Tag: leadership conference

From overviewing the foundation we’ve built to demonstrating what SMART solidarity means in action, local officers didn’t let up on fighting for what matters on the last day of the 2025 SMART Leadership Conference. Attendees heard from various guest speakers and honored fellow members, leaving New York City with a reinforced bedrock of solidarity on which to stand as we face the challenges ahead.

Read recaps of day one and day two.

“We’ve had the opportunity to learn, to share, to enjoy solidarity … but we also got the chance to recommit to our fight,” General President Michael Coleman said. “This fight is hard, it’s constant, it’s exhausting, a lot of times it’s thankless, but it is worth every minute.”

STB chair visits SMART conference in the wake of merger news

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) plays a key role in the careers and lives of SMART-TD railroaders, overseeing the economic regulation of surface transportation — particularly freight rail — and the development of major railroad legislation. For that reason, SMART is committed to working with the STB in any way possible to benefit the lives of members; a commitment demonstrated as officers welcomed STB Chair Patrick Fuchs to the leadership conference on Wednesday.

“I have so much respect for your work, you, and all your contributions,” Fuchs told attendees.

In his remarks, the STB chair provided an overview of his role and the structure of the STB, as well as his goals as chair, namely accountability and transparency to the public and to the various bodies that the board serves.

But the biggest talking point for officers in the room was the proposed Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger.

Fuchs was prohibited from talking about his personal views on the merger or answering specific questions; however, he was as open as he could be, and he was crystal clear about one thing: “As long as I’m chairman, labor will always have a seat at the table. … We need your perspective.”

SMART-TD found out about the proposed merger from the news. By contrast, Chairman Fuchs — who was appointed chair this year by President Trump — told SMART-TD he wanted labor to be involved. He proved that, to an extent, later in the morning: Following his keynote speech, Fuchs participated in a Q and A session with SMART-TD legislative representatives and general chairs to find out what our issues are at the ballast level.

“What I can promise you is that the board will give [the proposed merger] a fair and thorough review,” he told officers.

Fuchs went out of his way to say that he and the STB are seeking SMART’s input, and input directly from members, to be included in the decision-making process

Officers demonstrate solidarity, honor member engagement in general session

An annual highlight of every SMART Leadership Conference is the Joseph J. Nigro SMART Army Member of the Year award, bestowed upon transportation and sheet metal members who go above and beyond in representing the values of our union.

The SMART-TD winner, Local 200 member Amanda Snide, serves as a local chairperson, local safety and legislative representative and as the Nebraska assistant safety and legislative director — all while working as a switchman and yard foreman in North Platte, one of the largest and busiest rail yards in North America. While introducing Amanda, General President Coleman discussed several stories of her recent service to fellow members and working families.

There was the time when, in response to massive furloughs of car inspectors and workers in the maintenance crafts, she went out of her way to negotiate with Union Pacific management, helping build a path for these formerly non-SMART-TD workers to keep their careers, benefits and pensions by moving to new roles as conductors.

There’s the progress Snide and Nebraska Safety and Legislative Director Andy Foust have made in the statehouse in Lincoln, defying the odds in what is considered to be an extremely unfriendly political climate.

There was the time just this summer when Snide was at the TD Regional Training Seminar in Denver, Colorado, when she got the news that one of her fellow members in North Platte was in an accident and in danger of losing his arm. Without hesitation, Snide left the RTS and headed home to ensure her union brother’s rights were protected, that he received the best possible treatment, and that his family was taken care of.

“That shows exactly what kind of leader Amanda is,” Coleman said. “She truly represents this year’s conference theme.”

“Our union has both provided for me, and provided ways for us to give back — fighting for what really matters, our members,” Snide said, reflecting on her journey. “We refer to one another as family because we rely on mutual support … our collective strength is founded on knowing our brothers and sisters stand ready at our side.”

The 2025 sheet metal Joseph J. Nigro SMART Army Member of the Year couldn’t be in New York City to accept her award. But Local 104 (Northern California) apprentice Rebecca Suen received plaudits from leadership conference attendees all the same. Suen, who spent nine years serving her country in the United States Army — helping her pay for college — originally worked in an office job. But after a while, she just couldn’t take it anymore, and thanks to Local 104’s Veteran Direct Entry Program, she started her sheet metal career in 2022.

