Author: paul

Last week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its annual report on union membership, which found that the number of union members rose by 260,000 in 2017. This number reflects a series of organizing victories across the United States in all industries as working families are looking for stability and to now capitalize on the economic gains of the post 2007 recovery.
SMART has been active in this new rise in organizing with victories at major employers such as Micro Clean and new first contracts at BYD Electric Buses, Georgia Tank Cars among others.
According to James White, SMART Director of Organizing, “workers across America are understanding that in today’s economy, only a collectively bargained agreement provides the security and path forward towards realizing economic gain for their families.”  White added that, “now is the time for local unions to capitalize on solidifying our bargaining power now, more than ever.  We will do this by expanding our market share to increase opportunity for members, their families and workers across the broad range of industries we work in.”
 
 
 

 When the economy crashed, many Detroit residents had to search for any job that could pay the immediate bills instead of a promising career that could provide a future. Building trades unions and their affiliated contractor associations stepped up with the Access for All program (accessforalldetroit.com) to help individuals seeking a career in construction find a pathway to success. 
 
Access for All is a nine-week, 270-hour training program that prepares participants for successful entry into construction apprenticeships and employment in the skilled trades. It covers workplace essential skills, such as safety, financial coaching, mentoring and teamwork; teaches basic construction skills, such as how to read a tape measure and blueprints; and provides a refresher on math and algebra skills. Students also work on a simulated construction site. 
“Many Access for All participants come from poverty and several are homeless, so we have to start with the basics.” said Don O’Connell, administrator for Access for All. 
In the past four years, more than 100 individuals have enrolled and 80 percent have completed the program. Of those, 91 percent are employed, 81 percent have industry-related employment, and 67 percent entered into apprenticeships. 
SMART Local 80 has welcomed several Access for All graduates into the program. 
“These students are very energetic and optimistic,” said Sam Velez, a sheet metal journeyman and architectural instructor at the training center. “Their training allows them to be quickly placed with contractors.” 
Velez is enthusiastic about the program. 
“Access for All is giving opportunities to candidates who want to work hard,” he said, “and it gives us the opportunities to employ good workers.” 

In Virginia, one vote determined the balance of power in that state and what path leaders will take in the foreseeable future.
It’s never too early to update your voter registration status and make sure you are registered to vote.  And SMART has made that easier for you by partnering with Rock the Vote to create our simple voter registration tool.
Remember, your vote counts!

The North Florida Building Construction Trades held a sporting clay shoot to benefit the MD Anderson Cancer Hospital in Jacksonville. SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 435 was well represented at the event.  Members at the event were the first to sport the new SMART Army t-shirts available to members who participate in ongoing SMART Army activities.
Click here to Join the SMART Army by filling out this online pledge form.
 

Apprentices from Tri-Counties Sheet Metal Workers JATC, along with labor and management representatives, spent the day helping a small community affected by the Thomas Fire.
Coordinator Brian Hill shared this about the community service project:
The fire cleanup work took place in a small, rural community near where the fire originated. The area lost six of its twelve homes. Primarily, we provided general community cleanup of downed trees to create better access for emergency vehicles, Southern California Edison electrical workers, and homeowners. We also worked on dirt roads that had collapsed where they crossed drainage. The plastic pipes melted, and the road collapsed. The community then built a temporary wooden support but that ended up burning a day or two later, so we made temporary repairs so they could access their water storage tanks.
On the same day, apprentices also volunteered at the Ventura Catholic Charities pantry nearby, distributing hygiene kits and meals to those in need.

As recently as last week, in Virginia, one vote determined the balance of power in that state’s legislature.
Remember that when the time comes to vote, especially in this year’s important midterm elections.
It’s never too early to update your voter registration status and make sure you are registered to vote.
SMART has partnered up with Rock the Vote to bring you a new easy to use voter registration tool. 
You can’t really have a say in things if you don’t vote.
 
 

SMART Mechanical Department General Committee 2 General Chairman John McCloskey announced Jan. 8 that a tentative agreement with Amtrak has been reached. SMART-MD and coalition partners Transportation Communications Union, National Conference of Firemen and Oilers/SEIU, International Association of Machinists, International Brotherhood of Boiler Makers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Transport Workers Union of America, which represents 57% of all Amtrak employees, reached this tentative agreement.
On Wednesday and Thursday, January 4^th and 5^th, the above-mentioned rail unions met in Washington, D.C., with Amtrak representatives and the coalition unanimously endorsing the tentative agreement. The tentative agreement will be rolled out to SMART-MD membership for ratification in the coming weeks. Upon ratification, the membership would receive an immediate 4.25% wage increase followed by an additional 2.75% on July 1, 2018. On July 1, 2019, membership shall receive another 3% increase followed by two further increases of 3.75% in July 2020 and 2021 for a compounded increase of 18.9%. Active employed members along with members who have subsequently retired or died are entitled to full retroactive pay.
If members ratify the tentative agreement, starting on Jan. 1, 2018, members’ Health and Welfare monthly premium would be frozen at $228 for the life of the contract that expires on December 31, 2021, with no retroactive H&W payments prior to January 2018.
General Chairman John McCloskey stated, “This agreement provides our members with real wage increases with full retroactive pay, and freezes the monthly Health and Welfare contributions for the entire term of the agreement. I want to thank my Local Chairmen and members for their support throughout this process.”

SMART has updated its Member Benefits section exclusively for SMART members with new offerings such as discounts for movie and theme park tickets along with other entertainment options.
As a member of SMART, you have access to one of the leading member benefit programs in the nation.  Sign up for or visit the Members’ Section at smart-union.org to tour some of the member benefits you can use.
From discounts on wireless phone service to exclusive rates on world-class amusement parks and entertainment options, your Union has you covered.
Keep the site bookmarked in the future as we continue to add to the value of your SMART Union membership with new member benefits and services.