On March 18, 2025, Steven MacKinnon, minister of Jobs and Families in Canada, visited the SMART Local 47 (Ottawa, Ontario) training centre to announce $67 million in funding for unions to enhance training, aimed at ensuring skilled trades workers lead the transition to the clean economy of the future. The funding, awarded through the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) Sustainable Jobs Stream, included a possible $8.9 million for SMART.
“We’re thrilled that the government has awarded this project to SMART,” said Jack Wall, SMART director of Canadian affairs. “This funding will go a long way to significantly improving the quality of the training our members receive and will help more than 2,000 of our members upgrade their skills, and build a new permanent resource for every apprentice and journey-worker in our trade.”
SMART Canada has been working for years to make sure Canada’s green future is built union. Since the Canadian government announced its ambitious goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, SMART has worked to promote strong labour standards in federal policy, secure funding for training programs such as Canada’s Building Trades Unions’ “Building It Green” initiative, promote the union sheet metal and roofing trades as pathways to good jobs, and more.
Partnering with CBTU and SkillPlan Canada to help secure financial assistance for new training is the next step in that process. Overall, the funding announced by MacKinnon in March will go to 10 union-led projects across Canada, training nearly 29,300 tradespeople with the skills they’ll need to build Canada’s new clean economy. The Local 47 training centre was one of the beneficiaries of that funding; CBTU and SMART also received funding to develop a national online training curriculum, empowering sheet metal workers nationwide to access always-available training to develop crucial skills for clean energy work.
“This is an exciting day for our organization,” Wall concluded. “This will be a team effort to help redevelop some of our curriculum and help train our members to be better prepared for green projects — and to pass those skills on to future generations.”
It’s December of 2022, and a hearing is taking place in Washington, DC, on the FRA’s two-person crew rule.
As the hearing room fills, one of the attorneys for the railroad stops cold in her tracks. She spots SMART-TD’s General Counsel Kevin Brodar and knows that she’s in for a fight.
That’s the kind of reputation that Brodar earned throughout his professional life: a steadfast champion of the labor movement who stood tall in the courtroom to defend SMART-TD members and protect their rights.
After a legal career spanning nearly four decades, Brodar retired at the end of 2024.
“It’s a little bittersweet, because you work with people and then you develop a bond and it’s more than just a working relationship. It’s a friendship,” Brodar said.
Long road to a labor legal career
After graduating from Duquesne University, Brodar moved across the country to attend law school at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, and initially wanted to be a public defender.
But after his first year of law school, he wasn’t sure that was the path he wanted to pursue.
As he sat in class listening to lectures about real property law, Brodar worried that he made a mistake.
“I’m listening to this and I’m thinking, ‘This is nothing like what I thought it was going to be,’” he remembered.
Once he started his second year of law school, Brodar had the opportunity to choose some electives. One option that caught his attention: labor law.
“That real property class was so Greek,” Brodar said. “This [labor law course] was like everything I knew.”
Growing up in a heavily industrialized section of Pittsburgh, Brodar estimates that 90% of the people in his community were blue-collar workers. By his best guess, 90% of that group were also union members.
His father, brother and an uncle all worked on the railroad, so it wasn’t surprising that Brodar was drawn to practicing labor law.
Earning the highest grade in his class didn’t hurt either.
“That first semester, second year, I was like, ‘Bam! This is it,’” Brodar said.
From the NLRB to SMART-TD, Brodar makes an impact
After receiving his Master of Laws (LLM) with a concentration in Labor Law from Georgetown University and beginning his career with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Brodar was hired by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLET) in 1989 before being approached by the United Transportation Union (UTU) in 1991 to join the organization as a full-time litigator.
After that, he never looked back. Whether it was making an impact through several cases of first impression, litigating in federal district and appellate courts all over the country, or ensuring that SMART-TD members received historic raises and saw no major changes to healthcare during the last round of national negotiations, Brodar never let his professional accomplishments overshadow why he wanted to practice labor law.
