​MEMBER BENEFITS & DISCOUNTS

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Our Benefits

Unions often negotiate benefits packages for their members, which can include health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. Private contractors that employ unionized workers typically contribute to these benefit programs.

Sheet Metal Benefits

Employment Benefits

STABILIZATION AGREEMENT OF THE SHEET METAL INDUSTRY (SASMI)

Unique to SMART is the National Stabilization Agreement of the Sheet Metal Industry Trust Fund, or SASMI. The trust fund was initially intended to help sheet metal workers through times of unemployment or underemployment, and this is still the case today. However, over time, it has grown to encompass even more benefits for members, without comparison in the union or nonunion side of the sheet metal business.

SASMI UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

If you are unemployed or work fewer hours than is typical for your local union and are getting state unemployment benefits, SASMI benefits may be able to help by supplementing your income. If you are prepared to work, looking for a position in the sheet metal business, and receiving or eligible for state unemployment benefits, you may be eligible for this benefit.

SASMI UNDEREMPLOYMENT BENEFIT

If you are sick, injured, or temporarily disabled and working fewer hours than the average amount of hours in your local union but are not collecting state unemployment compensation benefits, SASMI benefits may be able to help by augmenting your income.

SASMI TRAVEL BENEFIT

You may qualify for a travel benefit from SASMI if you are a current member in good standing who was suggested by the International Job Bank. If you need to travel for work due to unemployment or the danger of unemployment in your home local union, this benefit may pay you up to $1,125.

SASMI DEATH BENEFIT

Your beneficiary may be entitled for a death benefit if you have at least five years of future service credit and at least one hour of paid contributions after January 1, 2010, and you were eligible at the time of your death.

SASMI WELFARE BENEFIT

In the event that a shortage of hours puts your family’s health insurance at risk, SASMI will make payments to your local union health plan on your behalf. Note that determining eligibility is free of charge for SASMI.

SASMI RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The majority of members are familiar with SASMI’s professional help, but SASMI is also “there for you later” — as in, throughout your retirement. Depending on how long you worked in the sector and when you retired, you can be eligible for SASMI payments in retirement. These include a health care reimbursement account (HCRA) and a service-based HCRA, as well as a severance payment based on your prior and prospective service.

MATERNITY BENEFIT

For up to 12 weeks per pregnancy, a weekly SASMI Maternity Benefit may be available to you if you are unable to work due to being pregnant or having just given birth. The benefit is determined by multiplying your usual work hours by 60% of your typical hourly salary.

The maternity benefit can start up to four weeks before the due date of your anticipated delivery. If your inability to work is verified by a licensed doctor or midwife who is caring for you during your pregnancy, you may be eligible in some cases for the benefit to start earlier.

ANNUAL PHYSICAL BENEFIT

Making annual preventive care checkups and screenings a priority will help you identify and address health issues before they become serious.

You and your family are encouraged to maintain your preventative healthcare routine through SASMI’s Annual Physical Benefit. For a maximum of $600 per family, each calendar year, members can earn $200 for their personal physical exam and $100 for covered family members only for getting a checkup. This benefit might assist you make up any missed income if you have to skip work to take your exam or if you have unplanned expenses.

Although the Affordable Care Act requires health insurers to cover many preventive care treatments at 100% of the cost, there may be additional expenses related to a routine physical (such as certain tests and screenings, as well as mileage and lost time at work) that are not necessarily covered. The Annual Physical Benefit might be useful at that point.

BENEVOLENT RELIEF BENEFIT

The SASMI Board of Trustees has authorized “Benevolent Relief” to assist SASMI participants during extreme circumstances like floods, hurricanes, and other natural catastrophes. The trustees recently approved reimbursements for individuals who were unable to find work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BENEVOLENT RELIEF

The SASMI Board of Trustees has authorized “Benevolent Relief” to assist SASMI participants during extreme circumstances like floods, hurricanes, and other natural catastrophes. The Trustees recently approved reimbursements for people who were unable to find work as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic.