Since then, General President Coleman said from the podium, Suen has set an example of what it means to be a SMART member. She is a constant presence at Local 104 volunteer events, and she has spoken in favor of project labor agreements and other pro-worker policies at local city council meetings — offering first-hand testimony that has helped win major victories for both herself and her fellow members.

“That’s the kind of leadership our members need,” said General President Coleman.

Local 104 Business Manager Rick Werner accepted Suen’s award on her behalf, telling attendees: “She is what we all look at as one of our true leaders in the industry. … I can tell you, Rebecca’s in every union meeting, she’s there every time we need her to help out — she steps up.”

Maybe the most inspirational moment of the day came when General President Coleman welcomed host local leaders and HEART 9/11 President Bill Keegan to the stage, where Coleman announced to attendees that, collectively, attendees of the 2025 SMART Leadership Conference raised more than $317,000 for the organization.

“I’m humbled by that figure. That is incredible. That will do so much to help people in this country recover from disasters,” said HEART 9/11 President Keegan.

“I couldn’t be any prouder of this organization,” Coleman added. “We have proven the true power of solidarity.”

Practicing our principles, looking ahead

Even as the 2025 Leadership Conference began to close late Wednesday morning, SMART union officers kept their eyes on the future — taking steps to prepare for the fights ahead.

Workers in the construction and transportation industries are disproportionately affected by mental health and substance abuse issues. That’s why SMART places such an emphasis on pursuing innovative programs to support members’ mental well-being, SMART Director of Wellness and Mental Health Support Chris Carlough reported to the joint session. Along with Union EAP CEO Ben Cort, Carlough detailed the need for robust mental health support systems and resources for members and their families, whether for depression, anxiety, loneliness, suicide prevention, addiction or more. One of those resources? Union EAP.

“We can talk about this — talk is cheap. But when we start putting money behind this and demanding professional care for our members, then we’re doing something,” Carlough said.

“I can look you square in the eye and tell you that our people will fight for your members — for their mental health, for their overall well-being. We will provide the same service and care to you that you give to the world,” Cort added.

The session for sheet metal attendees kicked off with SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger. Hilger has worked in near lockstep with SMART to strengthen the unionized sheet metal industry, recognizing the threat posed by bad-faith contractors, the nonunion sector and other competitors. He also discussed the shared attacks SMART and SMACNA face, from cancelled federal funding for construction projects to tariffs that toy with supply chains that the industry relies on.

“We are nothing without each other,” Hilger said. “We can’t do our jobs without the contractors, we can’t build without you. This is a partnership — and we win when we work together.”

Read a recap that includes details on the SMART-TD session here.

Steve Binder, managing director and head of Taft Hartley at Hamilton Lane, spoke to sheet metal officers about the SMART Air and Energy Fund. The fund, Binder explained, is a way to use union funds to benefit members directly: generating competitive returns for SMART funds and promoting industry growth that creates work hours for SMART members.

“This is about seizing the opportunities that align with our goals — driving growth in the green energy sector, creating jobs for our members, expanding work hours and making sure our money works for us, not against us,” Binder said.

SMART has invested in members in Canada in recent years, including by appointing Bob Gougeon as International representative for government affairs and megaprojects. In his address, Gougeon highlighted the momentum building across Canada for SMART members. From coast to coast to coast, the nation is busy with work — major infrastructure and energy projects are not only underway but also being fast-tracked, thanks to a government that is prioritizing nation-building initiatives.

Looking ahead, Gougeon spoke about preparing for the next wave of opportunities in emerging sectors like green energy. With determination and solidarity, he reminded attendees that we’re not just building projects — we’re changing the world, one day at a time, by standing up for each other and helping those around us.

“Through every job, every new apprentice, every conversation and every helpful gesture, SMART is changing the world, one day at a time,” he said. “Sometimes we don’t realize how our words and actions affect someone’s life. It’s a wonderful thing to hear a member say, ‘I didn’t realize that was possible.’ ‘I really appreciate that.’ And the one that gets me in the heart: ‘You changed my life.’”

