About Smart
Local 18

Embracing Inclusivity: Our Commitment to a Discrimination-Free Environment

At SMART 18, we wholeheartedly embrace a culture of inclusivity. Discrimination, harassment, hazing, or bullying is strictly forbidden within our membership. We stand resolutely against any form of prejudice or bias based on race, color, religion, age, creed, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital/parental/family status, veteran’s status, disability, or any other legally protected class.

Strength in Diversity: Building a Stronger, More Competitive Workforce

SMART 18 recognizes the profound value of diversity within the workforce. We firmly believe that diversity not only strengthens our union but also enriches our communities and enhances the competitiveness of the sheet metal and transportation industries. Our mission is to transform the perspectives of management, labor leaders, and our members alike. We strive to actively recruit, warmly welcome and ardently retain the most proficient and skilled workforce available, all while celebrating the beautiful tapestry of differences in age, ability, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, language, marital status, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and all the other characteristics that make each individual uniquely remarkable.

Our Rich History: From Humble Beginnings to Diverse Representation

Since the inception of our predecessor unions, SMART has undergone remarkable growth, expanding to encompass a broad spectrum of industry sectors and occupations. Our membership now includes professionals in various roles, such as freight and passenger rail conductors, bus operators, HVAC technicians, and the skilled sign installers responsible for illuminating iconic landmarks like New York City’s dazzling Times Square.

A Thriving Community: SMART Members Across Industries and Geographies

Today, our union family extends its reach across diverse industry landscapes, with our dedicated members contributing their expertise in the construction industry, rail workshops, shipyards, nuclear power plants, rail yards, various manufacturing facilities, and throughout the expansive tapestry of America’s interconnected transportation network. It’s quite probable that the HVAC technician you relied on during air conditioning or heating troubles and the bus operator who safely transported you or your children to work or school is fellow SMART members, exemplifying our commitment to excellence and service across the nation.

A Modern Union with Time-Honored Values: SMART’s Mission

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART) represents a 21st-century labor union dedicated to the well-being, protection, and elevation of the quality of life for both women and men laboring in the sheet metal, shipyard, manufacturing/production, and transportation sectors across the United States and Canada.

Our Pursuit of Excellence: Ensuring Desirable and Safe Work Environments

Our unwavering mission revolves around the creation and upkeep of favorable, secure working conditions. In doing so, we aim to offer our members and their families the level of comfort, happiness, and security that every individual rightfully deserves in exchange for their labor. This commitment is embodied in our belief in a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay, a principle that underlines our vision for a better future.

Beyond the Basics: The Comprehensive Benefits of SMART Membership

Being part of SMART offers you more than just increased wages, enhanced benefits, a secure workplace, and a say in your work conditions. With a robust membership exceeding 200,000 individuals, we have the collective power to consolidate our resources and secure substantial discounts when dealing with financial institutions, lenders, and a variety of service providers.

Evolving for Your Advantage: SMART’s Commitment to Expanding Benefits

Our commitment to you doesn’t stop at the essentials. SMART continually enhances and broadens the range of benefits available to you as a valued union member. We are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the utmost value from your membership, offering you an ever-improving array of advantages. A small selection of these member-only benefits are listed below:

• Accident insurance
• Health savings
• Legal services
• A competitive low-rate loan program
• Life insurance
• Mortgage and real estate services
• Discounts on entertainment services and products, such as sporting events, concerts, movie tickets, discounted amusement park passes, and flowers for special occasions.
• Auto insurance
• Discounted tools and equipment
• Lower cost cellular services.