Union Merger: UTU and Sheet Metal Workers form SMART

The United Transportation Union (UTU) has agreed to merge with the Sheet Metal Workers union, forming a new entity called the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART). The merger was approved by UTU members with 71% in favor and will take effect on January 1, 2008. The combined union is estimated to have 230,000 members.

“The United Transportation Union has agreed to merge with the Sheet Metal Workers. The agreement, which followed more than a year of talks by leadership from the two groups, was approved by UTU members Aug. 8. It takes effect Jan. 1. The vote was 71 percent in favor of the move. Under its bylaws, a vote by members of the Sheet Metal Workers was not required. The union’s general executive committee gave its blessing June 13. The new union will be called the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, and will be known by the acronym SMART. Officials estimate the union will have 230,000 members.”

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