One of the most persistent challenges facing working families in the United States is childcare. That’s why SMART has partnered with TOOTRiS to offer wraparound childcare benefits to members at participating United States sheet metal locals. TOOTRiS Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Eric Cutler presented on the impact of childcare on SMART members — and how SMART and TOOTRiS are working together to provide a path forward.  

“Childcare is critically important for working families, for members that are considering starting a family. This program continues to position SMART as a leader in the trades,” Cutler said.  

And Christy Foley, SMART office manager and manager of membership services, reported on the Sheet Metal Workers’ Scholarship Fund and Foundation, playing a video of the year’s “best essay” winner reading her awarded effort. The stepdaughter of Local 265 member Brett Johnson, Amina Idris arrived in the United States after fleeing the war in Ukraine; in a video she recorded reading her essay, she detailed the life-changing impact of her stepfather’s SMART membership, stating, “the union has given me the opportunity to build a new future.”

“Another example of how many lives we touch,” General President Coleman said. “It’s just truly inspiring.”

The fight worth fighting

At the end of the joint session, General President Coleman took the podium for closing comments. Meditating on a successful week of hard work, solidarity and skill building, Coleman noted: “I think about the fight, and what we fight for, every single day. How all we do is lift people up, every single day. And then I think, there’s people out there who hate us.”

There are powerful anti-worker forces across both our nations that don’t just hate our movement, Coleman explained; they want to destroy us. They want to destroy us for what we work for, what we do, how we represent members and what we ask for. They want to destroy us because we ask for dignity, fairness and safety.

“We ask that we’re able to take care of our families and our loved ones, and they want to destroy us,” Coleman said, in disbelief.

That’s why these conferences are so crucial, he added. Because we need everyone together as we work to protect and secure the future for our members.

“I want to thank all of you for being in this fight,” he told officers. “That’s what we’re here for. It’s not easy, I know it — it’s exhausting. But you do it, every single day. And members count on you to do that, every single day. And it is the fight worth fighting.”

And with that, the 2025 SMART Leadership Conference came to a close.

SMART local union officers continued their work on day two of the 2025 SMART Leadership Conference — digging into remarks from high-profile guest speakers and building skills alongside fellow members in breakout sessions.

Before getting into speakers and conference reports, SMART General President Michael Coleman introduced the 2025 Leadership Conference Charity, HEART 9/11. Originally consisting of a team of first responders who came together in the wake of September 11, 2001 — fire fighters, New York City building trades workers and others — HEART 9/11 has evolved into an organization that responds to disasters, providing relief to communities and families across North America and internationally.

“They started out honoring the sacrifices of all who were lost that day,” said General President Coleman. “Now, their mission is to respond to natural and man-made disasters, providing relief to communities and families all over.”

General sessions welcome congressional allies  

Union sheet metal and transportation workers are greatly impacted by the actions of the federal government — both positively, like the Federal Railroad Administration’s two-person crew rule, and negatively, like the recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is set to raise health care costs and cancel projects that would have put SMART members on construction jobs.  

That’s why SMART works tirelessly to develop strong alliances with pro-worker legislators across the political spectrum, advance policy at the state and federal level, and more. On Tuesday, SMART-TD National Safety & Legislative Director Jared Cassity and Governmental Affairs Director Steve Dodd kickstarted the conference’s joint session with a report on our union’s political advocacy.

At the end of 2024, Dodd said, we had billions of dollars invested in infrastructure projects, more than 600 construction projects with project labor agreements in place or being negotiated, investment in registered apprenticeships and updated Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rules. Since January 2025, we have seen a freezing of funding for infrastructure projects, a repealing of an executive order requiring labor standards on federally funded infrastructure projects, the cancellation of billions of dollars in energy projects that would have put SMART members to work, and the passage of a spending bill that will cut jobs and drive up costs for union workers across the country. 

“Despite federal changes,” Dodd noted, “we have had some significant wins at the state level,” referencing offsite fabrication legislation, indoor air quality bills and other job-creating laws local unions passed in states like Virginia, Colorado, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Mexico and Oregon.

Cassity detailed the charge and the work his department pursues, which is focused on both legislative advocacy and on transportation safety. Describing the tragic consequences of the East Palestine disaster, and how that derailment and explosion represent the fight SMART-TD faces every day to protect members, TD’s new national safety and legislative director explained that it is people — SMART-TD members — not technology that truly make a difference.

