News Archive
Deyette, Bailey join SMART International leadership team
The SMART International leadership team is adding two new staff members, bolstering the International’s capacity in order to better serve members across North America.
“The purest form of brotherhood”
For SMART members, solidarity is more than just a word or belief system. It’s action. It means having each other’s backs without question — extending a hand without expecting anything in return.
What is so-called “right to work” — and why should we care?
So-called “right-to-work” laws force unions to represent and bargain on behalf of workers who don’t pay dues. Union dues are the funds that empower local unions to devote resources to bargaining better contracts, organizing more jobsites and workplaces, and better representing members.
New TD crew room flyers available
Launched late last year, SMART-TD’s E-3 Committee focuses on outreach to locals and keeping members updated on important news and benefits by using various tools, including new, customizable bulletin board flyers.
NABTU partners with Rowan University on construction management degrees and certificates
SMART members have an excellent opportunity to further their careers in the construction industry via Rowan University’s Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management program, which has been endorsed by North America’s Building Trades Unions and is specifically intended for members pursuing career development in the building trades.
Local 5 organizes enormous growth in North Carolina
When SMART Local 5 (East Tennessee and North Carolina) member Steven Ruger became an organizer in April 2023, the local had around 1,100 members — the majority in Tennessee. Today, thanks in large part to aggressive organizing conducted by Local 5 and spearheaded by Ruger, the local has more than 1,500 members, and the size of Local 5’s North Carolina membership has increased by more than 60%.
Revamped Funds executive team ready for the future
When Michael Harris chose the word “elevate” as the motivational theme for the International Training Institute (ITI) staff for 2025, he had no idea what was in store.
Photography is a lifeline for member, veteran
When Brother Jeffery (JP) Caffee (Local 465, Wyoming) returned from Iraq and recovered from alcohol and drug addiction, he found himself looking for a way to occupy his time and stay clean. His salvation was photography. Read on to learn about his recovery journey and the role that his union membership has played.