TALKING SMART

In this Talking SMART special episode, SMART General President Michael Coleman, SMACNA President Anthony Kocurek and returning guest host Dushaw Hockett discuss the Belonging and Excellence for All initiative, also known as BE4ALL.   Their conversation, which took place at the end of August 2023 during the SMART Leadership Conference, explores why BE4ALL is so vital for the unionized sheet metal industry as we enter a period of unprecedented opportunity.   “We have some projects where the workforce for that project alone exceeds the amount of members we have in that entire local,” said GP Coleman. "We cannot apprentice our way out of this problem. The numbers don't line up. So, we have to get outside our comfort zone. And we have to look at all kinds of different ways to bring in a workforce that's not the traditional way we did that. And the issue with that is we need to be welcoming when we do this.”  The values of belonging and inclusion are not only a core part of the solidarity that defines our organization and the labor movement – they will be crucial to ensuring that local unions can meet the workforce demands created by megaprojects, federal legislation and a new emphasis on our industry. Only by bringing all workers into our union will we be able to secure the jobs, hours and collective bargaining strength that lie before us.   Dushaw Hockett is the founder and executive director of Safe Places for the Advancement of Community and Equity (SPACEs), a Washington, DC-based organization that is working with SMART and SMACNA to move forward with the BE4ALL initiative. 

For this episode of Talking SMART, we sat down with Local 28 Business Agent Marvin Tavarez to discuss his journey from working non-union to being organized into SMART. He breaks down some of the myths about organizing into a union versus taking a more traditional full apprenticeship route. “Some people are like ‘Oh, that's the backdoor, that's the backdoor,' ” says Tavarez. “But at the end of the day, it all comes down to educating the membership. You know, if you're not organizing members in, you're gonna be working against them and not with them.” Tavarez also discussed his efforts to help build a rank-and-file building trades movement, including organizing rallies attended by thousands in New York City. “As soon as I got into the union,” says Tavarez, “I felt like I needed to give back, someway, somehow. I was getting so much from the union… what can I do to contribute? So, I started a rank-and-file movement on Facebook. Started with like five members. Within a year, year and a half, it grew to over 10,000 members on social media.” At the end of this episode, in his last open mic segment before he retired at the end of May 2023, former SMART General President Joseph Sellers discusses the road ahead for SMART, as we work to train a new generation of members and staff up scores of large “megaprojects” across the United States and Canada. Return to Talking SMART index page. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

In this episode of Talking SMART, we're digging into the fight to improve rail safety at both the state and federal levels in the weeks following the disaster in East Palestine, Ohio.  The East Palestine derailment and other well-publicized accidents since have made clear what SMART-TD and rail labor have been saying for years: Precision Scheduled Railroading is bad for workers, the public and the environment. SMART-TD Alternate National Legislative Director Jared Cassity and SMART-TD Government Affairs Representative Daniel Banks joined Talking SMART to discuss current efforts to pass state and federal rail safety legislation, as well as how members and allies can get involved. At the end of this episode, listen to the open mic segment with SMART General President Joseph Sellers, who discusses what SMART is doing to recruit nonunion sheet metal workers and meet the workforce needs presented by megaprojects, infrastructure investment and more.

This episode, we're talking about how a wave of new megaprojects – or projects valued at over $1 billion – is creating unprecedented job opportunities for SMART sheet metal workers across the United States and Canada, as well as driving new changes and growth in the benefits available to SMART members.    Darrell Roberts   John Daniel   Ken Colombo To meet the ongoing demand for sheet metal workers, SMART and SASMI are coordinating to expand travel incentives and benefits available to SMART sheet metal workers who are willing to travel for work, and the International is developing resources to help local unions organize to secure more work for SMART members. Our guests for this conversation are SMART Director of Organizing Darrell Roberts, Local 265 President/Business Manager and SMART 11th General Vice President John Daniel and SASMI Executive Director Ken Colombo. Throughout the conversation, Roberts underscored how the large volume of pending work presents huge growth and organizing opportunities for SMART, as well as challenges for locals in terms of staffing these large projects. Colombo, meanwhile, detailed the new and increased financial incentives for SMART sheet metal workers willing to travel for work. And Daniel emphasized how megaprojects and new work stemming from infrastructure legislation are driving SMART to innovate to meet workforce needs across our two nations. “Our absolute need to grow, paired with the megaprojects, the infrastructure spending," said Daniel, "that's going to create the opportunity for us to meet the numbers that we need moving forward. And it's also going to drive us to evolve as an organization.”  At the end of this episode, listen to an open mic conversation between SMART General President Joseph Sellers and a SMART Local 24 (northern Ohio) member about megaprojects, traveler opportunities and how members can get involved with the union. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

This episode, we're talking about the Belonging and Excellence for All project, also known as Be4All. As a joint effort of SMART, union signatory contractors in SMACNA, and the International Training Institute, the project is tasked with working to ensure that all members, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, feel welcome and experience all the opportunities that come with being a union member. In short, Be4All is a bold, long-term effort to transform the unionized sheet metal industry by creating workplace and business environments that are welcoming and foster belonging for ALL workers and contractors. We have a special guest host this episode – Dushaw Hockett, founder and executive director of Safe Places for the Advancement of Community and Equity (SPACEs), a Washington, DC-based organization that is working with SMART and SMACNA to move forward with the Be4All project. At the SMART Leadership Conference in San Francisco in August 2022, Hockett sat down with SMART General President Joseph Sellers, SMACNA CEO Aaron Hilger and SMACNA past President Angie Simon to discuss how both organizations are working together to build a thriving industry where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, everyone feels welcome, and sheet metal workers and contractors work together to achieve the highest standards of excellence in their skills and crafts. We hope you enjoy the conversation... 

