Tilden Dickson – a Navajo Nation member and a 12-year, second-generation SMART Local 359 sheet metal worker – introduced President Joe Biden at a March 20, 2024 event in Arizona, where the president announced an investment of up to $8.5 billion in America’s semiconductor manufacturing. The funding, made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act, will create jobs for SMART members, who are already at work building chip manufacturing plants in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio and beyond.
“I grew up in a union household,” Dickson said during his remarks. “I saw first-hand the great value of a good job with livable wages, healthcare and pension benefits.”
Dickson now works as a BIM coordinator in Chandler and is planning to soon buy his first house.
“I’m not the only one whose life has been transformed for the better. Thanks to President Biden’s historic investments, there are now hundreds of new jobs for the people of Arizona,” he said.
“I am so grateful and proud we have a president who has an understanding of the importance of giving opportunities like this to communities like ours, and millions of Americans like me.”
Great job, brother!
Related News
- SMART General President Michael Coleman’s statement on removal of STB member Robert Primus
- Report: Department of Energy delays funding for energy efficiency work in public schools
- SMART General President Michael Coleman’s statement on ICE detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia
- SMART General President Michael Coleman’s statement on reports that Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been released to his family
- DOL reduces Davis-Bacon rates in Florida, lowering standards and bargaining power
- New clinic for members, families opens in Washington
- Union strong: Local officers conclude 2025 Leadership Conference
- The work continues: SMART officers prepare for the fights ahead on day two of leadership conference
- Officers work to strengthen advocacy in Leadership Conference breakouts
- Union officers fight for what matters on first day of SMART 2025 Leadership Conference