“Being a litigator wasn’t the be all and end all of everything,” Brodar said. “It was working for a cause, and that’s why you work on this side of the fence. That’s kind of what drove me all these years: that you’re working for something greater than yourself.”
SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson thanks Brodar for his many years of standing up for workers at his recent retirement celebration.
“From his first day as counsel for the UTU to his instrumental role in shaping the victories of SMART-TD, Kevin has been the ultimate protector of our members,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “Since I stepped into my role aspPresident in 2019, I’ve been fortunate to rely on Kevin’s knowledge and experience in some of our union’s most difficult fights. Kevin’s legacy is one of dedication and unmatched service to the labor movement, and we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
SMART-TD Vice President and International Representative Brent Leonard agreed.
“He really does care about the organization,” said Leonard. “Not just the people he works with, but also the members we represent.”
Looking to the future
Stepping up to fill Brodar’s role is Erika Diehl-Gibbons, who was previously associate general counsel at SMART-TD.
Leonard believes that there’s no one who’s better prepared for the job.
“We’re excited to have Erika coming in and filling the role,” Leonard said. “She’s been with us for a long time, and she’s going to be a fantastic general counsel. I know she looks at Kevin as a mentor, and I know he’s mentored her to carry the torch.”
As Brodar wrapped up his lengthy legal career, he said that he’s hopeful he was simply able to make an impact.
“It really has been a blessing to be able to have this job,” Brodar reflected. “It’s something that’s provided a lot of fulfillment that I’ve been able to help people, which was my whole goal.”
Each quarter of the year, as part of the Belonging and Excellence for All (BE4ALL) initiative, SMART members are challenged to answer one simple question — why are you proud to be a SMART union member? — to be entered into a raffle to win a $100 gift card and a BE4ALL jacket.
And each quarter, SMART members meet the challenge, telling their stories of union pride and solidarity.
The Fall 2024 challenge raffle winners are no different.
Local 9 (Denver, Colorado) sister Delores Bledsoe, the sheet metal winner, answered: “I want to start with, I love my union! I have been a member for nine and a half years, and from day one I can honestly say it has transformed my life, from building my self-worth to financial stability!
Bledsoe receives her BE4ALL jacket from Local 9 Business Manager Jon Alvino and her fellow members
“My self-worth was minimal to say the least [before joining the union]. I had no skills and no direction in my life, but when I joined the union it all came together! I had purpose and went home every day feeling good about how my day went. I was able to learn a skilled craft, and I was able to build relationships that will last forever. There were days I wanted to give up and throw in the towel, but between my classmates and the local union staff, I had a support system that I never knew was possible. As for the financial stability, I feel like I went from rags to riches — I went from a studio apartment in a very rough neighborhood to owning a five-bedroom, four-bath home.
“Every day I come home feeling blessed, and I know that without my union and hard work, this might not even be possible! I now work with the Colorado Building and Construction Trades to spread hope, happiness and knowledge about unions, and to show people that being proud of where you work is possible and living happily and comfortably is obtainable.”
Eleven-year SMART-TD Local 1378 (Wilmington, Delaware) member Joseph Castiglione, the TD winner, said: “The union has made it possible for me to provide a life for my wife and daughter that my parents were not able to provide for my sister and me. With the contracts SMART has been able to negotiate for us, I was able to purchase our house, becoming the first in my family to own a home. I owe everything I have and will have to this organization and its amazing leadership.”
Castiglione pictured with his wife, daughter and BE4ALL jacket
And in a demonstration of SMART values, Castiglione gave his $100 gift card to a local sheet metal apprentice in his area — putting the principle of solidarity into practice.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that construction is second only to mining when it comes to suicide rates in American professions. According to a 2020 survey, 83% of construction workers said they had struggled with mental health issues. And data from the National Survey on Drug Use conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration found that 12% of construction workers have an alcohol abuse disorder, compared with the national average of 7.5%.