This episode, we're talking about how the SMART Army is growing in Canada. Started in 2017, the SMART Army is a key vehicle for getting involved in our communities, raising our visibility and highlighting the important work SMART members do, as well as the essential services we provide. It is also a great way to improve our image among the voters, community leaders, and politicians whose support we count on to back new union-built projects, Project Labor Agreements, and the high workplace and training standards that are the foundations of good jobs that support our families and entire communities.   Jeff Lind Our featured guest is Jeff Lind, a business representative with SMART Local 280 out of Vancouver, British Columbia. Jeff spoke with us about the pride he and other members feel when they look at the skyline of Vancouver and see all the completed projects they have worked on, including many union-built residential high towers.  As a SMART Army coordinator, Brother Lind is leading Local 280's efforts to raise funds for cancer research by participating in the 2022 Terry Fox run on September 18. He also discussed the story of Terry Fox – the Canadian athlete and cancer research activist who, after having one leg amputated due to cancer, embarked on a cross-Canada run in 1980 to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Although the spread of his cancer eventually forced him to end his quest and ultimately cost him his life, his efforts resulted in a lasting legacy in Canada, and around the world. Click here to support the Local 280 SMART Army in support of the Terry Fox Run for cancer research. At the end of this episode, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers. With students returning to school this fall, he responds to a question about new indoor air quality work opportunities in schools, supported by funding in the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other recent federal legislation backed by SMART, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden.

Organizing is the foundation of our union and our labor movement, and recent years have seen an explosion of union organizing across America. From Starbucks stores and the Amazon Labor Union, to SMART campaigns in Washington state and New Jersey, workers have shown that they are eager to unionize – and unions like SMART are ready to answer the call.   Eli Baccus Our featured guest is Eli Baccus, an organizer and director of partnership development at SM Local 33 (Northern Ohio). An Army veteran whose primary experiences before joining Local 33 were in residential construction and as a labor attorney, Eli has helped the union experience great success in its organizing, with 14 contractors signing with Local 33 in 2015 alone. He spoke on the importance of organizing, different strategic approaches, and more: “When we are able to bring in more members and produce more man-hours, it gives us more strength at the bargaining table to help negotiate a higher wage rate for our members.” At the end of this episode, listen for the open mic segment with SMART General President Joseph Sellers. He responds to a question about what types of new work and large projects are on the horizon for members in our industries. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

A conversation with two SMART members who serve their communities in local elected positions about the importance of having regular working people in office.    Matt Cherry Last episode, we heard from Joe de la Cruz, a SMART sheet metal worker in Groton, Conn., who is also a state senator, proudly serving the communities of Groton and New London. This episode we sit down with two more SMART members who have successfully run for elected office. We discuss their sheet metal and transportation careers, what motivated them to run for elected office, specific steps they took to build and run successful campaigns and key issues they focused on once in office. Our first guest this episode is Matt Cherry, a Local 33 sheet metal member from Toledo, Ohio, who serves as the president of the Toledo City Council. Among other topics, he discussed the importance of support he had from the local labor community, including more than 50 union members who helped with door-knocking during his successful campaign for city council. Dan O'Connell Our second guest is Dan O'Connell, a long-time member of the SMART Transportation Division who served as New Jersey State Legislative Director for 20 years, until his retirement in 2018. He also served as the Delran Councilman and Burlington County freeholder. Dan has been a recognizable face across every part of our union as his formidable reputation in the New Jersey State House preceded him prior to his retirement. Voting, lobbying and writing politicians are one thing, but actually being in an elected position and making decisions that affect our jobs, families and communities is also key. Dan underscored the importance of having regular working people in elected positions: "You're either at the table, or you're on the menu.” In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a question about whether railroad workers are allowed to strike. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

