SMART Local 71

Earlier this month, 30 of our industry leaders completed two full days of Member Assistance Peer Mentor Training!

This important training equips members with the skills to become SMART Mentors, trusted, compassionate peers who can offer guidance and support to fellow members who may be struggling with substance abuse, su***de, stress, mental health, or overall well-being.

Workers in the construction industry face higher rates of mental health challenges, substance abuse, su***de, and stress. As a union, we want to make sure our members have the education, resources, and support needed to look out for one another when times get tough.

Thank you to SMOHIT for coming to Buffalo and leading this meaningful training. We are proud of the members who stepped up to be part of this effort and help strengthen the support system within SMART Local 71.

Because taking care of our members means taking care of the whole person, on and off the job!

Today we celebrate International Workers’ Day—a day rooted in the fight for dignity, fairness, and the 8-hour workday. We honor the workers of Chicago whose courage during the Haymarket Affair in 1886 helped ignite a global labor movement. What began as a struggle for basic rights became a symbol of solidarity for working people around the world.

Their sacrifice reminds us that the protections we have today weren’t given—they were fought and died for.

From safer job sites to fair wages and benefits, we stand on the shoulders of those who refused to back down.

Solidarity then. Solidarity now.

Here at Local 71 Sheet Metal Union, we are the experts in all things related to metal ductwork and building air systems. This expertise includes the installation and inspection of Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers which are crucial in preventing the spread of fire and smoke during an emergency. We educate and train our members on performing this important work at our hall and at the end of the training they take the Fire and Smoke Damper Technician Exam online through the International Certifications Board (ICB).

We are proud to announce another cohort of Local 71 members who recently passed their exam and can now perform this life saving work. And a big thank you to our instructor, Robert Robinson, and our Apprenticeship Coordinator, Tim Benner, for helping grow this training.

New Certified Technicians: Brad Haenel, Matt Guizotti, Mike Day, Brandon Barlow, Liam Conway, Matthew Bunch, Matt Jones, Alex McCausland, Ismael Gonzalez Jr., Travis Teixeira, Jeremiah Jones, Adam McCrobie