For all those reasons — and as part of our union’s core values of solidarity and safety — SMART and the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) started the SMART Members Assistance Program (MAP) approximately 10 years ago. Now, in addition to SMART MAP, members at participating local unions also have access to an employee assistance program called Union EAP, founded by SMART MAP consultant and subject matter expert Ben Cort.
“[Union EAP] is based on a premise that our members are asked to do way too much when they’re in a time of crisis: You make a phone call, and you basically end up getting a list back of a bunch of different places that you can call if you want to,” Cort said. “The idea that we had with this was much more of a concierge kind of mental health service. You call, you speak to a clinician, that clinician does a full assessment, understands what’s going on, and then builds an individualized and personal plan for you and for your family. And then we see you through all of it.”
Alongside SMART Director of Wellness and Mental Health Support Chris Carlough — and as part of his work with the SMOHIT helpline, which provides a resource for members to call when they are experiencing crisis or need a helpful ear — Cort has been taking phone calls from members for the last five or six years, helping direct them to resources and work their way through mental health crises. He said that aspect of his profession is “one of the most rewarding things in my entire career.”
Many employee assistance programs fall short of the standard SMART sets for member benefits. For instance, Carlough reported, “we have seen EAPs categorize hits on their website as contacts or in many cases ‘member engagement,’ which is quite the stretch. Also, the limited number of providers available through EAPs can be a challenge for our members.” According to the National Council of Mental Wellbeing, he noted, “the average wait time to access mental health support is about six weeks. If you’re looking for a specialist in a certain area or with specific attributes, wait times can stretch into months.”
Some perks of Union EAP, according to Carlough:
Every call is taken by a licensed clinician, 24/7/365.
Their primary key performance indicator (KPI) is increased utilization rates, versus website visits or other metrics.
Each case is led by a master’s-level clinician, who works with the member and their insurance and builds a personalized plan.
The work done by professionals throughout SMART and SMOHIT is all part of fostering a union-wide environment that helps SMART members feel comfortable talking about mental health and seeking help when they need it. The more we can provide those resources, Carlough maintained, the better we will be able to keep our fellow union workers healthy and safe.
“We don’t necessarily want to talk about it on the jobsite, but when we’re given a safe space to be able to talk a little bit about it, we have our members really opening up on how they’re feeling. How they’re dealing with divorce, for example, what they’re struggling with — whether it’s mental health, substance use,” he said. “We’ve had members express that they have suicidal ideations — and we [can support] them. We have these moments in these trainings [when] I really feel like our union is light years ahead of other building trades unions in this.”
On January 24, 2025, SMART-TD announced the passing of our beloved union brother, Dan Bonawitz. Dan’s unwavering dedication to his fellow workers, his passion for justice and his tireless advocacy for safety and equality left an indelible mark on the SMART-TD community.
A member of Local 1409 in Kansas City, Kansas, Dan joined SMART-TD in 2006. For nearly two decades he embodied what it means to be a committed, compassionate and fearless union member.
“Dan was a warrior for our brothers and sisters in every sense of the word,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “His selflessness, his work ethic and his commitment to doing what was right are unmatched. Dan was a good friend and brother to us all who dedicated countless hours to the benefit of our members. He was a true brother, and his loss leaves a hole in our hearts and this labor organization. We are all better for having known him, and his legacy will live on in the union he helped build.”
One of Dan’s most notable contributions was his involvement with SMART-TD’s National Safety Team. As a charter member, Dan was regularly called to the scene of major railroad accidents, where his deep knowledge of the rail industry and his practical, no-nonsense approach were invaluable. Even after 12-hour shifts at Union Pacific, Dan was always ready to jump in the car and head to an accident site to ensure that the investigation was fair and thorough. His presence at these sites was a beacon of support for our members, ensuring that management and regulators didn’t take the easy way out and blame the crew.
