The patience and persistence of SMART union organizers is set to pay off for both workers and a new signatory contractor in New Jersey.
About three years ago, the Local 27 (Southern New Jersey) Organizing Department began to connect with a small but growing duct cleaning contractor called Induct Air Duct Cleaning. What started as a simple cold-call visit gradually turned into meaningful conversations, with organizers stopping by the shop periodically to discuss how Local 27 might be able to provide expanded opportunities for the company’s success and growth, always leaving the door open for the next meeting and further discussion.
Over time, those brief discussions turned into meaningful dialogue with the company’s owner. As trust slowly developed, the conversations moved from quick visits at the shop door to scheduled sit-down meetings where the organizers and the owner could talk more openly about the future of the company and the benefits of becoming a union contractor.
The local took a slow and steady approach. During several meetings over the years, organizers focused on building a relationship rather than forcing a quick decision. They explained how becoming signatory could provide access to a skilled workforce, training resources and long-term stability in a growing industry sector. The owner listened carefully, asking questions about how the agreement would work and what it would mean for his business.
Eventually, the outreach paid off. The company agreed to move forward, making Induct Air Duct Cleaning the first duct cleaning contractor to become signatory with Local 27.
What began as simple walk-ins and persistence ultimately turned into a successful organizing effort — one that expanded the local’s reach into a specialized part of the HVAC industry and set a precedent for future organizing in the duct cleaning sector. Now, both Induct and its workers are set to benefit for the years to come.
Great work, Local 27!
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