“It’s not about safety for the railroads. It’s about profit — every single time,” he said, noting that any and all technology that is introduced in the railroad industry needs to support, not replace, union railroaders.

Cassity detailed the many safety initiatives SMART-TD is pushing for, such as the Confidential Close Call Reporting System, yardmaster hours of service, curbing train lengths and protecting bus and transit operators. Looking forward, he said, the National Safety & Legislative Department will continue to build bipartisan support for operator assault prevention, the Rail Safety Enhancement Act, funding the Railroad Retirement Board and beyond.

Despite recent setbacks, the work of Cassity, Dodd and SMART members across North America made itself evident in remarks from Congressman Tom Suozzi, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Congresswoman and New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill and Congressman Joe Morelle, political leaders who have stood by SMART members throughout their public service careers.

Congressman Suozzi, who represents Long Island and parts of Queens, addressed the conference on Monday morning. Suozzi has defined his time in Congress by pushing for prevailing wages, strong apprenticeship programs, union jobs and two-person crews, and he proactively stands alongside SMART-TD members at the Long Island Rail Road, advocating for their priorities in Congress. He emphasized that he wants divisive politics swapped out in favor of “back to the basics,” which means that across party lines, politicians should be advocating forfair wages, strong unions and rebuilding the middle class.  

Suozzi told attendees that he will remain an ally and has promised to fight for the elimination of taxes on overtime, support pro-worker legislation like two-person crews and will promote collaboration between parties to improve SMART members’ lives. 

“We need to return back to rewarding hard work,” he said. “When you play by the rules, you should earn a decent life.”

Rep. Jeffries, who has worked to support and pass laws that benefit sheet metal and transportation workers for years, fired up officers with a speech about our core American values and the fight ahead:

“What an honor and privilege to be with this great union during this critical time — a union that continues to fight for hardworking American taxpayers, for your members, for people who are working hard to pursue the American dream.”

Jeffries outlined the pro-worker legislation he was proud to help pass from 2021-2024: the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, all of which created jobs and, as he said, “put the American worker first.”

“When you put workers first,” he added, “when you put unions first, you put America first.”

When you work hard and play by the rules, you should be able to provide for yourself and your families. Costs are too high, Jeffries said, and the actions of Congress and the current presidential administration aren’t doing anything to stop that, particularly with the passage of the 2025 spending bill. That bill, Jeffries noted, is an attack on healthcare, on organized labor, on good-paying jobs. He promised that in response, he and fellow House Democrats would put their focus on making the lives of working families and union members better: “We don’t need to be in a country of the billionaires, by the billionaires and for the billionaires. We should be a country of organized labor, by organized labor, for organized labor.”

The fight ahead, Jeffries said, is not going to be easy. The road will be challenging. But unions and worker allies aren’t going to back down. He vowed to work hard to elect a pro-union Congress that will fight on behalf of SMART members, the right to organize, prevailing wages and beyond.

“Together, we will succeed,” Jeffries declared.

During her time in Congress, Rep. Sherrill has done more than just talk about being a pro-worker candidate. With her votes to pass job-creating laws for sheet metal workers and her advocacy for railroad safety and union jobs in the transportation industry, she has walked the walk. Sherrill took time off the campaign trail for New Jersey governor to speak to officers about her dedication to ensuring organized labor and SMART members are prioritized, whether in Congress or, if elected, as Jersey governor.

“I know that people come before you all the time, and I know that you hear all the time about people’s labor connections,” Sherrill said. “It’s important that we acknowledge that. It’s important that we understand just how many families across this great country have been impacted by labor unions.”

She talked about her support for prevailing wages, project labor agreements, infrastructure funding and beyond, as well as her votes for the PRO Act and the National Apprenticeship Act. She vowed to carry that same dedication to the New Jersey statehouse.

“We’re facing big challenges in the Garden State,” Sherrill said.

