SMART leaders are in Washington, DC, for the 2026 NABTU Legislative Conference — hearing from leaders in government and the labor movement, learning in workshops, lobbying elected officials and building a strong future for members and building trades workers everywhere.
A potential shutdown of historic Barr Yard in Chicago could jeopardize SMART-TD jobs, disrupt freight movement nationwide, and make public safety concerns worse. Workers warn of repeating one of Hunter Harrison’s epic failures: www.smart-union.org/press-releas...
General President Coleman discussed the importance of strengthening and expanding registered apprenticeships, rail and transit operator safety, the need to pass laws that create jobs for sheet metal workers, and more.
SMART General President Michael Coleman joined the United States House Labor Caucus yesterday to bring the voice of SMART members directly to Congress.
"... The pay is also attractive to many young workers. Union apprentices earn a competitive hourly rate and benefits; potential salaries for some program graduates can start around $100,000, according to various union leaders."
SMARTCareers.org
"Citing poor job prospects, the costs of college and fears that artificial intelligence may soon take over their jobs, dozens of hopeful and current apprentices said that a job in the trades seemed like the best route for their futures."
www.nytimes.com/2026/04/08/r...
“Working alongside Local 49 officers Erick Corona and Roy Privitt, we have taken a coordinated approach to tracking megaprojects, conducting site visits and gathering accurate, real-time information to stay ahead of workforce demands.”
“Over the past several months, we have focused on proactively identifying and positioning Local 49 ahead of upcoming work opportunities across the Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas, and New Mexico markets,” said SMART International Organizer Willy Solorzano.
Current and upcoming projects are popping up steadily in New Mexico and Texas. Thanks to the proactive work of SMART International staff and Local 49, union sheet metal workers and local community members are set to benefit: www.smart-union.org/coordination...
^ Watch 27-year member Rob Kaminskey explain how he and his colleagues are on the vanguard of the latest tools and tech on the railroad — largely self-taught!
SMART Local 149 members working at the Long Island Rail Road are on the forefront of technological advancements in their field, using a variety of high-tech machinery to design and manufacture custom parts for LIRR trains, safety signage and more.
“When service is frequent, affordable, and dependable, people don’t just ride because they have to: they choose to. If we want reliable service, strong ridership, and real opportunity, we must invest in it and stand up for the workers who make it all possible.”
“SMART-TD Local 23 members move Santa Cruz County every single day, and SMART members across the country are doing the same in their communities,” said SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval.
With the transit funding crisis affecting cities across the country, one group in California is already working to place a measure on the November ballot that would secure local funding for Santa Cruz METRO: www.smart-union.org/tackling-the...
To help us learn more, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Barnes, head of the Michael Barnes Family Institute and a member of SMART Local 15. Dr. Barnes works with SMART to assist members with mental health, peer support and more. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
Loneliness — the feeling of being cut off or unseen, even when surrounded by others — has become one of the most serious public health challenges of our time. Loneliness impacts every element of a person’s life, from their happiness at home to their ability to do their job.
“I just actually talked to a shop the other day that usually employs 40 people in downtown Minneapolis, all the time — they’re down to four.”
ICE SURGE IMPACTS MEMBERS’ WORK IN MINNESOTA
For months, Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota made national headlines — and SMART members, regardless of immigration status, were among the people impacted.
Happy Billionaire Appreciation Day! Thank you for all the hard work you do every day. ❤️
From rail safety and transit operator protections to investments in union sheet metal jobs and apprenticeship programs, leaders are developing a rigorous plan of action to advocate for issues that matter to members.
Local leaders from across the sheet metal and transportation industries are gathering in Atlanta this week for the 2026 SMART Army training — strategizing on how to mobilize for pro-worker candidates in the 2026 election, and discussing the importance of prioritizing workers’ issues in politics.
That's what Local 105 and our union is all about. Great work, brother!
His work includes coordinating food packing events supporting Shepherd’s Pantry during Thanksgiving, setting up donation drives for families affected by the Eaton Fire and contributing to the decoration of floats for the iconic Rose Parade.
Farrar received this recognition for his years of dedication to building and leading the SMART Army, organizing impactful community efforts that truly make a difference.
Eric Farrar, second from right, holds his award for San Gabriel Valley Volunteer of the Year, flanked by Local 105 Business Manager/President Al Hernandez, Calif. State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and Local 105 Political Director Fernando Ochoa
Union pride! Local 105 Organizer Eric Farrar was recently honored with the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by California State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez of Council District 25.
After experiencing a brutal on-duty assault nearly two years ago, Amtrak Conductor Heather Steele refused to let the incident define her. Instead, she’s becoming the face of the national rail safety movement while continuing her physical recovery: www.smart-union.org/sister-heath...
On the 115th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, America’s unions mourn the 146 lives lost on that tragic day, many of whom were immigrant women. More than a century later, the labor movement is continuing the fight to protect all workers’ safety on the job.
For SMART members, solidarity means action. And on March 13 in Detroit, it meant taking on harsh conditions to make life better for area kids: Local 80 volunteers helped clean up a local park ahead of the annual Detroit St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Read more: www.smart-union.org/smart-local-...
SMART-TD recently received concerning reports from Utah involving management interference when railroad workers properly report (bad order) unsafe equipment. While these reports involve one location and one railroad carrier, the underlying issue is not unique to any single state or railroad.
