hesse. SMLT Nick Caulley w/ Apprentice Dylan Mooney and Foreman Ben Norberg. Apprentice Jesse Matusek w/ Journeymen Pat Kirschbaum and Jerry Krause.
A recently released report from the Economic Policy Institute finds that decades of attacks on collective bargaining have been a driving factor behind depressed wage growth for working Americans over the last four decades, regardless of their union affiliation. The inability for workers to join or form a union at work, due to roadblocks enacted by a series of conservative courts and hostile Congresses, has only exacerbated this issue.
According to the report, the decades-long erosion in union membership has lowered the median hourly wage by $1.56, a 7.9% decline since 1979. When applied to a year’s wages, this comes to $3,250 annually for a full-time worker. Another study from the same group found that workers would be making $10 more an hour if their wages had kept up with increases in productivity during the same 40-year period.
The good news is this trend can be reversed, and there are serious efforts now underway by pro-labor elected officials to do exactly this. If you are reading or watching the news, you would imagine that what matters to your financial wellbeing is the last thing anyone on Capitol Hill is thinking about. The truth is that the results of the last Presidential election gave labor a seat at the table, where for years working family issues had been sidelined. With the focus in the media on sensational and divisive topics, one important story missing has been the renewed focus on rebuilding the American middle class.
The truth is that the results of the last presidential election gave labor a seat at the table, where for years working family issues had been sidelined.
Americans already saw the passage of the American Rescue Plan back in March. This legislation brought new job opportunities, now and into the future, for our SMART union families. It not only boosted jobs but retirement security as well, with $86 billion in funding for multiemployer pension plans. New child tax credits for working families and elements of the pending infrastructure package will not only increase funding for registered apprenticeship programs, apply labor standards and put members to work building schools and ensuring the quality of the air that our school children breathe, but will also add elements of badly needed labor law reform that will level the playing field for working families. This includes actual sanctions for companies that interfere with their employees’ rights to organize, from $50,000 per offense to $100,000 and punitive penalties for executives that encourage this unlawful behavior. Additionally, via the infrastructure package, Congress would reinstate the tax deduction for union dues with a $250 cap—an important provision for union workers that the Trump administration removed in 2017. These are significant steps forward and why SMART is fighting hard for Congress to pass the infrastructure package.
These important changes will play a big part in turning the tide for workers and collective bargaining. They will strengthen our unionized presence, enforce the fact that it is the workers’ right to organize and close the gap between where America’s wages are and where they should be. It took decades of attacks from anti-labor legislators and courts to get us to where we are today. It will take some time to improve the state of collective bargaining to where we can rebuild America’s middle class and make sure opportunity is available to all who seek to achieve it. The responsibility continues with each of us.
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Brothers and sisters: It’s hard to believe that we’re three-quarters of the way through 2021. With the changing of the seasons into autumn, it seems like an opportune time to outline a few of the positive changes we’re making to better serve you. Responsiveness to members’ safety concerns is something my administration prioritizes as the most important function of our union. We were founded on safety. Both our TD Safety Condition Report and Technology Event Report are fully integrated and go directly from members to officers. If you find that there is a safety risk, COVID-related or otherwise on your property, remember to fill out a confidential Safety Condition Report on our website or through the SMART app. No time is lost when routing these reports directly from members — once it’s submitted, it will be acted upon by the officers of jurisdiction. Truly, there is no time to waste when it comes to serving the membership, especially when it comes to safety.
Responsiveness to members’ safety concerns is something my administration prioritizes as the most important function of our union.
I myself am trying to make up for time lost with the initial COVID lockdowns, travel restrictions and everything else that limited our ability to safely gather. The pandemic was declared in March 2020, about five and a half months into my presidency. All the plans we’d made for local visits, regional meetings and other events got put on hold right then and there. We began to formulate ways to 1) Ensure that our membership was as safe as possible in the evolving situation of the pandemic; and 2) Try to transform the operations of a national labor union in such a way to ensure that we could continue to meet the needs and serve members with minimal disruption. Much of the union’s focus was drawn to those challenges. But these missions eventually were accomplished thanks to the tremendous efforts and collaboration of our members, our officers and the capable staff at the Cleveland office. I agree with the statement made by Minnesota SLD Nick Katich regarding the mini regional meeting he recently held, there really is no substitute for getting out and engaging face-to-face (even with masks and social distancing). My opinion is that the job of being president of a proud national transportation union is not done properly from behind a desk. I enjoy nothing more than getting to meet and know my fellow brothers and sisters of SMART from coast to coast and craft to craft, hearing firsthand their triumphs as well as their issues and concerns so that we can work together on the solutions. Merriam-Webster defines a labor union as: an organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its members’ interests in respect to wages, benefits and working conditions. SMART is a labor union and the union at its core is you. A union, as defined, is all about banding together for common well-being— united. So as TD President, visiting you where you are is a great priority of mine. COVID slowed that down, but just recently I have made numerous visits in several states attending meetings both big and small to get input from you about the goals and direction that SMART-TD should take in safety, contract and organizational matters all the while providing factual answers and updates to questions asked. I find these discussions energizing and enlightening as we develop new ideas to make SMART-TD the best transportation union it can be for all members now and into the future. Looking ahead, there will be more member-focused improvements. A long-planned revamp of the union website coming next year will not only offer a new look and added content, but enhanced features so that the information members need can be attained faster. While we recently made another update on the SMART App, we continue to look into additional membership suggestions in our continuing efforts of making it a vital tool for members. We are also past the design and developmental stages of the new SMART University. We are currently finalizing the educational materials and content that will be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. SMART U will be an online learning and resource center focused on improving our members’ and officers’ knowledge and skills, bringing information and workshops that in the past have only been accessible by attending an annual in-person meeting.