Discussing her campaign to build housing and infrastructure in New Jersey — with strong labor standards to put SMART members to work — and lower costs for working families across the state, she described the importance of investing in public transit and transportation in the state, ensuring that railroad crews and transit operators are safe and protected. (Sherrill has worked closely with New Jersey State Legislative Director Ron Sabol in the past.) She also detailed her plans to expand apprenticeship programs and invest in childcare and mental health programs for members and families.

“While some paint this election as a Democrat versus Republican narrative, that’s not what this is about,” Sherill concluded. “This election is about making our state the best possible state for working families.”

Rep. Morelle has represented Rochester, New York, in Congress since 2018, standing up for Local 46 sheet metal workers and all SMART members nationwide. His voting record reflects his actions on behalf of SMART workers and families — voting for job-creating laws like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS Act, the Rail Workers Sick Leave Act and more. During his remarks to conference attendees, he thanked International and local leaders and SMART members everywhere for the work they do every day to better our country. He also outlined the ways he and fellow pro-worker legislators are fighting alongside SMART on behalf of members — not with words, but with actions.

Informed by his father’s life as a union plumber, Morelle discussed the importance of doing the work, whether on the jobsite, in the railyard or in the halls of government. 

“That’s what American exceptionalism is — it’s not about being richer, about being more sophisticated, it’s about outworking everybody … and that’s what SMART members do,” he said.

Morelle also talked about how the recently passed spending bill takes money from the poorest people in America in order to benefit the richest. As billionaires get richer and working people suffer, he called for investment in union labor, PLAs on every project in America, the passage of the PRO Act and the National Apprenticeship Act, and more.

“If we want to fix the problems, we need to spend less time talking, more time doing. … Let’s not waste time,” he concluded.

Earlier in the morning, conferencegoers also heard from Helmets to Hardhats Executive Director Martin Helms. Helms leads Helmets to Hardhats’ efforts to help veterans transition to good, fulfilling careers in the building trades — a noble mission that benefits veterans, communities and local unions alike. SMART has partnered with Helmets to Hardhats for years to help provide those who served with good, fulfilling careers in the sheet metal industry. Helms explained how local unions can partner with H2H and help veterans use the GI Bill to join the unionized sheet metal industry, urging officers to continue outreach to those who served our country.

“The ultimate success of the program is a joint effort between H2H and the local union and JATC,” Helms said. “I cannot thank you enough for your participation in the H2H program — we’re doing great things.”

Department directors detail SMART’s work to strengthen our union

In both the joint session and individual industry sessions, SMART International directors gave departmental presentations that outlined, broadly, some of SMART’s efforts to secure the future for members across North America.

SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department Director Peter Kennedy, who represents a variety of sheet metal workers in the railroad industry, reported on the many attacks that SMART RME workers face, including the threat of Amtrak privatization, pulled high-speed rail funding, cuts to transit funding and beyond.

“Our members did not go and pick these fights, but I can tell you one thing, we’re going to finish them,” Kennedy said.

“We’re doing some good work – we’re winning, and we’re creating some good opportunities for our members,” he added, detailing recent contract wins in Boston and San Diego, as well as organizing victories in Florida and Vermont.

Through efforts like the Belonging and Excellence for All initiative, the SMART-SMACNA maternity leave benefit, the childcare benefit program with TOOTRiS and beyond, the SMART Department of Special Projects aims to better the lives of SMART members, improve recruitment and retention, and grow our union’s collective strength. Department Director Louise Medina outlined those initiatives and others, including the SMART Women’s Committee, RISE Committee and Disaster Relief Fund, in her presentation to officers, encouraging locals to take advantage of programs designed to benefit members.

“SMART is committed to building a stronger future for every member, in every union hall and on every jobsite,” she said. “We are not just delivering programs, we are building power, connection, and belonging across our union. This is how SMART continues to lead the industry, and this is how SMART keeps fighting for what matters, our members.”

Legislative and governmental challenges at the federal level present troubling challenges to local officers and SMART members in the United States, while in Canada, pro-worker policymaking looks set to place large workforce demands on locals from coast to coast to coast. In both situations, SMART locals have one tried-and-true practice to pursue: organize. SMART Director of Organizing Jason Benson broke down the organizing our union has conducted both over the last five years and in the first quarter of 2025, detailing how International staff members work to support locals.