MATERNITY BENEFIT

For up to 12 weeks per pregnancy, a weekly SASMI Maternity Benefit may be available to you if you are unable to work due to being pregnant or having just given birth. The benefit is determined by multiplying your usual work hours by 60% of your typical hourly salary.

For instance, 60% would be $18 if your hourly rate is $30. Your weekly benefit would be $720 (18 x 40) if your typical work week hours are 40 (as specified in your collective bargaining agreement).

The maternity benefit can start up to four weeks before the due date of your anticipated delivery. If your inability to work is verified by a licensed doctor or midwife who is caring for you during your pregnancy, you may be eligible in some cases for the benefit to start earlier.

When establishing your eligibility for Supplemental Unemployment or Underemployment benefits, the period you are receiving maternity benefits will be counted as working 60% of a typical work week.

Log in to the member portal here to submit an application for maternity benefits. To be eligible for benefits, you must submit your application no later than 12 weeks following the birth of your child or termination of your pregnancy.

Protecting Your Retirement

There are defined benefit and defined contribution plans available to SMART sheet metal employees. The Sheet Metal Workers’ National Pension Fund, which has members from all around the country who contribute and get benefits, is the biggest defined benefit pension fund.

ABOUT THE SM NATIONAL PENSION FUND

A defined benefit, multi-employer pension scheme is the Sheet Metal Workers’ National Pension Fund. The goal of the scheme is to give union members a steady income stream during their retirement years.

WHAT IS A MULTI-EMPLOYER PENSION PLAN?

A multi-employer pension plan operates when a group of employers pool their funds together to provide a pension benefit for its participants.

WHAT IS A DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN?

A defined benefit plan is one that offers a set monthly benefit to union members who have fulfilled the plan’s vesting conditions. Employer payments negotiated under a collective bargaining agreement and investment gains on the plan’s funds serve as the only sources of funding.

WHO OVERSEES THE NATIONAL PENSION FUND?

A trustee board that is evenly split between union and employer representatives oversees the money.

The board of trustees receives a report from the fund administrator, who is in charge of the fund’s daily operations. According to the policies and procedures established by the fund’s board of trustees, qualified investment managers are recruited to manage the fund’s assets.

HOW ARE MY PENSION BENEFITS CALCULATED?

Your pension is determined by taking into account both the years of service you accumulate as a SMART member and the contributions paid to the fund by your employer. You don’t start getting pension benefits until you’ve retired and reached vested status, which means you’ve earned the non-forfeitable right to a pension at standard retirement age. The plan is managed by the board of trustees, personnel, and experts with the sole purpose of giving members who have dedicated their careers to the sheet metal sector the most benefit possible.

SMART International

SMART is one of North America’s most dynamic and diverse unions with 203,000 members.

SMART Scholarships

Available to all active SMART members

Sheet Metal Workers National Pension Fund

The National Pension Fund has been certified in the Green Zone as of January 1, 2022

Midwest Coalition Of Labor

Midwest Coalition of Labor (MCL) Offering exclusive benefits for the Brothers & Sisters of SMART Local #18

Union Plus Benefits

SMART members are automatically eligible for Union Plus benefits and discounts.

SMACNA

SMACNA Contractors: Quality Work & Professional Services

SMOHIT

Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust

 

ITI International Training Institute

Discover lifelong sheet metal career through ITI-affiliated centers’ high-quality training.

Costco

Local 18 Members receive exclusive incentives.
Bring your union ID to your local Costco Warehouse to receive exclusive incentives.

The Union Boot Pro

In recoginition of their support for American Made products The BootPros offers rewards to trade union members.

NEMI National Energy Management Institute

NEMI partners with various entities nationwide to enhance safety in schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings

Carhartt

Mayfair Collection offers Union Members 15% off regular in-store items and 10% off the Fire Resistant Line.

Red Wing Shoes

Local 18 Members receive a 10% discount.

 

Contact Us

2201 Springdale Rd, Waukesha, WI 53186

(262) 798-1818

info@smartlocal18.org