In September 2022, SMART Local 280 (Vancouver, British Columbia) led the SMART Army’s involvement in the annual Terry Fox Run to raise money for cancer research. Fox was a Canadian athlete and cancer research activist who, after losing a leg to cancer, embarked on a cross-Canada run in 1980 to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although cancer eventually forced him to end his quest, and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting legacy in Canada and around the world.
“For 143 days, Terry Fox ran a marathon a day,” Local 280 Business Representative Jeff Lind explained during an episode of SMART News. “He ran through rain and snow and wind, humidity. He stopped in almost 400 towns and just talked about why he was running. He was starting at 4:30 in the morning and usually didn’t finish until about 7pm at night.”
Watch Jeff Lind discuss the Terry Fox Run on SMART News.
“He’s a legend in Canada,” Lind added. “And I think we all know somebody who’s been affected by cancer. So … if I look at SMART Army as a whole and our SMART membership, internationally, that was something I looked at and I thought ‘What can we all do together?’ You know, being in a union, the solidarity behind it … I thought, this is something we could do not just in Canada with the locals, but across the International.”
The Local 280 SMART Army team exceeded its $1,000 fundraising goal during the 2022 run, raising $1,575 for the Terry Fox Foundation to fund cancer research. And in spring 2023, the Terry Fox Run honored the local’s participation with a Certificate of Appreciation plaque, writing: “We are grateful for your team’s no-quit attitude, for setting a positive example for others, and for showing compassion for cancer patients.”
SMART members have been on the forefront of green union jobs for decades. Buildings account for about 40% of total energy use in the United States, with more than 35% of the energy generated in the U.S. used to operate buildings’ HVAC systems. SMART’s manufacturing members produce energy efficient air movement equipment, heating and cooling machinery and insulated duct systems. Across our two nations, these production workers build dedicated outside air systems (DOAS) units, rooftop units, water-source heat pumps, underfloor air distribution systems and chilled beams – all designed to increase energy efficiency and keep our buildings running smoothly. These green, leading-edge technologies are not only designed and manufactured by SMART members; our union sheet metal workers install the products as well.
A SMART production member at work at BYD in Los Angeles.A SMART member installs HVAC ductwork.
Members of the SMART Transportation Division are also doing their part to reduce harmful pollution, particularly in the transit sector. Whether moving passengers from point A to point B on electric buses in California or bringing citizens to work on commuter rail systems in Chicago, New Jersey and beyond, TD workers are helping accomplish the dual achievement of reducing automobile emissions and efficiently and safely transporting Americans to their destinations. And at BYD in Los Angeles, the sheet metal and transportation sectors combine, as SMART Local 105 members help manufacture electric busses for local communities.
“Whether schools, hospitals, offices or apartment buildings, SMART workers are helping reduce energy output and keeping our nations working in cleaner, healthier ways,” said SMART General President Joseph Sellers, Jr. “These green union jobs are vital for our countries and our membership.”
SMART Local 0023 members working for Santa Cruz Metro.
“The transition to net-zero is a once-in-a-lifetime economic shift, not seen since the industrial revolution, and it is absolutely vital that this work is performed by union members,” noted SMART Director of Canadian Affairs Chris Paswisty. “Whether retrofitting buildings across Canada to increase energy efficiency, performing indoor air quality work or installing green roofs, the incentives included in the 2023 Federal Budget will put our members’ labour in high demand, creating green union jobs.”
The electric vehicle industry has proven to be fertile ground for SMART, with hundreds of members currently working to build EV battery factories in states like Kentucky and Ohio. But the burgeoning sector also presents a warning – unlike the “Big Three” automakers of old, many electric vehicle manufacturers are extremely nonunion. That’s why SMART members and locals must do more than merely take on the green energy work of today, Sellers added. Labor needs to organize and engage lawmakers to ensure the economy of tomorrow works for future generations.