Member input is the lifeblood of a dynamic, ever-improving union, and I encourage you all to speak out and be the change that you would like to see at every level of the organization.
I’m excited to present these initiatives to you, and your union leadership is always open to hearing about how it can improve. Member input is the lifeblood of a dynamic, ever-improving union, and I encourage you all to speak out and be the change that you would like to see at every level of the organization. The first step can be just as easy as attending your local meeting and encouraging others to use the tools your union provides for the benefit of the whole. For those of you who want to become more involved, running for an elected local position is a great way to start. Next year, 2022 local committee elections (local chairperson, vice local chairperson and LCA secretary) are held while 2023 brings elections for local officers (president, VP, secretary, treasurer, legislative representative, ALR, trustee and delegate) Both provide members an opportunity to get more involved. If there is a vacancy at your local, perhaps you may wish to step up and fill the position. Every union officer, including myself, did not step into the job knowing everything. Some of us were lucky enough to have mentors like Herm Boruta, while others learned as they went. While there is not a substitute for experience, it starts with asking for help when it is needed. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask a question, but rather of strength. Someone somewhere in SMART-TD will have an answer as they most likely experienced or dealt with the same thing. Mentoring the next generation of officers is yet another important function that we need to focus on and is something that we are working diligently on improving, starting with the aforementioned initiatives. The power we can exert when we as a group of fraternal brothers and sisters are united, engaged and all working toward the same goals can be so powerful yet is often underutilized. Let’s tap into that power and energy of unity at all levels. We all must remember, even when in disagreement, there are things that bind us together as SMART-TD that we must work hand-in-hand on: wages, benefits and working conditions for the benefit of us all. Please stay safe and God bless! Fraternally,
Jeremy Ferguson President, Transportation Division
Canada’s unions are calling on all levels of government to provide adequate support for workers and their families as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic reverberate in communities throughout the nation. As the dust settles on an unnecessary and uncalled-for federal election, the message couldn’t be any clearer. Canadians have sent a concise message to get to work on the issues that matter. As we know, minority governments only last if they have the confidence of the House. This election demonstrated that Canadians want the government to work together. During this election we asked our members to get involved in the Let’s Build Canada campaign. Your participation in the surveys and letter-writing campaigns enabled our issues to be heard and placed into the party platforms. Issues such as labour mobility tax credit, building green and a stronger workforce were our main focus. As the Canadian Building Trade Unions (CBTU), we were able to get commitments from the parties on issues that matter to our members during this election.
Due to your activism, the CBTU was able to get commitments from the Liberals, Conservatives and the NDP on the workers’ mobility tax credit.
Over 70% of those in the skilled trades identified travelling for work as a common necessity. 75% said there isn’t always work available where they live, and shortages are common. 70% have taken a job outside of their region in the last five years. Due to your activism, the CBTU was able to get commitments from the Liberals, Conservatives and the NDP on the workers’ mobility tax credit. Now it is up to us to make sure that we get this legislation introduced, and by getting members involved we can push the issue over the finish line. The trade mobility tax credit will be beneficial to all members as they travel across their provinces and the country for work. On the question of building Canada’s green future, two-thirds of respondents have given some thought to what that transition to a green economy means for them. They have some idea of what that will mean and whether they’ll need to be re-skilled. Retraining will be a key concern as job opportunities transition towards those in the green economy and renewables. 47% say that there have been a growing number of opportunities for the current skill sets in renewable green infrastructure and retrofitting industries. Concerns about the financial impact of the transition outweigh the concerns about retraining itself. 76% are concerned that jobs in the renewable green sector will not pay as well, whereas 71% are concerned about the cost they will have to incur regarding retraining. We must ensure that the government prioritizes a “just transition” for workers in affected industries as we move forward.
When it comes to building a stronger workforce, we must push for Employment Insurance (EI) reform and representation on federal EI working groups, boards and committees.