A conversation with 25-year sheet metal worker and Connecticut State Rep. Joe de la Cruz Over the next two episodes, we sit down with SMART members who have successfully run for local or statewide public office. We discuss their sheet metal and transportation careers, what motivated them to run for elected office, specific steps they took to build and run successful campaigns and key issues they focused on once in office.   Joe de la Cruz Our featured guest this episode is Joe de la Cruz, a 25-year sheet metal worker with SMART and vice president of Hillery Company, a signatory metal fabricator located in Groton, Conn. Brother de la Cruz is also a state representative, proudly serving the communities of Groton and New London. He was elected in 2016 to his first term in the General Assembly, after serving on Groton's Town Council and Representative Town Meeting. In 2020, Joe also kickstarted a national campaign to bring metal nose strips to thousands of volunteer mask makers across the United States and Canada, at a time when masks were in critically short supply. Starting at Local 40, the effort quickly spread to SMART locals across North America, eventually resulting in over 17 million nose strips being produced and shipped to more than 27,000 people who requested them. For his leadership on this effort, Joe was honored in 2021 with the Joseph J. Nigro SMART Army Service Award. Throughout our discussion, Brother de la Cruz underscored the importance of being engaged and involved with your local community if you want to have a say in what happens, whether it's with local sports leagues, or on multi-million dollar decisions about Project Labor Agreements. In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a question about what steps SMART members should take if they decide to run for office. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

BNSF "Hi-Viz" Attendance Policy and National Rail Contract Negotiations Were Focus of Discussion In this episode of Talking SMART, we sit down with SMART TD President Jeremy Ferguson to talk about a subject that is foremost on the minds of many members. In February 2022, BNSF arbitrarily changed its attendance policy and took advantage of a pro-management judge to force (as of now... this episode was recorded in early March), a draconian “Hi-Viz” attendance policy upon the very members who have kept the company operational through the pandemic – and who earned BNSF record profits in 2021. President Ferguson also provides an update on contract negotiations with the national rail carriers.     Jeremy Ferguson Brother Ferguson, a member of Local 313 in Grand Rapids, Mich., started railroading in 1994 after serving in the United States Army and attending college, beginning as a conductor on CSX at Grand Rapids, before earning a promotion to engineer in 1995. Ferguson was elected local legislative representative in 1995; local chairperson in 1996; and secretary of the CSX/B&O General Committee, GO 049 in Jacksonville, Fla., in 2007. He was elected second vice general chairperson in 2008 and first vice general chairperson in 2011. At the first SMART Transportation Division Convention in 2014, Ferguson was elected to the position of vice president, and at the second convention in August 2019, he became president of the SMART Transportation Division. In addition, listen for the open mic segment with SMART General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a member question about what labor and management are doing to work together in the sheet metal trade and outlines the stakes for the unionized industry. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

Back in April 2021, we met with Steve Dodd and Greg Hynes to talk about the first 100 days of the Biden administration. We have brought them back for this Talking SMART episode to talk about the first year of the administration and, more specifically, its impact on SMART members.    Steve Dodd Brother Dodd is SMART's Director of Governmental Affairs and a member of Local 137 in New York City. He spoke with us about the many ways in which funding and job creation under the new infrastructure plan will benefit SMART members, President Biden's executive order in support of project labor agreements (PLAs), the status of Build Back Better legislation, the upcoming mid-term elections, and more... Greg Hynes Brother Hynes is a fifth-generation railroader, a member of Local 1081 in Arizona and SMART TD's National Legislative Director. He discussed current transportation legislation, the dangerous scourge of “Precision Scheduled Railroading" and the difference a pro-labor administration makes for SMART members and working families across the United States. In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a question about Women in Construction Week, which is March 6 to 11. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

Chris Carlough September was Suicide Prevention Month. This episode of Talking SMART is focused on suicide prevention, substance abuse disorder and all the resources and support available to our members through the SMART Member Assistance Program, or SMART MAP. Our featured guest is Chris Carlough, SMART's director of education and a man who wears many hats in our union. In addition to preparing new generations of union leaders for the tasks they have ahead of them when they start their careers, he also runs SMART MAP.   At the end of this episode, listen for the open mic segment with SMART General President Joseph Sellers. He responds to a question about the suicide prevention trainings that SMART is hosting, and how they can help connect SMART members in crisis with member assistance programs. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.    

Louise Medina In our new Talking SMART episode, we focus on mentorship, mutual support in the workplace, and working pro-actively to address issues such as hazing, bullying and discrimination. Our featured guests are SMART Local 265 Business Representative Louise Medina and Local 265 member Mike Powers. Every member has had at least one person in his or her career who has stood up for them, provided formal or informal mentorship, or been there in times of crisis or need. SMART has launched the “I Got Your Back” campaign as a way to recognize those who have stepped up and stood up for what's right and to reinforce a culture of paying it forward.   Mike Powers Sister Medina is a Business Representative at Local 265 and serves as President of the SMART Recruitment and Retention Council. Brother Powers is also a Local 265 member who now serves as a trustee at his local.  He began as an apprentice at Wiesbrook sheet metal and spent his apprenticeship and following journeyman years learning all aspects of architectural and job management.   In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a question about what SMART is doing to promote workplace environments that are free of bullying, harassment, hazing and discrimination. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.    

