TALKING SMART

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

 

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 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. 
  
• 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

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 Fund
  This 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 Pensions
  An 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 Paper
  View 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.