Dan was a passionate advocate for proper training and education within the industry. Recognizing a gap in hazardous materials training, Dan became a qualified hazmat instructor, offering his expertise to ensure that our members were well-prepared to handle dangerous situations. His work with the Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program in Houston, Texas, is just one example of how he gave selflessly of his time to help others.
“Dan didn’t just teach safety—he lived it,” said Jared Cassity Chair of SMART-TD’s National Safety team, who worked alongside Dan in the legislative arena as well as the safety team. “Dan Bonawitz was one of the most dedicated union members I have ever known. His passion and love for his fellow workers was second to none. I have never encountered someone with more dedication or a stronger commitment to ensuring the safety of rail workers than Brother Bonawitz. His willingness to sacrifice his time and his resources to help those in need, and to do it in a way that shined on his union rather than himself, is remarkable. I will miss his presence as an assistant director on our National Safety Team, but I will miss his companionship most. I am grateful for Dan’s contributions, but I am most thankful to have had the opportunity to be his friend. He will be missed.”
Dan was also deeply committed to making SMART-TD a more inclusive and diverse organization. He was a founding member of the union’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in 2022, where he worked tirelessly to ensure that every member, regardless of their background, had a voice and was treated with respect. He lived by the principle that if you are a worker, you are his brother or sister, and he treated everyone as family.
“He’s always going to fight for your rights.” said Chad Yokoyama, Chairperson of SMART-TD Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. “People might think that our international union doesn’t fight for them, but Dan was a prime example of the way it’s supposed to be done. Whether it put a target on his back or not, he’s going to fight for you, and I think will be his legacy.”
Dan’s efforts weren’t limited to the workplace. He was an advocate for veterans and always found time to support the community. In 2023, Dan was named SMART-TD’s Joseph J. Nigro SMART Army Member of the Year for his efforts to honor and serve military veterans. Leading a group of SMART-TD members, he organized a community outreach project to ensure that veterans’ gravesites were properly recognized, purchasing and placing U.S. flags at local veteran cemeteries in the Kansas City area.
“Dan demonstrated his unwavering commitment to both his fellow workers and the veterans who served our country,” said Jared Cassity. “He always found a way to serve others, whether it was through his work on the National Safety Team, his legislative work, or his outreach to veterans. His heart was as big as his passion for this union.”
Dan’s leadership extended to his work as a Delegate and Legislative Representative for Local 1409, where his presence was felt at both the SMART-TD conventions and the statehouse in Topeka. He wasn’t afraid to stand up and fight for the issues that mattered to his brothers and sisters, no matter the challenge. National Safety and Legislative Department Director, Greg Hynes said of Bonawitz, “Dan was among the best at working with legislators, but then again, he was one hell of a safety instructor and organizer, too. He was a true soldier for this union and got the job done no matter what the need was.”
“Dan’s ability to advocate for our men and women was unparalleled,” said Ty Dragoo, Kansas Legislative Director & Chairman of the SMART Kansas Legislative Board. “His energy, his passion and his dedication to our cause were an inspiration to all of us. Dan never backed down from a fight that needed fought.” Dragoo echoed the praise of Brother Hynes saying Bonawitz was at the top as far as political engagement, organizing, training, and he was an even better friend and trusted counsel. “When I called him with a problem, he answered the bell because our members needed him to. He really was a force of nature!”
As we grieve his loss, we celebrate the life of a true union brother. One who gave everything for his family, this union and his country.
We extend our deepest condolences to Dan’s family, friends and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
After 44 years spent as a proud union sheet metal worker, local officer and International organizer, Local 73 (Chicago, Ill.) member Anthony “Tony” Scavone retired on December 31, 2024. In addition to his years with the tools, Scavone served for 11 years as a Local 73 organizer and business representative, and worked for 17 years as both an International organizer and regional organizing director.
Scavone, furthest left, pictured hand billing with Regional Organizing Director Manny Gonzalez (furthest right)
Scavone’s tireless efforts and leadership changed the lives of countless workers in Chicagoland and across our nation. Throughout his tenure, he was instrumental in numerous organizing campaigns across the United States, contributing significantly to the growth and strength of our union. And as a mentor, Scavone shared his extensive knowledge of organizing tactics with both International and local union organizers, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of SMART leaders.