In our new Talking SMART episode, we dig into freight rail issues that affect both the safety of railroad workers and the safety of communities around the country. Our featured guests are SMART Transportation Division Kansas State Legislative Director Ty Dragoo and Transportation Division Nebraska State Legislative Director Bob Borgeson. Ty Dragoo Brother Dragoo followed his father into the railroad industry and hired on as a conductor for Union Pacific in 2005. He has served as a legislative representative of Local 1503 in Marysville, Kansas, been the state's legislative director since 2010 and helped lead efforts to create a transportation safety task force in his state. Ty spoke with us about his work in Kansas, including two-person crew legislation and the downsides of so-called precision scheduled railroading.   Bob Borgeson Brother Borgeson represents SMART in a state – Nebraska – with a high concentration of Transportation Division members and works to bring greater public attention to the important work our members do. Bob spoke with us about the negative impacts of long trains, efforts to move two-person crew legislation in Nebraska, and the innovative media and outreach tools SMART has used recently to bring attention to key rail safety issues in his state. In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a question about what SMART is doing nationally to try and make two-person crew the law of the land, especially under new leadership at the Federal Railroad Administration that is not actively trying to block two-person crew regulations. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.    

Back in January, we met with Steve Dodd and Greg Hynes to talk about the 2020 election and what to expect from the Biden-Harris administration. We have brought them back for this Talking SMART episode to talk about the first 100 days of the administration and, more specifically, its impact on SMART members.    Steve Dodd Brother Dodd is SMART’s Director of Governmental Affairs. He spoke with us about the many actions the Biden administration has already taken to support working families, including positive impacts of the passage of the American Rescue Plan on COBRA, unemployment benefits, multiemployer pensions, and funding for school HVAC retrofits. He also discussed the PRO Act and what it means for SMART members to have so many labor friendly people now appointed to top positions in the Biden administration.   Greg Hynes Brother Hynes is a fifth-generation railroader and SMART TD’s National Legislative Director. He discussed how the Biden Administration, in contrast to the previous administration, now very much has an open door for labor and actively seeks input from unions on issues of concern to working families. Greg also touched on how the American Rescue Plan included funding to rehire furloughed Amtrak workers, the significance of new leadership at the Federal Rail Administration which is now re-prioritizing rail safety over corporate profits, and what it really means when politicians or rail carriers say we need to just “cut back on regulations.” In addition, listen for the open mic segment with SMART General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to multiple questions that have come in from SMART members asking about what steps the Biden-Harris administration has taken to address the multiemployer pension crisis.  Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

IL Locals Hit the Road to Help Texans    Matt Gugala April is SMART Army Month of Community Action. And this episode our featured guest is Matt Gugala, an organizer with SMART Local 265 and the SMART Army coordinator for the state of Illinois. Brother Gugala has been in the sheet metal trade since 1995, and was accepted to the apprenticeship program in 2002. He has worked on a wide variety of projects, including residential sheet metal, custom fabrication, commercial/industrial service and testing and balancing.  He was also a subject matter expert in developing the ITI’s TABB Supervisor test. In 2019, Matt was one of the inaugural winners of the Joseph J. Nigro SMART Army Service Award for outstanding community service and leadership, along with Ronnie Hobbs from Local 854 in Virginia, who was on our last episode. Matt talked with us about a recent SMART Army project by Illinois locals to gather and deliver a large quantity of bottled water to Texas residents in need of clean water after severe winter storms. He also discussed his work with the SMART Army around fire life safety legislation in Illinois, which significantly impacts both SMART member work hours and public safety. In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a question from a SMART member about what our union is doing to support members who are interested in running for elected office in their local communities and states. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

  Ronnie Hobbs April is SMART Army Month of Community Action. And this episode our featured guest is Ronnie Hobbs, a true SMART Army pioneer.  Brother Hobbs is the SMART Transportation Division legislative director for the state of Virginia, and a member of Local 854 in Portsmouth. In addition to working for Norfolk Southern and lobbying state legislators in Richmond, he is the state’s SMART Army coordinator. He has spent a lot of time and energy enhancing the union’s profile throughout the state of Virginia via the SMART Army. At the 2019 SMART General Convention, Ronnie was honored — along with Matt Gugala from Local 265 in Illinois — with the Joseph J. Nigro SMART Army Service Award for outstanding community service and leadership. We talk with Ronnie about the community projects and service the SMART Army has done in Virginia, including collecting clothing for the homeless, food drives, sponsoring Little League events and repairing and donating a golf cart for a young cancer patient to drive around his neighborhood. We also discuss Ronnie’s state legislative work around two-person crew and other issues important to SMART members, as well as his mobilization efforts that turned out scores of SMART members to attend committee hearings, meet lawmakers and see in-person how the legislative process works. In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a question from a SMART member about what union members have gained from our endorsement in the 2020 presidential election. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

Ep. 11: Indoor Air Quality and Re-opening Schools & Workplaces   Dave Bernett This episode, our featured guest is Dave Bernett, the administrator at the National Energy Management Institute Committee, or NEMIC. Brother Bernett works works with a team of professionals developing workforce training and personnel certifications for SMART members and employers in the sheet metal construction industry. With three COVID-19 vaccines now being distributed in North America and around the globe, attention is increasingly turning to how we can safely re-open schools, offices and public spaces across the country. Airborne transmission of COVID-19 in enclosed spaces is a major cause of spread of the virus. As new variants emerge at the same time states and provinces are starting to loosen coronavirus restrictions, indoor air quality is a top concern. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Bernett and the NEMIC team have been working with subject matter experts, researchers and policymakers to develop protocols and procedures for ventilation verification and repairs of HVAC systems to ensure people may safely re-enter classrooms and buildings across the United states and Canada. In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a question from a SMART member about why it seems so hard to take care of the men and women who have served in our militaries. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.

