SMART/SMACNA Partnership Initiatives
The SMART-SMACNA Best Practices Market Expansion Task Force: The vision for the task force is to identify, promote, and communicate industry best practices, to the local level, that create a cooperative environment where local labor and management collaborate to implement practices to grow market share, thereby increasing work opportunities and memberships. Learn more by logging into the Partners in Progress website here, and view related resources here.
Belonging and Excellence for All (BE4ALL): Launched in December 2021, the BE4ALL initiative is a joint effort of SMACNA, SMART and the International Training Institute (ITI). BE4ALL seeks to positively impact the unionized sheet metal industry’s work culture so that we can attract and retain the best, most skilled sheet metal workers. BE4ALL strengthens our workforce, benefits our communities and makes the unionized sheet metal industry stronger and more competitive by reflecting the communities where we operate and the people we serve. BE4ALL helps our contractors and our members meet the real-world demand for the best and most qualified workforce available and also reinforces union solidarity. Learn more here.
RISE Committee: Both SMART and SMACNA have their own RISE (Representation, Integrity, Support, Empowerment) Committees that collaborate on a variety of initiatives, including webinars designed to benefit members of both organizations. Learn about the SMART RISE Committee here, and learn about the SMACNA RISE Committee here.
Maternity Leave Benefit Fund: This benefit fund, jointly funded by SMART and SMACNA as part of the Sheet Metal Industry Labor-Management Cooperation Fund, is designed as a reimbursement for local unions participating in health and welfare funds. During pregnancy, the fund will reimburse up to $800 per week beginning in the second trimester; after pregnancy, the benefit will reimburse up to $800 per week for six weeks (with two additional weeks — eight total — available for Cesarean deliveries). In total, the benefit provides for a combined reimbursement of 26 weeks. Read more here.
BE4ALL
Rapid Response Protocol: The Rapid Response Protocol is intended to help union officers prepare for and respond to incidents of bias, discrimination and harassment. Why is this important? There are many reasons: (1) we should be welcoming all members; (2) this is a safety issue; (3) we need to recruit and retain members; (4) legal liability; (5) our governments and communities expect change; and (6) union solidarity.
Committee Development
The SMART Women’s Committee offers opportunities to network and participate in workshops and events that allow SMART sisters to develop skill sets and become more active as they take a leadership role within the union. The committee looks to provide both online and offline resources and support for women members across North America, as well as for those considering a productive career in the sheet metal industry. Learn more here.
The SMART RISE Committee is made up of members from varying backgrounds across North America. View committee members, recorded webinars, resources and active campaigns here.
The SMART BE4ALL Committee consists of SMART members across the United States and Canada, who work to help shape and guide the overall direction of BE4ALL’s work. The committee works collectively with SMACNA’s committee and ITI representatives to ensure a broad and effective process. Learn more here.
TOOTRiS Child Care Initiative
In January 2025, SMART partnered with TOOTRiS to offer members at participating U.S. sheet metal locals access to wraparound child care benefits. With the newly launched childcare benefit, U.S. members at participating locals gain access to over 200,000 licensed childcare providers nationwide via TOOTRiS’s state-of-the-art platform, including programs offering non-traditional hours, drop-in care and 24/7 availability. TOOTRiS technology — accessible via the TOOTRiS app or online — allows parents to search, compare and enroll in care based on real-time availability tailored to their needs. And the concierge service offers prompt, personalized assistance, whether trying to find summer camp a year in advance or dealing with a childcare need at an unorthodox time. Learn more here.
Disaster Relief Fund
In the unfortunate event that members are impacted by natural disaster, SMART provides assistance to help see them through difficult times through the Disaster Relief Fund. Learn more here.
