The November 30, 2011, merger of the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (SMWIA) and the United Transportation Union (UTU) created the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART).
The SMWIA, with close to 150,000 members, has represented sheet metal workers in rail shops for over a century. The UTU has been the principal representative of the rail operating crafts and has approximately 58,000 members. The UTU also represents workers in school and public bus industries. “The UTU brings to SMART proven accomplishments before the National Mediation Board and in dealing with the Railway Labor Act, rail safety and state legislative issues. The SMWIA brings to SMART expert knowledge related to organizing, and extensive training resources and facilities nationwide,” UTU International President Mike Futhey Jr. and SMWIA General President Joseph Nigro wrote in a joint letter to members dated Dec. 9. “Combined as SMART, we create a large and powerful voice within the AFL-CIO, and in advancing legislative objectives in Congress and state legislatures.”
