SMART UnionThe Saturday before Easter, Local 17 apprentice Leiara Gonzalez-Guerra spearheaded a SMART Army event with fellow members and local officers to deliver food from a local food bank to homebound seniors in Brockton, Mass. That’s solidarity in action — great work, sister!
On Thursday, March 27, an executive order signed by President Trump ended collective bargaining for nearly one million federal workers, including Local 17 sheet metal workers at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) in Maine.
“I found out when I woke up in the morning [Friday] that the dues that were supposed to be taken out of the check were not taken out,” recalled Shaun Fisher, electrician inspector and chief steward at PNS. “The reaction is horrible. … We don’t know what’s coming or going.”
PNS employs workers in a variety of metal trades: mechanical, electrical, interior for the submarine lockers. For years, and following a decades-long fight to organize the shipyard, these skilled tradespeople workers under the protection of union representation — giving them not only the financial benefits that allow SMART members across North America to provide for their families, but also job security and peace of mind.
All that changed in March, when SMART members like Fisher had their rights stripped in an instant. That had an immediate, on-the-shop-floor impact on member representation and working conditions.
“Everybody’s scrambling, and it gives free rein for management to do whatever the hell they want,” he said. “It makes it real hard now, especially the fact that if they take away our pool time and we can’t represent our people, we’ve got to use our own leave to do that.”
Local 17 and the Portsmouth Metal Trades Council immediately contacted impacted members to let them know their unions were pursuing all avenues available to protect shipyard workers’ jobs. But the constant uncertainty around workers’ representation and the threat of mass layoffs is taking a toll, Fisher said.
“Everybody’s scared,” he added. “We’re left with no guidance [from management] whatsoever.”
The fight isn’t over. In the halls of government, an array of Republican and Democratic representatives introduced the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act, which would restore federal workers’ (including PNS SMART members’) collective bargaining rights.
And regardless of what happens moving forward, Fisher declared, he and SMART will do whatever it takes to protect members under attack.
“I’ll do anything,” he vowed. “If it means standing on a line with people and representing for the shipyard, I will do that.”
A $2 billion megaproject that was set to create more than 3,000 union jobs in Massachusetts is under threat after Congress passed the 2025 tax bill, which President Trump signed into law on July 4, 2025.
The Allston Multimodal Project, which had a project labor agreement in place, would have put workers on the job straightening out the Massachusetts Turnpike throughout Boston’s northwest corner, opened up land for development and invested in public transit. SMART sheet metal workers and other union construction members would have played a key role, including building a new train-and-bus hub.
But on Friday, July 18, the Trump administration’s Department of Transportation confirmed that DOT is terminating $327 million that Massachusetts won in 2023 for the Allston Multimodal Project. Massachusetts will keep just $8 million from the grant.
“Unfortunately, some of the harmful pieces of the spending bill are already starting to impact SMART members and our communities, just weeks after the president signed it into law,” said SMART General President Michael Coleman. “This project wasn’t only going to create thousands of union jobs, including for SMART sheet metal workers. It was going to invest in local communities and the state’s transportation network. Because funding has been so drastically cut, all of that is in jeopardy.”
The project has been in the works for more than a decade. The Boston Globe reported that it “was Governor Deval Patrick, after all, who first promised this new transit hub, dubbed West Station, alongside the turnpike realignment, 11 years ago.”
But the pieces only came together in March of last year, when the Biden administration awarded the project a $335 million grant through the Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods program.
Even with the rescinded funding, Mass. Governor Maura Healey said in a statement that her administration “remain[s] committed to doing everything we can, working with our incredible project partners, to make Allston Multimodal a reality.”
But the fact remains that the pulling of federal grant money directly threatens SMART members’ jobs.
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is conducting a strategic review of the project to determine a path forward,” SMART Northeast Regional Council President Bob Butler said in an email to Local 17 members. “Local 17 stands with our fellow union partners, as well as our community and government allies in demanding the funding be restored — and in fighting to keep this project alive.”