This episode, we sit down with two of SMART’s national legislative leaders, Steve Dodd and Greg Hynes, to talk about the assault on our capital and what to expect after the January 20 inauguration. We also discuss the significance of the Georgia Senate race and Democratic control of the Senate, SMART’s legislative priorities in 2021, SMART’s election mobilization efforts, and what the Biden/Harris administration is likely to do to help working families and make union organizing easier. Steve DoddBrother Dodd is SMART’s Director of Governmental Affairs and was a driving force in SMART’s 2020 election mobilization. He began his sheet metal apprenticeship in 1984 at SM Local 172 in New York City, which later merged with Local 137. He became a journeymen in just three years, worked at the same shop for 13 years and was shop steward for eight. For seven years, he was Secretary-Treasurer of the Sheet Metal Metropolitan Association, which consists of leaders from building trades locals across the Northeastern United States.Greg HynesBrother Hynes is SMART TD’s National Legislative Director.  Brother Hynes  is a fifth-generation railroader born in Winslow, Ariz., hiring out with Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1995. He transferred to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1997. He was elected Arizona assistant state legislative director in 2004, elevated to Arizona state legislative director in 2009 and was elected national legislative director at the Second SMART TD Convention on August 2019. He helps to lead SMART TD’s efforts on Capitol Hill and has vast experience advocating for all SMART TD members on both legislative and regulatory matters.In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to questions from SMART members about the attacks on our nation’s capital and democratic process. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day. 

 Richard AndradeOur guest this episode is Richard Andrade, who has been a member of TD Local 1081 in Arizona for 26 years. Brother Andrade is a Democratic member of the Arizona House of Representatives, representing District 29, which covers parts of Phoenix and Glendale, Ariz. He is running for re-election in 2020 for his fourth term in the state House.A third-generation railroader, Andrade first hired out with the Santa Fe Railroad (now BNSF) in 1994. He is a certified engineer and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He serves on the state House’s Land & Agriculture, Public Safety and Transportation Committees. He’s also chairman of the Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, in a state that could potentially turn blue in the 2020 election. He brings his deep knowledge of railroad issues and staunch support for Arizona working families to the state legislature. In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a question about ideology and union endorsements. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.RELATED RESOURCES:Richard Andrade campaign sitewww.richandrade.comRichard Andrade on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/richard.andrade.5076Richard Andrade on Twitter https://twitter.com/RichforRepLD29Richard Andrade on Ballotopediahttps://ballotpedia.org/Richard_Andrade Candidate Profile: Richard Andrade For AZ State House District 29Sept. 29, 2020Patch.com

 Jeff ProffittOur guest this episode is Jeff Proffitt, who has been a member of Local 88 in Las Vegas, NV, for 28 years. He was previously the local’s training director and is currently serving as a business manager at Local 88. Brother Proffitt is also running for the Clark County School Board as a trustee from District B. It's a big position with one of the fastest-growing school districts in the country.As the saying goes, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Well, that’s not the case with this episode… Jeff told us ALL about what happens in Vegas — including what's happening with this race in Clark County, as well as the huge impact that school board decisions can have on construction spending, project labor agreements and technical training for the building trades. In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to a question from a member about local elections.Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.RELATED RESOURCES:Jeff Proffitt CCSD Trustee District B campaign sitewww.proffitt4education.comJeff Proffitt for Clark County School District Trustee, District Bwww.facebook.com/Proffitt4EducationJeff Proffitt on Twitterhttps://twitter.com/JeffProffittInterview with Jeff Proffitt about why he’s running for a seat on CCSD’s Board of TrusteesOct. 8, 20208NewsNow.comSchool Board: Partisan antics overshadow local policy positions in District BSept. 22, 2020NevadaCurrent.com 

