SMART Convention Day 1: DOT secretary headlines day one of SMART General Convention

August 13, 2024

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U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg had a specific message for SMART when he spoke at our organization’s third General Convention.

“Union jobs change the trajectory of generations.”

Buttigieg received a warm welcome from SMART delegates, and he matched their enthusiasm with an exciting message that the continued success of America is tied directly to empowering our union workforce.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks during the opening day of the SMART General Convention Aug. 12 at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.

He spoke in detail about the mega projects he and the Biden/Harris administration have put in place in every state in the country that are keeping our Sheet Metal members working. For transportation, he discussed the Federal Railroad Administration regulation mandating two-person crews on freight trains, as well as the new Brightline West high-speed rail project.

Brightline West links Las Vegas, Nevada, to Los Angeles, California. It will provide sheet metal work for building and maintaining the tracks, stations, and infrastructure. When operational it will provide jobs for the SMART-TD members who will operate the trains. 

Speaking directly to SMART-TD’s bus union members, Buttigieg shared his pride in his labor-friendly accomplishments during his three-plus years at the DOT. His administration worked with SMART and the Federal Transit Administration to finalize a rule forming safety committees on bus properties around the country. Our bus operators will be on these safety committees and our members will control the programs that come out of them.

But he, and even the Biden/Harris administration, could not have carried out these things on their own, Buttigieg shared. He gestured to the delegates on the convention floor: “You drove that! That is what the power of organizing can do!”

From left, SMART-TD National Legislative Director Greg Hynes, SMART General President Michael Coleman, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, TD President Jeremy Ferguson and SMART General Secretary-Treasurer John Daniel pause for a photograph.

The convention was energized to hear his message thanks in person, with welcome recognition of the vital role SMART-TD members play in creating positive change. His remarks garnered a standing ovation.

Union jobs and SMART jobs not only “change the trajectory of generations,” Buttigieg said, but also empower each of us to “shape a future your kids can be proud of.”

SMART is grateful to Secretary Buttigieg for taking part in our national convention and the heart-felt address. His message will not be forgotten!