On Thursday, March 27, an executive order signed by President Trump ended collective bargaining for nearly one million federal workers, including Local 17 sheet metal workers at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNS) in Maine.
“I found out when I woke up in the morning [Friday] that the dues that were supposed to be taken out of the check were not taken out,” recalled Shaun Fisher, electrician inspector and chief steward at PNS. “The reaction is horrible. … We don’t know what’s coming or going.”
PNS employs workers in a variety of metal trades: mechanical, electrical, interior for the submarine lockers. For years, and following a decades-long fight to organize the shipyard, these skilled tradespeople workers under the protection of union representation — giving them not only the financial benefits that allow SMART members across North America to provide for their families, but also job security and peace of mind.
All that changed in March, when SMART members like Fisher had their rights stripped in an instant. That had an immediate, on-the-shop-floor impact on member representation and working conditions.
“Everybody’s scrambling, and it gives free reign for management to do whatever the hell they want,” he said. “It makes it real hard now, especially the fact that if they take away our pool time and we can’t represent our people, we’ve got to use our own leave to do that.”
Local 17 and the Portsmouth Metal Trades Council immediately contacted impacted members to let them know their unions were pursuing all avenues available to protect shipyard workers’ jobs. But the constant uncertainty around workers’ representation and the threat of mass layoffs is taking a toll, Fisher said.
“Everybody’s scared,” he added. “We’re left with no guidance [from management] whatsoever.”
The fight isn’t over. In the halls of government, an array of Republican and Democratic representatives introduced the bipartisan Protect America’s Workforce Act, which would restore federal workers’ (including PNS SMART members’) collective bargaining rights.
And regardless of what happens moving forward, Fisher declared, he and SMART will do whatever it takes to protect members under attack.
“I’ll do anything,” he vowed. “If it means standing on a line with people and representing for the shipyard, I will do that.”
Hundreds of railroaders, along with friends, family and labor supporters, gathered at Boston’s historic South Station in October to rally for fair wages, sick leave, maternity days and other essential benefits.
The event was coordinated by a coalition of rail labor organizations, including SMART-TD, the AFL-CIO, IAM, ATDA, BRS, TCU and IBEW. Workers and allies confronted Keolis, the French-owned passenger rail operator of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, which has neglected negotiations since the previous contract expired July 1, 2022.
The rally featured passionate speeches from local Boston elected officials, four members of Congress and representatives from multiple rail unions.
SMART-TD was represented by Deputy National Safety and Legislative Director Jared Cassity, who emphasized the importance of solidarity among the unions.
“Today is our day. Now is the time to get the contract you all deserve!” Cassity declared. “It does not matter if you are an engineer. It does not matter if you are a conductor, if you’re a signalman, a dispatcher, a track worker; whatever the issues are, they are OUR issues. And the only way we fix them is when we stand together, and we fight together!”
Keolis has been accused of failing to bargain in good faith with SMART-TD and the other unions representing their workforce. As Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley pointed out in her speech, Keolis workers are paid 12% less, on average, than their counterparts on Amtrak to move the same passengers in Massachusetts.
Congressman Steve Lynch added that Keolis is contracted out by MBTA to run the commuter rail system in Boston, and the company’s contract is coming up for bid. He made it clear that if Keolis doesn’t come to the table and get serious about retaining the frontline workers who keep Boston trains running safely and on time, it will be replaced by a contractor that will.
More than 50 SMART-TD members attended the Oct. 23 rally, as well as brothers and sisters from SMART Local 17 and the Northeast Regional Council. The overwhelming message was clear: Workers will continue to fight for a fair agreement until they have a new contract.
“We showed Keolis that workers, riders, our congressional delegation and the whole Massachusetts labor movement is behind us in our fight for a fair contract,” said New England Safety & Legislative Director Dave Stevenson.