 Rich McCleesThis episode, we step back for a moment from the news of the day and talk with a long-time SMART member, apprenticeship instructor and international leader who helped build our union into what it is today. Outgoing SMART General Secretary-Treasurer Rich McClees sat down with us just before his retirement in 2019 to discuss changes he has seen in the industry, where SMART has been as a union, where we are going, and how we can get there.With more than 40 years in the sheet metal industry under his belt, Rich has more knowledge about how SMART works and how our union has adapted and evolved to meet new challenges than just about anyone. He also has a stellar reputation in the industry and a legendary work ethic. From his start at Local 206 in San Diego, to his more than two decades as an elected local leader and apprenticeship instructor, to his tenure as SMART general secretary-treasurer, Rich has built a lot of things, led a lot of projects and made a lot of things better for those coming after him.In addition, listen for the open mic segment with General President Joseph Sellers at the end of this episode. He responds to questions from members on topics they called or emailed us about. This episode’s question revolves around the Trump Administration’s response to COVID-19. Talking SMART is a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network — working people's voices, broadcasting worldwide 24 hours a day.RELATED RESOURCES:www.SMART206.orgWebsite of SMART SM Local 206 in San Diego, Calif. Richard McClees: Labor Leader of the YearSept. 2004 speech by Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA) in the U.S. House of Representatives.McClees Honored at 100-year AnniversarySept. 2019www.smart-union.org  Local 206 Honors McClees Family at CentennialSummer 2019 Members’ JournalSMART ConstitutionRevised and amended by the authority of the 2ND SMART General Convention held in Las Vegas, Nev, August 12–16, 2019.

 Mechelle McNewLast episode, we heard from two SMART sisters — Lisa Davis and Vanessa Carman — who discussed how they got into the industry, training and mentoring, growing diversity in construction and opportunities for women in the sheet metal trade.  In Episode 6, we continue that conversation with two more female leaders and activists in SMART who have taken the lead in creating new opportunities for women in the building trades.Our first guest is Mechelle McNew, chair of the SMART Women’s Committee and a longtime business manager at Local 464 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. She discusses how she got into the trade, how workplaces have changed for the better for women in the industry and what it was like being the first woman to run for and win elected office in her local.Our second guest is Leah Rambo, a native New Yorker who serves as the training administrator for Local 28 and has broken new ground for women and minority members in her local. She is also the co-chair of the National Taskforce on Tradeswomen’s Issues. Leah shares her story of coming up in the sheet metal industry, addressing bias and harassment in the workplace, mentoring and female role models, and the importance of SMART doing targeted recruitment and outreach to women and people of color.  Leah RamboBoth Michelle and Leah also discuss the important work of the SMART Women’s Committee, including attending the 2019 Women Build Nations conference with a large cohort of SMART sisters, and how the committee helped to draft and organize around a number of resolutions that were ultimately adopted at the 2nd SMART General Convention in August 2019.In addition, listen for the open mic segment at the end of this episode, where General President Joseph Sellers responds to a question about what SMART is doing in response to protests and rallies for racial justice across the United States and around the world. RELATED RESOURCES:VIDEO: Leah Rambo – Women in Manual Work Oral Histories This video interview is part of an international archive documenting the experiences of women working in the manual trades and non-traditional employment.Panel: Sheet Metal Industry Must Become More Inclusive March 2018 SNIPS magazine article.Diversifying the Workforce: Recruiting Women and Minority Members PDF used during panel presentation at 2018 Partners in Progress conference.The National Taskforce on Tradeswomen’s Issues A national coalition of tradeswomen, alllies and advocates addressing the lack of access, opportunity and equity in the construction industry and other non-traditional occupations.Western Resources Center for Women in Apprenticeship A joint project of Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., Seattle-based Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Employment for Women (ANEW), and Oakland, California-based Tradeswomen, Inc.ANEW ANEW focuses on equity and inclusion in the construction industry, for both women and people of color. It is the oldest, continuously running pre-apprenticeship program in the United States. Oregon Tradeswomen Oregon Tradeswomen promotes success for women in the trades through education, leadership, and mentorship.   Tradeswomen Inc. Founded in 1979, Tradeswomen, Inc. was one of California’s first organizations for women in the trades. Its mission is focused on outreach, recruitment, retention and leadership development for women in blue-collar skilled crafts.Tradeswomen Build Nations Website of NABTU’s annual Tradeswomen Build Nations conference.International Training Institutes ITI supports apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout the United States and Canada.Women in Construction: #MeToo in the Building Trades? A one-pager from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research on sexual harassment in the building trades.