His approachable nature and unwavering commitment to the labor movement made him a trusted advisor and friend to many. Known for his quick wit and an ability to connect with anyone he met, Scavone exemplified solidarity and unity.
“It has been a truly rewarding career, and I am deeply honored to have served our membership, contributed to the growth of our organization and supported the broader labor movement,” he said when announcing his retirement. “Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.”
Dan Chacon dedicated more than 14 years of service to the SMART International Association as an International organizer, a position in which he served from April 2010 until his retirement on December 31, 2024.
Chacon’s leadership started at the local union level; he served as a business representative for Local 359 in Arizona, where he demonstrated steadfast devotion to advancing the rights and opportunities of members.
He brought those same principles to his work at the International. Throughout his tenure, Chacon played a pivotal role in supporting local unions with their organizing efforts, particularly in the southwestern United States. His deep understanding of the region and commitment to strengthening SMART made him a trusted resource and invaluable partner to local leadership.
Respected for his professionalism, integrity and kindness, Chacon’s calm demeanor and genuine care for others have left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him. His legacy is one of leadership, humility and a steadfast commitment to the labor movement, and his presence as an International staff member will be deeply missed — as both a colleague and a friend.
December 31, 2024, also marked the retirement of Warren May, SMART’s controller since July 2019. His departure marks the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in our organization’s history; one that bolstered our union’s financial strength and forged a strong foundation for future generations.
May addresses delegates to the Third SMART General Convention
Throughout his tenure, May embodied kindness, professionalism and unwavering calm. His structured approach to every challenge ensured stability and consistency in our financial operations, even during times of uncertainty. With a keen head for numbers and a strategic mindset, he played a pivotal role in guiding our organization toward financial resilience and growth.
As a leader, May set a standard of excellence that will continue to inspire us. His thoughtful guidance, combined with his ability to foster a collaborative and respectful work environment, left a lasting impact on our entire union.
“I know that you aren’t a sheet metal worker, a roofer, a railroader, a bus operator or a transit operator by trade, but you are truly one of us, and you’re part of our family,” General President Michael Coleman told May during the Third SMART General Convention last summer.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve this great International,” May said.
Kevin Mulcahy, a 42-year member of SMART Local 63 (Western Mass.) and longtime International staff member, retired on July 31, 2024, bringing an end to decades of leadership and activism on behalf of SMART members.
Mulcahy joined Local 63 in 1982, getting involved with his union as a trustee from 1991 to 1997, then running successfully for business manager/financial secretary-treasurer — positions he held from 1997 until 2007. During the same time, he served as president of the Western Massachusetts Building Trades and as first vice president of the Western Massachusetts AFL-CIO, both from 2000 until 2007. That was the year Mulcahy took the leap to International advocacy: From 2007 until 2024, he worked as an International organizer, assistant director of organizing and regional director of organizing, helping build the foundation for a period of astonishing growth for our organization.
SMART is committed to keeping members informed about actions that impact our jobs, livelihoods and families. The SMART Governmental Affairs and Communications Departments are tracking executive actions that affect members — positively and negatively — and will continue to do so moving forward. This list was last updated April 10, 2025.
Pro-worker actions:
President Trump nominated former Oregon Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer as secretary of the Department of Labor. Chavez-DeRemer built a pro-worker record in Congress, voting for bipartisan legislation like the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and National Apprenticeship Act. Chavez-DeRemer was confirmed to lead the DOL in March.
President Trump canceled government support for wind energy projects, putting construction on hold and forcing contractors and local unions to look elsewhere for work.
Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency has canceled $20 billion in loans for building retrofits and other energy efficiency projects that would create good jobs for SMART members.
