Category: Members Journal
Michigan repeals anti-worker “right-to-work” law
Pro-labor elected officials in Michigan restored workers’ right to collectively bargain and ensured workers are offered competitive wages, finally rewarding the efforts of union workers and allies. House Democrats voted on March 8 to repeal the state’s decade-old so-cal [...]
SMART members, union volunteers build waterfowl blinds for National Wildlife Refuges
Waterfowlers in the Northwest will have access to several new duck hunting blinds in the Mid- Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex (NWRC) because of a recent Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) Work Boots on the Ground conservation project completed by union volunteers.
EPI study estimates money lost by misclassified workers
A new analysis by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) estimates that misclassified construction workers lose out on as much as $16,729 per year in income and job benefits compared with what they would have earned as employees. The study, which broadly focuses on worker miscl [...]
U.S. Department of Education commits to helping students achieve union careers
United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona laid out the Department of Education’s priorities for 2023 during a Raising the Bar event in January — including a new focus on helping students achieve careers in the jobs created by the CHIPS Act, the Inflation Reduction [...]
SMART Rail, Mechanical and Engineering (RME) Department spotlight: Kevin Downing (Local 363), General Committee 2 executive board member
Tell us about yourself and your career at Amtrak. Growing up as a young boy in the inner city of Washington, DC was very tough, but it built me into the man I am today. A memory at the precipice of my mind that I will never forget is losing my mother at the age […]
SMART Women’s Committee welcomes new members
The SMART Women’s Committee works to recruit, retain and promote women in our trade and ensure women have support networks that empower them to reach their fullest potential. This work is especially vital as SMART continues to strengthen and grow our union, and it requires al [...]
SMART Heroes hits five-year milestone
Members of the military preparing to leave the service often have difficulties transitioning to civilian jobs — they suffer a loss of community, have trouble relating to civilians who don’t understand military life and struggle with how to find a career, not just a job. Five [...]
SMART recognizes two loyal staff members
Jackie Bennet retired from the SMART International Association on February 1, 2023, concluding 36 years of service. A dedicated and passionate employee, Jackie began as a clerk, then supported various departments as a secretary and retired as the assistant office manager. Thr [...]