“To wrap up, my message is simple but powerful,” he said. “We’ve got to organize, organize, organize. Whether it’s through boots on the ground, informed data or blitzes, we are building a smarter, stronger, more resilient union, so let’s keep that progress going together.”

The SMART Production Department works to support production and mixed-classification local unions across North America: advocating for production workers, helping organize more shops, assisting during bargaining and beyond. Director of Production Workers Dave Goodspeed reported on the department’s efforts in all those areas, including the recent formation of the Central States Production Council and the ongoing success of the Production Institute, plus detailed the wins various subsidized production organizers have achieved.

“In 2025, we will see the first graduating class of the Production Institute,” he noted. “Through this program, our greatest hope is that we are developing leaders to grow our production units across the industry and into the next generation.”

The promise of a union pension is one of the most important aspects of SMART membership. Sheet Metal Workers’ National Pension Fund Executive Director Lori Wood provided an in-depth report on the NPF’s finances, projections and the work performed by NPF staff to ensure its past, present and future livelihood. Our union’s pension plans are well-funded and financially stable, reflecting our commitment to ensuring long-term security for our members’ retirement.

Read a recap that includes SMART-TD’s transportation-specific session here.

Whether in the breakout sessions that put officers to work or in the remarks of congressional allies that actually act on behalf of SMART workers, day two of the 2025 SMART Leadership Conferenced demonstrated what fighting for members actually looks like. Union representation extends from the workplace, to the union hall, to Washington, DC, and Ottawa — in any arena where members’ interests can be fought for, SMART will fight for what matters.

“Our solidarity does not have borders. We are all in this fight together. It’s one fight, all fight. So let’s fight for what matters … our members.” 

That quote, delivered by SMART General President Michael Coleman, summed up day one of the 2025 SMART Leadership Conference. Kicking off Monday, August 4, the conference brought local union officers from every craft, trade and industry — across sheet metal, transportation, the United States and Canada — to New York City, New York, with one common purpose. That purpose? The 2025 conference theme: “Fighting for What Matters…Our Members.”  

SMART leaders rally attendees in keynote speeches  

SMART’s elected leadership addressed conference attendees for the bulk of Monday’s general session, outlining the challenges our union has faced and the importance of sticking together for the fights ahead.  

General President Coleman opened his keynote remarks by addressing the circumstances SMART members find ourselves in. To put it simply, SMART and organized labor are facing constant attacks aimed at dividing us.  

Our union, Coleman said, has always fought for the same basic principles: the right to live with dignity, to raise a family, to know your work means something, and your future is secure.  

But lately, he said, “it feels like those basics are getting lost in all of the noise. It feels like those core principals have slipped to page two of people’s priority list.” 

“Brothers and sisters, people are scared,” he added. 

Scare tactics are the oldest trick in the book, particularly when anti-worker entities are trying to undermine the cause of unions and organized labor. Whether it’s railroaders fighting against brutal hours and employers treating safety like it’s optional, sheet metal workers and roofers facing rising costs and attacks on our jobs, or shifting tariff policies meant to turn Americans against Canadians, SMART members are up against a lot right now.  

That’s why it’s more important than ever that we adhere to the conference theme: fighting for what matters, our members.  

“Our solidarity doesn’t have divisions, and it doesn’t have borders,” Coleman declared. “But the fights are going to continue.”  

General President Coleman then addressed what he referred to as the issue that, “might just be the elephant in the room.” This issue was SMART’s fight for due process that surrounds the case of Brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia.  

He leaned into the fact that this union fights for due process for each and every SMART member in the United States and Canada. We fight for due process on the shop floor, we fight for due process in rail yards, and we fight for due process in bus garages. Your union membership does not quit when you clock out.  

This is why we fight. That’s what defines SMART membership. And those values are vital as we face the powerful forces across North America that hate us. Coleman referenced a recent op-ed written by Steve Forbes that accused SMART-TD of buying our hard-won two-person crew rule.  

“See, people like Steve Forbes can’t imagine a world where working people have any power. They just can’t fathom that,” Coleman said. 

General President Coleman wrapped up his opening remarks by addressing the uncertainty we face in the world today. He talked about the job-threatening mergers being proposed on the rail system. He talked about the near daily headlines about megaprojects being cancelled that looked set to promise years of good-paying jobs for sheet metal brothers and sisters.  