“There was once a time when green energy goals were at odds with the labor movement. But SMART sheet metal and transportation workers know the importance of ensuring the jobs of the future are good, family-sustaining, green union jobs,” he explained. “Across our two nations, SMART members and local unions must push our communities to adopt green energy policies with strong labor standards attached – from decarbonizing schools in Rhode Island to installing green roofing technology in Canada. We will continue bringing workers into our union to meet these new workforce needs, and work with our elected officials to make this transition to green energy with union labor.”
The Government of Canada released its 2023 Federal Budget on March 28, 2023, outlining the government’s priorities for the near and long-term future. Importantly for union construction workers and SMART members, the 2023 budget makes enormous investments in a green energy system that will be largely built by union labor.
“Building on the supports for green technologies announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, including the Investment Tax Credits for Clean Technology and Hydrogen, the Budget included expansions to the previous credits along with an Investment Tax Credit for Clean Electricity and for Clean Technology Manufacturing,” Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) Executive Director Sean Strickland said in a statement following the release of the budget. “… Tying these incentives to Prevailing Wage that includes union compensation, including benefits and pension contributions, will raise the standard of living for all workers, maximize benefits for the entire economy and create a legacy of good paying, middle-class jobs throughout this transition.”
The definition of prevailing wage in the federal budget would be based “on union compensation, including benefits and pension contributions from the most recent, widely applicable multiemployer collective bargaining agreement, or corresponding project labour agreements, in the jurisdiction within which relevant labour is employed.” Additionally, the budget specifies that at least 10% of tradesperson hours worked must be performed by registered apprentices in the Red Seal trades – which include sheet metal and roofing – and the government intends to apply prevailing wage and registered apprentice requirements to the Investment Tax Credit for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage, and the Investment Tax Credit for Clean Electricity.
“The transition to net-zero is a once-in-a-lifetime economic shift, not seen since the industrial revolution, and it is absolutely vital that this work is performed by union members,” noted SMART Director of Canadian Affairs Chris Paswisty. “Whether retrofitting buildings across Canada to increase energy efficiency, performing indoor air quality work or installing green roofs, the incentives included in the 2023 Federal Budget will put our members’ labour in high demand.”
The past year was a year of progress for SMART, the Canadian Building Trades Unions (CBTUs) and the labour movement.
In the April federal budget, the Canadian government implemented the Labour Mobility Tax Deduction for Tradespeople, which assists employees when traveling for work. Our members deserve thanks for sending letters to their MPs in support of this important measure. Other wins for workers in the 2022 budget included the doubling of the Union Training and Innovation Program and new investments in green technologies, which will play a crucial role in creating jobs as we transition to net zero.
On Earth Day, we brought attention to “Building It Green,” a federally funded project of the CBTUs that aims to analyze the construction industry’s role in building and maintaining net-zero projects. This project demonstrates that governments, industry and workers can work together to achieve environmental protection and economic development.
The CBTUs were also responsible for several workforce development initiatives in 2022. They created the “Construction Trades Hub,” an online recruitment tool that allows workers to explore opportunities in skilled trades, and also launched “In The Trades” — a federally funded program that aims to connect 4,000 first-year Red Seal apprentices with small and medium-sized unionized contractors over the next two years.
If we each commit to bringing at least one non-union worker into the ranks of organized labour, we will be making a difference — a difference for that one worker, his or her family, and our great union.
After two long years of virtual meetings, SMART members were finally able to meet in person in August in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, for the 46th annual Canadian Council of Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers. Apprenticeship competitions were held at the convention for both sheet metal and roofing. I want to congratulate host Local 512 and its business manager/ financial secretary-treasurer, brother Gerard Murphy, for an outstanding convention.
High-profile events with federal politicians were also a feature of 2022. In the fall, we held an announcement of the 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan at the Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario with Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser; we were pleased to see that immigration policy seems to be prioritizing the entry of skilled workers — a crucial step in addressing labour shortages. Most notably, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dropped by the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers’ Training Centre in early September, where he learned about the hands-on training that our apprentices receive.