 Lisa DavisIn our fifth episode of Talking SMART, we hear from members of the SMART Women's Committee. While at the Partners in Progress conference in Las Vegas in February, we had a chance to sit down and talk with four SMART sisters who have taken the lead in breaking new ground for women in the building trades. They discussed how they got into the industry, growing diversity in construction and opportunities for women in the sheet metal trade. We hear from two of them in this episode, and two more in our next episode.Our first guest is Lisa Davis, a Local 16 member out of Portland, Oregon, who now works as a field representative at the International Training Institute, covering the entire United States and Canada. Lisa shares her unique journey to becoming a sheet metal worker and instructor, which included stops along the way as a bowling alley mechanic, microbiology student, bar cook, coffee farm worker and assistant in an open-heart surgery trauma unit. She addresses the importance of mentoring and female role models in the trade, and the need for the union sheet metal sector to continue to diversify if it wants to expand and prosper.Our second guest is Vanessa Carman, a trustee and leader at Local 66 in Seattle, Washington. She discusses how she got into the trade, what it was like apprenticing and entering the union sheet metal industry after working for non-union contractors, harassment and discrimination on the job, and her work helping to connect and advocate for women in the union through the SMART Women’s Committee. Vanessa CarmanIn addition, listen for the open mic segment at the end of this episode, where General President Joseph Sellers answers questions from members about important topics facing them and their families.   In our next episode, we’ll continue our conversation with our SMART sisters, as we hear from Michelle McNew, a longtime business manager at Local 464 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, who also chairs the SMART Women's Committee.  We also talk with Leah Rambo, a native New Yorker who serves as the training administrator for Local 28 and has broken ground for women and minority members in her local. RELATED RESOURCES:Alumae Spotlight: Lisa Davis The Oregon Tradeswoman blog featured Lisa in June 2017.Portland Sheet Metal Worker Earns National Position SNIPS magazine profiled Lisa in November 2019.  Career Spotlight: Get to Know Vanessa CarmanThe SMACNA-sponsored website IgniteYourCareer.com includes a profile of Vanessa.GoPro for a Day: Vanessa CarmanThis June 2018 installment of the Hermanson Company’s “GoPro for a Day” series follows Vanessa as she operates a Trimble at the Harrison Hospital Acute Care Expansion project in Silverdale, Wash.Western Resources Center for Women in Apprenticeship A joint project of Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., Seattle-based Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Employment for Women (ANEW), and Oakland, California-based Tradeswomen, Inc.ANEW ANEW focuses on equity and inclusion in the construction industry, for both women and people of color. It is the oldest, continuously running pre-apprenticeship program in the United States. Oregon Tradeswomen Oregon Tradeswomen promotes success for women in the trades through education, leadership, and mentorship.   Tradeswomen Inc. Founded in 1979, Tradeswomen, Inc. was one of California’s first organizations for women in the trades. Its mission is focused on outreach, recruitment, retention and leadership development for women in blue-collar skilled crafts.Tradeswomen Build Nations Website of NABTU’s annual Tradeswomen Build Nations conference.International Training Institutes ITI supports apprenticeship and advanced career training for union workers in the sheet metal industry throughout the United States and Canada.Women in Construction: #MeToo in the Building Trades?A one-pager from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research on sexual harassment in the building trades.  

In the fourth episode of Talking SMART, we continue our focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on our members and their communities, and how SMART is mobilizing across North America to help members stay informed and be safe at home and on the job during this crisis.Our first guest is Steve Dodd, SMART’s director of government and legislative affairs.  Steve addresses emergency stimulus legislation that passed in the United States, as well as its impact on SMART members and their families.We also talk with Chris Paswisty, an International Representative for SMART sheet metal workers and former business manager of Local 30 in Toronto, Ontario. He discusses the Canadian response to the pandemic and steps members and locals north of the border are taking to protect themselves. SMART SM Local 33 members John Michaels and Evan Chambers doing their part to protect frontline workers in Ohio with a new batch of nose strips for volunteer mask-makers.Our third guest is Tommy Fisher, a 39-year SMART member, and longtime International Representative from Mobile, Alabama. He services SMART sheet metal members employed at locations affiliated with the Metal Trades Department of the AFL-CIO. He discusses the work SMART members do in the shipyard industry, how these worksites and employers are responding to the pandemic, and the current situation in the state of Alabama.Our last guest is Tom Wiant, a 33-year sheet metal worker and financial secretary-treasurer at Local 33, which covers northern Ohio and West Virginia. Tom talks with us about how his local has been able to procure thousands of KN95 masks to protect members in his region, as well as how Local 33 has contributed to SMART’s national initiative to produce and donate metal nose piece strips to volunteers making face masks for health care workers and first responders.In addition, listen for the open mic segment at the end of this episode, where General President Joseph Sellers answers questions from members about important topics facing them and their families.   RELATED RESOURCES:SMART COVID-19 Resources for Union Members Online portal with information and links to a variety of resources available to union members.SMART Emergency Legislative Alert PageUpdates on the impact of the legislative and regulatory response to the COVID-19 crisis on members, as well as links to available government resources. SMART Transportation Division COVID-19 Reporting FormIf you are aware of an employee who has tested positive with coronavirus, or if a carrier is refusing to provide a clean and sanitized workplace as well as supplies for sanitation, please let us know by submitting this online form.State Resources and Benefits Available to U.S. Workers Impacted by COVID-19Links for every U.S. state, the District of Columbia and some local municipal resources for workers who have been impacted by COVID-19.Provincial Resources and Benefits Available to Canadian Workers Impacted by COVID-19Links to resources for each Canadian province and territory for members and workers affected by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 virus.Sheet Metal Occupational Health Insitute Trust (SMOHIT)SMOHIT’s online COVID-19 portal with up-to-date news and information to keep you and your family healthy.SMART Member Assistance Program (SMART MAP)Grief and trauma counseling is available to SMART members and their families through 