Each year during National Apprenticeship Week, SMART celebrates the life-changing power of a union apprenticeship — from stellar pay and benefits to lifelong solidarity and fulfilling career paths.
As part of the SMART Women’s Committee’s National Apprenticeship Week spotlight series, Local 17 (Boston, Mass.) sister Areesa Willie, a fourth-year apprentice, talks about how much she enjoys learning new things in the sheet metal trade (and getting paid to do it).
What unique strengths do you bring to your trade?
I try my best to bring positivity to my jobsite. I like to keep spirits up at work. I’m not perfect at it and sometimes I need a little uplifting myself, but I want everyone I work with to realize they matter and what they do inside and outside of work matters. I’m also sober, and I am very open about that. I want anyone that needs help for themselves or a friend/family member to feel comfortable asking for help. We all deserve to be happy, healthy and free.
What do you love to do when you are not at work?
Spending time with my daughter is my favorite thing to do; hiking, getting lunch or coffee with friends, cozying up under the covers and watching a good movie, spending time with my animals and reading.
What are your goals in the future?
I want to learn and understand my trade fully. My goal is to become a mechanic and help others learn and aspire to do things the right way. I also want to be a representative of recovery for my union. I want to help others get the help that they need with no judgements, no stigma.
What do you find surprising about your job/trade?
I was surprised that I was actually not terrible at it and how much I enjoy learning new things about it. I didn’t realize that I would be so passionate about it.
On June 17, Local 17 (Boston, Mass.) Business Development Representative and SMART International Women’s Committee Chair Shamaiah Turner won the June NABTU Tradeswomen Heroes Award — a feather in the cap of a committed trade unionist who has consistently advocated for her union, her trade and her brothers and sisters.
“Shamaiah’s achievements and dedication to SMART are remarkable,” Local 17 wrote in its nomination. “Sister Turner’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the sheet metal industry shines throughout her career.”
Turner started in the construction industry at 18, when she worked as an AmeriCorps volunteer building houses with Habitat for Humanity in Fort Myers, Florida. After entering the Building Pathways Pre-apprenticeship Program in Boston, Turner joined Local 17 in 2012, officially beginning her journey as a union sheet metal worker. She’s worked in a range of positions since, including as a sub-foreman leading crews to complete specific building objectives on various projects. Today, as a business development representative, she strives to help workers win the pay, benefits and peace of mind they deserve.
“Beyond her workday, Sister Turner actively engages with community events and organizations, including the Greater Boston Labor Council, Building Pathways, MASS Girls in Trades, Boston Union Trade Sisters, The Boston Ujima Project and Boston While Black, emphasizing her broader community empowerment commitment,” Local 17 added.
Turner has also dedicated herself to mentorship, particularly to her sisters at Local 17 and throughout the union sheet metal trade. From apprentices to journeypersons, Local 17 noted, she actively works to help her fellow workers reach their fullest potential.
“Sister Turner’s career achievements, commitment to inclusivity, and dedication to mentoring make her a true Tradeswomen Hero,” the local concluded. “She is a role model and advocate for women in the trades, leaving a mark on the industry and paving the way for future generations of tradeswomen.”
On June 17, Local 17 (Boston, Mass.) Business Development Representative and SMART International Women’s Committee Chair Shamaiah Turner won the June NABTU Tradeswomen Heroes Award — a feather in the cap of a committed trade unionist who has consistently advocated for her union, her trade and her brothers and sisters.
“Shamaiah’s achievements and dedication to SMART are remarkable,” Local 17 wrote in its nomination. “Sister Turner’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in the sheet metal industry shines throughout her career.”
Turner started in the construction industry at 18, when she worked as an AmeriCorps volunteer building houses with Habitat for Humanity in Fort Myers, Florida. After entering the Building Pathways Pre-apprenticeship Program in Boston, Turner joined Local 17 in 2012, officially beginning her journey as a union sheet metal worker. She’s worked in a range of positions since, including as a sub-foreman leading crews to complete specific building objectives on various projects. Today, as a business development representative, she strives to help workers win the pay, benefits and peace of mind they deserve.