But then he pointed out that this is why we are here at this leadership conference. We are training and preparing to put up the best damn fight we can because that is what our membership expects and deserves.  

“…let me tell you what gives me hope,” Coleman said. “This right here. This gathering of labor leaders. The solidarity we developed over the years. The solidarity that we saw last year at the convention.” 

“And that,” he concluded, “is what this moment demands.” 

General Secretary-Treasurer John Daniel used his remarks to speak directly to the officers in the room:  

“We are in a fight that matters,” he told attendees.  

He pointed out that officers’ leadership must revolve around listening and responding to members’ needs. 

And in 2025, “All that matters is this: Can I take care of my family?” he said. “That is where the politics get real.”   

That’s why, at the International level, SMART is working tirelessly to take advantage of new tools and data to strengthen our union’s resilience and bolster efforts to recruit, retain and grow. And it’s why, Daniel reemphasized, every leader – from the newest elected officer to the seasoned rep — needs to refuse comfort and instead continuously listen and lead.  

“Let’s fight for what matters,” he said. ”Not just for our jobs. Let’s fight for our families. Let’s fight for our futures; our ability to look the next apprentice in the eye and say, we’ve got your back.  

“I am here to fight with you,” he concluded. “We are here to fight together”  

Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson used his remarks to urge SMART-TD leaders to match the courage and commitment our members display every day. He pointed out that in moments of danger, on the job and in their communities, SMART members are known for their decisive and selfless leadership, and that we owe it to them to lead from the front, reflecting that same warrior spirit back to them.  

He pointed out the importance of this mentality, especially in the face of threats like the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, which could jeopardize jobs, safety and our union’s strength.

“Our leadership must mirror the fight our members display — and stand just as strong.”

He urged every officer in attendance to take the information they will receive this week to heart and to use it to better defend our brothers and sisters. 

Attendees also heard from leaders from the conference’s host local unions: General Chairperson, SMART-TD General Committee of Adjustment 505 Anthony Simon, Local 28 (New York City and Long Island) Business Manager Eric Meslin and Local 137 (New York City) Business Manager Anthony Fotiadis.  

Simon, a longtime fixture in the New York labor movement, discussed the fitting location for the 2025 Leadership Conference, connecting New York’s legendary resilience to the work SMART members and officers do every day.  

“Here in New York, we know what it means to fight,” Simon said. “And I’m proud to say our members on the Long Island Rail Road stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our sheet metal brothers and sisters and all of labor in that fight, just as SMART leaders have done across North America. I am proud to be speaking alongside my brothers Eric of Local 28 and Anthony of Local 137.” 

Fotiadis represents the sign workers who light up iconic New York landmarks like Times Square, Broadway and beyond. Sign workers, like SMART members across North America, are the unsung heroes of our two nations, he explained. Local 137 members do the tireless work it takes to keep the lights on, whether in Times Square or beyond, 24/7/365. That’s why, he noted, it’s more important than ever to continue the fight. 

“This conference isn’t just another event, it’s a launchpad. We’ll leave here ready to build more, organize harder and make a stronger union for our members — and for working people across our continent,” Fotiadis said. “New York needs us. SMART needs us. Our members deserve us. Let’s answer that call.” 

As business manager of Local 28, Meslin fights on behalf of sheet metal workers across New York City and Long Island. And in every borough, across Long Island, he noted, SMART members are essential: building everything from schools and hospitals to the dignity and respect that all working people deserve. Now more than ever, he stressed, we need one another. 

“Corporate interests are louder than ever. Politicians play games with working families’ futures. Nonunion forces chip away at standards we have fought for generations to build,” he declared. “But we are still standing. Stronger than ever. Smarter than ever. More united than ever. Because that’s who we are, and that’s what we do.”  

SM, TD officers hear from industry leaders, SMART staff 

Following Monday’s general session, SMART sheet metal and TD officers broke off into separate industry sessions, hearing from guest speakers and reports from SMART IA staff.  

North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) President Sean McGarvey took the podium to rally officers for the collective fights we face. SMART, an affiliate of NABTU, has worked closely with the building trades federation to protect and advance the rights of SMART members, including recent court cases regarding the Department of Defense’s use of project labor agreements.  