When it comes to building a stronger workforce, we must push for Employment Insurance (EI) reform and representation on federal EI working groups, boards and committees. 93% surveyed agreed that there should be a dedicated skills trade representative or advisor on the federal employment insurance working group when it comes to reforms. 92% agree that EI should have a greater flexibility, for example, removing age limits and being able to receive EI when retraining and upskilling and to permanently remove the clawback on separation monies. A majority demonstrated a desire for more government support on apprenticeships and a transition to a green economy, and 92% preferred to see more government support for oil and gas workers during the transition to a green economy. 84% would like Community Benefit Agreements (CBA’s) to increase the opportunities for unrepresented groups on federal infrastructure and projects. So, as we move forward with this minority government, it is up to all of us to stay actively involved. We must continue to push this government and our elected representatives on the need to support our initiatives. To see progress, we need to continue these discussions and stay involved. By scanning the QR code on the previous page, you can stay involved and up to date on the issues that affect SMART members across Canada. Your say and vote matters! Workers are the recovery. Power to the Workers!! In solidarity, I remain, fraternally yours, Chris Paswisty Director of Canadian Affairs
September was Suicide Prevention Month. The October 2021 episode of Talking SMART focused on suicide prevention, substance abuse disorder, addiction and all the resources and support available to our members through the SMART Member Assistance Program, or SMART MAP.
Chris Carlough
Our featured guest, SMART Director of Education Chris Carlough, is a man who wears many hats in our union. In addition to preparing new generations of union leaders for the tasks they have ahead of them when they start their careers, he also runs SMART MAP.
“When I hear that we have people that need help,” said Carlough, “I think back to when I needed help and the call was received. And I got the help that I needed. And I believe it’s my duty to go and do the same thing for our members and the families that are out there struggling.”
At the end of this episode, listen for the open mic segment with SMART General President Joseph Sellers. He responds to a question about the suicide prevention trainings that SMART is hosting, and how they can help connect SMART members in crisis with member assistance programs.
SMART has long been committed to creating an environment of welcoming, belonging, and excellence for all of our members. However, SMART recognizes that not all individuals and groups are situated the same, with the same access to resources and opportunities. Therefore, the BE 4 All effort is a targeted approach to ensure that all members, particularly those from historically marginalized groups, experience these universal goals. We need a culture that enables our union to attract and retain the best, most skilled workers. And in doing so, affirms the dignity and worth of every human being who walks through our doors. We need to reinforce union solidarity so that each and every one of us has the other’s back. We need an industry that embodies professionalism – not only in our technical skills, but in the work environment we create, free from harassment, discrimination, bullying, and hazing. We need an industry where our members and contractors can do the best possible work efficiently and effectively. These are all critical ingredients to creating a thriving culture and industry. And SMART believes BE 4 ALL is the vehicle for how we make this happen. SMACNA’s leadership shares our vision for transforming the industry. Over the last year we have engaged in numerous discussions with SMACNA’s leadership, as well as International Training Institute (ITI) representatives, to build alignment and a shared sense of purpose. To be clear, this effort is not about blaming or shaming individuals or granting special treatment to one segment of the membership over another. It is about increasing awareness about how we can create an environment for welcoming, belonging, and excellence – one that attracts and retains anyone who has the skills and desire to meet our culture of excellence. It is about union solidarity. To that end, we are seeking volunteersto join SMART’s Belonging and Excellence for All Committee. The Committee is a collective of 10 to 12 representatives who will help shape and guide this work over the next year. The Committee will work on SMART’s diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, as well as work collectively with SMACNA’s Committee and ITI representatives to ensure a broad and effective process. Seven Other Things You Should Know About the Be 4 All Process:
Committee members will help guide the overall direction of the diversity, equity, and inclusion work and make recommendations to leadership. The goal is a passionate and committed group with representation across regions, roles, and identities.
SMART has appointed Donna Silverman, Assistant to the General President and Special Counsel, to staff the SMART Committee. From SMACNA, Joye Blanscett, Dir. Of Labor Services, will help staff the SMACNA Committee. Dushaw Hockett, our outside belonging and excellence expert, will provide facilitation and technical support. Donna, Joye, and Dushaw will coordinate our combined efforts.
On the question of time commitment, it’s envisioned that Committee members will meet at least twice per month through October 2022. Total time commitment (including meetings, emails, document review, etc.) is expected to be a minimum of 6 hours per month. Most meetings will be conducted virtually, with the exception of a few in-person meetings if they can be held safely.
To apply, please visit this linkand provide a short (one paragraph) statement of interest. Also share your answers (encouraged but not required) to the 8 identity/demographic questions that follow, as we are seeking to build a team that reflects diversity in all areas.
Staff and leadership will select Committee members based on the content of their statements of interest, and with an eye toward representation from across the organization.
Because the goal is to embody diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our work, including this process, if there is overwhelming interest in serving on the Committee, we may propose a modified structure.
Applications are due by Friday, October 15, 2021.
We’re building this together. Please let us know if you have questions or feedback regarding the DEI process or application form.