November proved to be a memorable month for the labour movement. When the Ford government in Ontario invoked the “notwithstanding clause” in Bill 28 to override our Charter right to collective bargaining, the labour movement brought the full weight of its influence to bear and forced the government to repeal the bill. Later that month, an Ontario court struck down Bill 124, which had imposed limits on public sector wages. Although the government intends to appeal the decision, the labour movement has clearly announced itself as a force to be reckoned with when our sacred rights are threatened.
Finally, November 2022 marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the roofers section of the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (now SMART) in Toronto. On November 12, 1952, the roofers held their historic first meeting and reported that certification had been received in respect of four roofing firms. As the government looks to reduce emissions and retrofit buildings, the roofing sector will continue to thrive, and the skills of our members will be increasingly in demand. Congratulations on 70 years!
May the new year bring health and prosperity to all our members, along with the conviction to build upon our success. We must continue to educate and motivate each other to do the best we can. If we each commit to bringing at least one non-union worker into the ranks of organized labour, we will be making a difference — a difference for that one worker, his or her family, and our great union.
On September 2nd, just ahead of Labour Day 2022, we had the honour of hosting Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister of National Defence and local MP for Oakville Anita Anand, Parliamentary Secretary for Public Safety and local MP for Oakville North-Burlington Pam Damoff, and Parliamentary Secretary for Labour and MP for Sault Ste. Marie Terry Sheehan. They attended a cookout and toured the Provincial Ontario Sheet Metal Workers’ Training Centre (OSMWTC) in Oakville, Ontario.
In his address, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke about the importance of the skilled trades in Canada, thanking trade union members across the country for our work in standing up for a better Canada and recognizing that we are essential partners in how we build a better future for everyone.
During the tour, we emphasized the importance of indoor air quality and verification of proper ventilation. We spoke about the importance of fire dampers and the need for ongoing inspections to ensure that they are properly functioning — and the hazard that could occur when they are not installed correctly. The apprentices attending the centre had the opportunity to give Prime Minister Trudeau a hands-on training experience by taking a flat sheet of metal and producing a length of duct ready for installation. The prime minister was also presented with a copper clock on our behalf.
In his address, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke about the importance of the skilled trades in Canada, thanking trade union members across the country for our work in standing up for a better Canada and recognizing that we are essential partners in how we build a better future for everyone.
In turn, we thanked the government for its recommitment of $84 million to the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). These grants support the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen union-based apprenticeship training, innovation and enhanced partnerships.
The UTIP’s objective is to improve the quality of training in the trades to better support a skilled, inclusive, certified and productive trades workforce. It also aims to address barriers that prevent key groups, such as women and Indigenous people, from succeeding in the trades. Our training centres and locals across the country have benefited from the program.
Events like the one at OSMWTC are important for both our union and our country. As Canada sets its target for net zero emissions by 2050 and begins retrofitting all buildings across Canada — and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to elevate the importance of ventilation, proper fresh air intakes and the increasing of air exchanges — the demand for our highly skilled workers will continue to grow.
At SMART Canada, our members are qualified professionals and certified tradespeople dedicated to all aspects of roofing, architectural cladding, custom sheet metal and complete ventilation systems. Our sheet metal members fabricate and install proper ventilation and air filtering systems to ensure the overall health of our schools, offices, hospitals and homes. Our roofing and architectural members play a vital role in the building envelope by enhancing and protecting the investments of the project.
Pictured Left to Right — Parliamentary Secretary for Labour and MP for Sault Ste. Marie Terry Sheehan, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades General Vice President and Chair of CBTU Robert Kucheran, Management Co-Chair of OSMWTC and Vice President Estimation of Modern Niagara Kim Crossman, Labour Co-Chair of OSMWTC & Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 397 Dan Krupa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Provincial Building & Construction Trades of Ontario Business Manager Marc Arsenault, Executive Director of OSMWTC Scott Wood, President of the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers’ & Roofers’ Conference and Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 30 Art White and Minister of National Defence and local MP for Oakville Anita Anand.