In the third episode of Talking SMART, we hear from two local sheetmetal leaders about how they are working with signatory contractors to help us all get through this crisis. We also hear new updates about important COVID-19 related legislative issues impacting SMART members. Our first guest is Andy Bredeson, business manager of Local 45 in Des Moines, Iowa, who talks with us about a collaborative effort between his local and the area chapter of SMACNA to collect N-95 face masks and donate them to a local hospital that desperately needs them.We also talk with Jared Cassity, assistant national legislative director for the SMART Transportation Division. Jared gives us an overview of the impact of new federal stimulus measures on SMART members in general, and rail and transit members in particular. He also addresses the situation with a recent COVID-19 related waiver of rail safety regulations by the Federal Railway Administration. Our third guest is John Stepan, business manager of Local 480 in Faribault, Minnesota. John discusses how Local 480 is working with signatory contractor Daikin to modify attendance and leave policies during the pandemic, as well as how HVAC equipment produced by SMART members at Daikin is already shipping out to support temporary hospitals and other healthcare facilities in areas most impacted by COVID-19.  For more information, contact John via email at john.stepan@local480.netIn addition, listen for the open mic segment at the end of this episode, where General President Joseph Sellers answers questions from members about important topics facing them and their families.    RELATED RESOURCES:SMART COVID-19 Resources for Union Members Online portal with information and links to a variety of resources available to union members.SMART Emergency Legislative Alert PageUpdates on the impact of the legislative and regulatory response to the COVID-19 crisis on members, as well as links to available government resources. SMART Transportation Division COVID-19 Reporting FormIf you are aware of an employee who has tested positive with coronavirus, or if a carrier is refusing to provide a clean and sanitized workplace as well as supplies for sanitation, please let us know by submitting this online form.State Resources and Benefits Available to U.S. Workers Impacted by COVID-19Links for every U.S. state, the District of Columbia and some local municipal resources for workers who have been impacted by COVID-19.Provincial Resources and Benefits Available to Canadian Workers Impacted by COVID-19Links to resources for each Canadian province and territory for members and workers affected by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 virus.Sheet Metal Occupational Health Insitute Trust (SMOHIT)SMOHIT’s online COVID-19 portal with up-to-date news and information to keep you and your family healthy.SMART Member Assistance Program (SMART MAP)Grief and trauma counseling is available to SMART members and their families through 

March 30, 2020 In the second episode of Talking SMART, we talk with SMART leadership about the impact the COVID-19 crisis is having on our members and their jobs, as well as how SMART is mobilizing across the United States and Canada to help and support members and communities in need.  We first hear from Randy Krocka, the head of SMOHIT – the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust. Randy fills us in on the important work SMOHIT is doing to help members stay informed and be safe at home and on the job during the COVID-19 outbreak.We also speak with SMART Transportation Division President Jeremy Ferguson, who addresses what SMART is doing to protect rail and transit members at work, what the response to COVID-19 has been from federal transportation agencies and rail carriers, and the critical role all our TD members are playing during this time of crisis.Finally, we talk with SMART General President Joseph Sellers, for a summary of what SMART is doing to help and support members — both in terms of workplace health and safety, and financially — as business shut-downs, lay-offs and stay-at-home directives ripple across the economy. RELATED RESOURCES:SMART COVID-19 Resources for Union Members Online portal with information and links to a variety of resources available to union members.SMART Emergency Legislative Alert PageUpdates on the impact of the legislative and regulatory response to the COVID-19 crisis on members, as well as links to available government resources. State Resources and Benefits Available to U.S. Workers Impacted by COVID-19Links for every U.S. state, the District of Columbia and some local municipal resources for workers who have been impacted by COVID-19.Provincial Resources and Benefits Available to Canadian Workers Impacted by COVID-19Links to resources for each Canadian province and territory for members and workers affected by disruptions caused by the COVID-19 virus.Sheet Metal Occupational Health Insitute Trust (SMOHIT)SMOHIT’s online COVID-19 portal with up-to-date news and information to keep you and your family healthy.SMART Member Assistance Program (SMART MAP)Grief and trauma counseling is available to SMART members and their families through

The inaugural episode of the Talking-SMART podcast looks at a new proposal from Senate Republicans that poses a serious threat to our retirement security. Presented in a white paper by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), this plan would impose a new 10 percent tax on retirees and punish healthy plans with an 11-fold jump in fees.SMART General President Joseph Sellers is our featured guest as he discusses this dangerous proposal, as well as the overall state of retirement security in America.Related Resources:SM National Pension FundThis web site features a whiteboard primer on pension and retirement plans available through the SM National Pension Fund, as well as information on defined benefit and defined contribution plans. The whiteboard primer may also be viewed on YouTube.TAKE ACTION: Protect Our PensionsAn easy to use webform that allows you to contact your US Senators about retirement security. You can also text the PENSION to 21333 to be immediately patched through to your Senate offices. (message and data rates may apply)Senate Republicans' Pension White PaperView the full multiemployer pension white paper drafted by Senate Republicans and released in November 2019.

SMART General President Joseph Sellers answers your questions about important topics facing union members, including rail safety, women in the sheet metal industry, the upcoming election and more.