SMART Local 16 holds first orientation for newly organized sheet metal workers

By Ivan Meyen, SMART International representative

Organizing is not just about recruiting new sheet metal workers into our union; retaining members is a critical part of the equation. SMART local unions need to grow in order to bolster collective bargaining and ensure health and pension funds remain strong. That can only happen when members both join and stay in SMART.

To retain new members, it is vital that they understand what their union is and the support that defines SMART membership. For that reason, SMART Local 16 held its inaugural new organized member orientation on March 7, 2026. This marked the first of what will be many new organized member orientations, led by Regional Manager Brian Noble, Regional Rep. Darrin Boyce, Organizer Korri Stubenrauch and Scott Stricklyn with the local’s Special Projects Department.

Traditionally, SMART Local 16 has educated recruits about the benefits of union membership during the new member sign-up process. Officers and staff use this time to give incoming members a thorough overview of their new union; however, it can often feel like information overload for our latest SMART brothers and sisters. While third-year Local 16 apprentices attend a weeklong Youth-to-Youth class — aiming to build a local culture centered around organizing — no such option exists for members who are organized into the local. To solve that problem, the organizing team at SMART Local 16 created the new orientation, a Saturday class specifically for members who joined the local through organizing.

Inaugural orientation class charts course for the future

One challenge with offering the class was determining whether enough relationships had been built to motivate members to attend a Saturday session. Ultimately, SMART Local 16 set a date and decided to move forward to see if there would be attendance. Letters were sent out to members, and the class was scheduled.

The orientation began with a “What Is the Union?” session, covering union history, structure and how SMART works. Members discussed how to use the union as a resource, heard testimonials from organized members and learned how to get the most out of being in SMART. Additional topics included what to watch for on the job and how to get help when needed. Time was also spent ensuring everyone could log into the online local and International member portals and allowing members to share their experiences as SMART members so far.

Eight members and one spouse attended the class. Their time at Local 16 ranged from three months to five years, but participants shared one thing in common: They all said they were glad they attended and found the class informative. Participants also received a hoodie that is only available to those who attend the class.

Moving forward, the goal is to spread the word about the value of this class so new members make time to participate when they receive the invitation. For now, SMART Local 16 plans to hold the class twice a year.

Organizing is an ongoing process. New members joining our union is only the beginning; ensuring they become active, engaged members — who take advantage of every part of their membership — is the key next step. When that happens, and when new members stay in SMART, every member benefits.

Great work, Local 16!