Ep. 3: SMART Locals Work With Contractors to Help Members, Local Communities Impacted by COVID-19

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.net

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 Page
  Updates 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 Form
  If 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-19
  Links 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-19
  Links 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