The building envelope keeps outside elements, such as moisture and humidity, from entering and causing major damage. Envelope components are designed to prevent water leakage or infiltration to the interior by a barrier system that repels and sheds water at the outermost surface. As the building envelope becomes more efficient, the supply of fresh air into buildings is vital.
And most important to the quality of air in buildings is the upgrading and improving of air filtering and HVAC system capacities — another area of expertise for SMART workers. Whether it is cleaning the air within the buildings or cleaning the air before it’s dispersed into the atmosphere, we play an important role to ensure that the air we breathe is fit for human consumption.
Pictured Left to Right — Management Co-Chair of OSMWTC and Vice President Estimation of Modern Niagara Kim Crossman, Labour Co-Chair of OSMWTC & Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 397 Dan Krupa, Minister of National Defence and local MP for Oakville Anita Anand, Executive Director of OSMWTC Scott Wood, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, President of the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers’ & Roofers’ Conference and Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Local 30 Art White.
We must collectively use our expertise and meet with local, provincial and the federal government to be a resource in achieving climate and clean air goals. If we don’t have healthy buildings and healthy homes, we won’t have healthy communities, healthy cities or healthy citizens. We partner with our signatory contractors across Canada to supply generations of hands-on experience and a commitment to safety on every project. Together, we are building strong communities for a better tomorrow — and we need to make sure our governments know.
We want to thank the staff at the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre and the Canadian Building Trades Union, and especially all the apprentices and volunteers for hosting Prime Minister Trudeau. A special thanks to Executive Director Sean Strickland, Government Relations Specialist Rita Rahmati and Director of Communications Kate Walsh at the CBTU, Executive Director Scott Wood and Administrative Assistant Tanja Gaytan at the OSMWTC and Carolyn Crosby, administrative assistant at the SMART Canadian office. It was their collective efforts and hard work in making this a successful event. We are truly grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to showcase the skills and the ability of our membership.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the SMART Ontario Training Centre on Friday, September 2, where he celebrated Labour Day weekend with SMART members, local leadership and Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) Sean Strickland, among others. Along with welcoming the prime minister and discussing policy initiatives, like investments in apprenticeships and workforce development, SMART members presented Trudeau with a copper clock.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stops by the Canadian Building Trades Union and the Sheet Metal Workers Union BBQ to highlight Labour Day, at the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre in Oakville, Ontario, on Friday, September 2nd, 2022.
In June 2022, the SM Local 473 (London, Ontario) SMART Army conducted a food drive, donating 225 pounds of food, a $1,000 check and $150 cash to the London Food Bank Curb Hunger Food Drive.
Pictured L–R: London Food Bank staff member, Local 473 Business Manager Mark Hall, Vice President Albert Morgado, Organizer Patrick Gordon.
SMART published the first episode of SMART News – a new video/web show focused on issues of importance to SMART members and working families across North America – on September 27, 2022, responding to feedback from SMART workers on the information from their union that they find relevant.
“SMART News will focus on issues that matter to you, your job and your family,” said Paul Pimentel of SMART Communications during the first episode. “This is your news, your union, delivering information that matters to you.”
SMART News is intended to fill an information void for SMART members and other workers in North America by specifically addressing events and developments that impact their lives and their communities – in other words, news that often goes uncovered. The first episode features an update from SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson on freight rail contract negotiations; information on new megaprojects and indoor air quality work for sheet metal workers; a discussion on progress made for SMART members with General President Joseph Sellers; an overview on the FRA’s proposed two-person crew regulation from TD Alt. National Legislative Director Jared Cassity; and much more.
Watch the full episode above, or find specific links to segments of the show below. To watch an extended interview with TD President Ferguson, text RRContract to 667336.
The Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (SMWIA — now SMART) began organizing roofers in the Toronto area in the early 1950s. It seemed like the perfect marriage, as sheet metal workers were already organized in most of the roofing shops. The roofers worked long days with no benefits, poor working conditions and sub-par wages — $1.20 per hour at the time.
It was Thursday, Nov. 12, 1952 when roofers in Toronto held their historic meeting and reported that union certification had been received at four firms: Cloke Construction, Apex Roofing, Heather & Little and A.E. Furnival. Roofers who worked for R.S.C. Bothwell, the Board of Education and Plewman were also present at the meeting. A motion was made that a committee investigate roofer classifications and draw up a collective agreement to officially bring roofers into the SMWIA.
This was the beginning of 70 years (and counting) of solidarity and craftsmanship in the roofing industry, with union members standing shoulder to shoulder.
On the following evening, Nov. 13, the inaugural meeting was held, and the first SMWIA roofing officers were elected. The new roofer representatives were President Wm Munroe, Vice President Sandy McLeish, Financial Secretary J. Johnson, Recording Secretary R. MacMahon, Warden F. Guerin and Conductor L. Cadieux. This was the beginning of 70 years (and counting) of solidarity and craftmanship in the roofing industry, with union members standing shoulder to shoulder and working diligently to represent the best interests of these skilled workers. Today, almost every local in Canada has roofers in its membership.
The roofing industry has seen many changes over the last seven decades. Coal tar pitch, steep pitch and Trinidad asphalt were used back in the 1950s. Now we have conventional and inverted roofing systems, EPDM and single-ply PVC. Green roofing is now populating the skyline; builders are installing green roofs on their projects not just because they are visually appealing, but to help reduce greenhouse gases and to improve air quality. As the government looks to reduce emissions and retrofit buildings, the roofing sector will continue to thrive. The skills of our members will be increasingly in demand.
The Infrastructure Health & Safety Association’s (IHSA) Roofing Trade Committee has been active in producing safety manuals and public periodicals to help keep roofs safe. The committee’s work includes a health and safety manual, heat stress brochures and advisories on roof openings and skylights. The roofing industry is constantly changing, and SMART and its members are committed to organizing and improving the health and safety of all roofers.
Today our members provide their services for new roof construction, roof repair, restoration, maintenance and roof replacement using the most up-to-date methods and roofing technologies. Every two years a national roofing apprenticeship competition is held, where roofing members from all over Canada come together to compete and showcase their skills. This year’s roofing competition will be held in Newfoundland this August. I want to wish the best of luck to all the competitors.
We’ve come a long way in 70 years. Congratulations on seven decades of solidarity!!
After the recent disaster in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is looking at possibly implementing positive train control (PTC) systems on its railroads.
In 2010 and 2012, two major train derailments have been linked to trainmen not following signal indications. The incident in 2010 at Saint-Charles-de-Bellechase, Quebec, only caused injuries and property damage, while the 2012 incident in Burlington, Ont., caused the deaths of three engineers.
In both cases, it was found that the trains were traveling at excessive speeds while switching tracks, having missed or misinterpreted signals.
Director of TSB rail and pipeline investigations Kirby Jang explains, “In Canada, we have a system called centralized traffic control, which provides visual signals, but there is no automated stopping or slowing of trains if the train crew were to exceed the limits of their authority.
“We believe that there’s a risk of serious train collisions and derailments if rail signals are not consistently recognized and followed. Really, what we’re trying to advocate is that further safety defenses should be implemented to ensure that signal indications of operating speed or operating limits are consistently recognized and followed. That’s a key finding and recommendation out of Burlington,” Jang said.
According to Jang, there are ongoing discussions about PTC systems, which would automatically reduce a train’s speed if it were moving too fast. The TSB is also looking at placing video and voice recording systems inside the cabs of locomotives as a source of data in the event of another derailment or train disaster like the one in Lac-Mégantic.
The TSB can only make recommendations to Transport Canada; it is then up to Transport Canada to decide whether or not they want to act on the recommendations made by the TSB.