In his remarks, McGarvey praised the fights SMART has pursued on behalf of members: Whether fighting for the due process rights of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, or working to provide members with access to maternity leave benefits, wraparound childcare benefits and beyond, he said, “That’s not just progress. That’s power in motion.” 

“But as proud as we are of these wins,” he added, “we have to face the moment we’re in.” 

Projects are being cancelled — over $17 billion in infrastructure and energy projects in the first half of this year alone. Jobs are being lost. Labor rights and standards aren’t being enforced. And union workers are the ones losing out.  

“To the president, to Congress, and to every decision-maker with a pen or a purse string: you say you support workers, then prove it,” McGarvey declared. 

He urged SMART officers to keep fighting for members by ensuring workers are informed about the policies and actions that are affecting them — and how organized labor can fight back. It doesn’t matter who anyone voted for; what matters is that we stick together, in solidarity, to fight for what matters.  

“Let’s link arms and make some noise, not just to defend and promote what we’ve built, but to expand it for the next generation. Because the work ahead isn’t easy, but neither are we,” he concluded. “Let’s get out there. Let’s tell the truth. Let’s win the future, together.” 

Attendees also heard from SMACNA President Tom Martin. Martin, the president of Local 33 signatory contractor T.H. Martin, Inc., has known SMART General President Michael Coleman for decades and is a longtime advocate for the unionized sheet metal industry. Martin offered officers updates from the contractors’ side of the trade, as signatory employers look to take on many of the same challenges that local unions face.  

SMACNA continues to work alongside SMART, as well as funds like SMOHIT, the International Training Institute and the National Energy Management Institute, to take on workforce demands, encroachment and beyond, always with the goal of growing and strengthening the unionized sheet metal industry. Through initiatives like Belonging and Excellence for All, recruitment and retention joint task forces and more, SMART and SMACNA continue to be partners in progress.  

“I know every area is different, but it is ultra important that we build these partnerships,” General President Coleman said. “We can’t let the things we disagree on get in the way of our progress.” 

Leadership conferences represent an important opportunity for local officers to hear directly from International departments and funds. On Monday, attendees received reports from Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust Administrator Aldo Zambetti, SMART Chief International Representative David Bernett and Education Director Eli Baccus.  

Zambetti provided an overview of the variety of programs that SMOHIT offers members —health screening research programs, bilingual toolbox talks, the 24/7 SMOHIT Helpline, SMART Members’ Assistance Program (MAP) sessions and peer-to-peer trainings, a Naloxone cabinet program to help reduce fatal overdoses, and beyond. He emphasized that SMOHIT needs local union outreach to offer resources to members and urged local officers to partner with SMOHIT to ensure members’ get the care and resources they deserve.  

Bernett outlined SMART’s efforts to streamline operations across North America when it comes to jurisdictional disputes, workforce support, local union engagement and governance, and — above all — SMART’s commitment to members’ rights and work. He reported on the work the department performed over the first half of the year, including jurisdictional disputes investigated, resolved and pending; job bank workforce requests and needed positions filled; strategic planning around megaprojects; and beyond.  

“The fight is usually won with you, in your seats at home,” Bernett told officers.    

Breakout sessions offered attendees the opportunity to learn, engage with one another and build solidarity.

The cornerstone of strong local unions is strong local representation. For that reason, the SMART Department of Education offers programming to local union officers year-round and often over the course of several years, helping SMART leaders bolster their representation. Education Director Eli Baccus presented on the department’s revamped core classes that will offer more hands-on and practical training, collaboration with other International departments on relevant coursework, new classes for 2026 that will focus on relationship-building among participants, and more.  

(Read a summary that includes TD breakout information here.) 

Day one of the 2025 SMART Leadership Conference set a powerful tone for the week ahead, uniting leaders from across North America under a single purpose: fighting for what matters — our members.  This union will not back down. And officers will use trainings like this Leadership Conference to continue to win those fights. 

As officers head into the coming days of training, collaboration, and strategy, the spirit of unity and determination that filled the room on Monday will serve as both a guide and a rallying cry for the work ahead.