President Trump revoked an executive order that implemented the Inflation Reduction Act and directed federal agencies to focus on creating good-paying union jobs. To date, the labor standards in the Inflation Reduction Act have created thousands of jobs, with projects paying prevailing wages and providing opportunities for hundreds of SMART apprentices.
President Trump revoked an executive order implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; the order had prioritized creating jobs with high labor standards where workers have the chance to join a union.
President Trump revoked an executive order that implemented the Inflation Reduction Act provisions on Medicare negotiation of lower drug prices.
President Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) fired thousands of federal workers who provide needed healthcare to veterans and ensure seniors receive the Social Security payments they earned.
President Trump issued an executive order directing agencies to disapprove finalized union contracts signed within the last 30 days of the Biden administration.
The Trump administration’s Federal Railroad Administration granted 22 waivers to Genesee & Wyoming Railroad subsidiaries, including the Heart of Georgia Railroad and Georgia Central Railway, to begin testing autonomous freight rail cars — despite SMART-TD raising concerns about safety (prototypes failed several critical safety tests) and members’ job security.
The Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought is currently trying to shut down the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, a law enforcement agency formed after the 2008 financial crisis to protect American consumers from financial institutions allegedly practicing dishonest or illegal activity. The CFPB has returned over $13 billion to millions of Americans who have fallen prey to financial scams.
The Trump administration’s Department of Defense ended the use of project labor agreements on “large-scale construction projects,” taking away work from union members and signatory contractors.
The Trump administration’s then NLRB Acting General Counsel William Cowen made captive audience meetings, a key tactic for bosses looking to scare workers into voting against a union, legal again after they had been banned by the previous NLRB general counsel.
President Trump, in a joint address to Congress, called for the cancellation of the CHIPS Act, which is creating thousands of jobs for SMART members on semiconductor manufacturing projects from Arizona to Vermont.
President Trump’s Department of Homeland Security canceled the collective bargaining agreement between the Transportation Security Agency and TSA officers, leaving 47,000 TSA officers without representation.
The Trump administration’s Department of Education fired half of its staff, including those in charge of workforce development programs that direct students into the trades. These cuts will make it harder for children with disabilities to get the education they deserve. President Trump later signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to dismantle the department.
President Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE announced the closure of Railroad Retirement Board field offices across the country, compounding the already unacceptable delays and wait times rail workers experience when attempting to contact or get information from the RRB. Additionally, President Trump’s executive orders made it so the RRB can only hire one employee for every four who leave, adding onto the capacity issues the under-funded board already faces.
President Trump repealed previous executive orders that promote registered apprenticeships on infrastructure projects, handing an early win to nonunion contractors. The Trump White House said the order, which leveled the playing field for SMART contractors and apprentices, was “forcing radical labor policies and apprenticeship mandates onto American businesses and government agencies.”
President Trump picked Crystal Carey, a lawyer at the notorious union-busting law firm Morgan Lewis, to head the National Labor Relations Board. Carey’s biggest recent client was Amazon.
As part of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department’s DOGE-directed downsizing, HUD is closing the Office of Field Policy and Management, which enforces prevailing wage and anti-discrimination laws that protect SMART construction workers; 150 field staff have been let go as of Friday, March 21.
Following the directions of President Trump, DOGE moved to dismantle the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, a small agency that supports unions and employers throughout the collective bargaining process and helps to resolve work stoppages. The kneecapping of the FMCS, which makes up 0.0014% of the U.S. budget, could result in longer work stoppages, prolonged contract negotiations and more.
President Trump issued an executive order that stripped union rights and collective bargaining from more than 700,000 federal workers, including those who take care of veterans and work in border security, among many others. This undermines the bedrock principles of collective bargaining our nation was founded on, and that SMART members rely on when bargaining every union contract.
Trump Energy Secretary Chris Wright directed the National Laboratory Operations Board to “assess the benefits and risks of removing construction labor agreement provisions from National Laboratory contracts” — a clear step away from decades of project labor agreements that benefit SMART members on National Laboratory work.