“Beyond her workday, Sister Turner actively engages with community events and organizations, including the Greater Boston Labor Council, Building Pathways, MASS Girls in Trades, Boston Union Trade Sisters, The Boston Ujima Project and Boston While Black, emphasizing her broader community empowerment commitment,” Local 17 added.
Turner has also dedicated herself to mentorship, particularly to her sisters at Local 17 and throughout the union sheet metal trade. From apprentices to journeypersons, Local 17 noted, she actively works to help her fellow workers reach their fullest potential.
“Sister Turner’s career achievements, commitment to inclusivity, and dedication to mentoring make her a true Tradeswomen Hero,” the local concluded. “She is a role model and advocate for women in the trades, leaving a mark on the industry and paving the way for future generations of tradeswomen.”
SMART Northeast Regional Council President and General Vice President Robert Butler recently honored Local 17 (Boston, Mass.) member George Psaros for his 70 years of service to our union. Congratulations on this incredible achievement, Brother Psaros!
Local 17 (Boston, Mass.) members are preparing to begin work on one of the largest real estate projects in Boston history, as well as the largest-ever project labor agreement (PLA)-covered job in Massachusetts: the redevelopment of Suffolk Downs, a former horse racing site on the border of east Boston and neighboring Revere. The 20-year buildout is set to create pipelines to family-sustaining union careers for thousands of local community members, as well as construct affordable housing in the area.
According to the development firm heading the project, HYM Investment Group, “the redevelopment will transform 161 acres into a new resilient mixed-use neighborhood served by two stops on the MBTA Blue Line. Suffolk Downs will create 10,000 new units of housing to meet critical demand in the market, and will provide a mix of senior, workforce, family and young professional housing, including over 900 affordable units.”
And thanks to the PLA negotiated between HYM, its general contractor, John Moriarty & Associates and both the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and Boston’s Building and Construction Trades Council, the Suffolk Downs project will be completely union-built and create 14,000 jobs across every sector of the building trades.
The initial project phase will include approximately 1.39 million square feet of development consisting of the Phase 1 Project (520,000 square feet of corporate use and amenity space); three residential buildings; a portion of the townhomes proposed along Waldemar Avenue totaling over 800 housing units; and construction of the Horseshoe Pond landscaped wetland enhancements and Belle Isle Square public plaza, with over 100,000 square feet of ground floor retail.
“It will be a city within a city,” said SMART Northeast Regional Council Labor Management Representative John Cody. “The local community will benefit from new affordable housing and pathways to new careers, whether it be in retail, hospitality, bio life science or the Boston building trades unions. And for our current members of Local 17, we are starting from a blank canvas, so the many hours of work generated by this project will sustain the quality of life for the families of Local 17 and other trades.”
The power of a union-negotiated project labor agreement is on full display with the Suffolk Downs job: Labor, with the help of former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Mass. State Senator (former City Councilor) Lydia Edwards, worked hard to ensure strong equity and local hire requirements are included in the project’s short- and long-term future.
As part of the PLA, HYM committed to providing $2 million in investments to support employment pipelines that will help local residents enter family-sustaining, union careers, both during construction and as part of Suffolk Downs’ future workforce. That includes $1 million in new funding to support the Building Pathways pre-apprenticeship program, in which 90% of enrollees are people of color and 43% are women, and allows direct employment of graduates from Building Pathways.
“Having this PLA in place will help with the growth of the local,” Cody concluded. “Through community standards in place within the PLA, our involvement with various community groups in the area, our outreach to trade schools and career fairs in the city and even on the grounds of the project itself provided by the developer and our partnership with them throughout this whole process. We are hitting the streets and visiting workers, letting them know what a union is all about.”