DELIVERING RESULTS IS WHAT WE DO SMART UPDATE
SMART NERC members on site at 101 College St.: Joe Zimmitti, Shaun Keating, Marc Depino, John Ushchak, Anthony Divito, Ryan Poetzsch, David Greene, Harvey Lapan, Jeffrey Roche, and Caden Kennedy with Yankee Sheet Metal. Lucas Hamilton and Emmanuel Heredia performing Environmental Testing & Balancing.
LOCAL
ABOUT SHEET METAL WORKERS
The SMART Northeast Regional Council was formed in 2021 to centralize our resources throughout the region. By creating a united front among our locals and contractors, we are able to bring new jobs for our collective workforce, making us stronger and more nimble in the fight ahead. The SMART Northeast Regional Council is composed of Locals 17, 40, 63, and 83. Our locals span across New England. With over 4,000 members and counting, we use our collective bargaining power to fight for better training, benefits, and wages for our workers and a better future for our communities.
A MESSAGE FROM BOB BUTLER
Brothers and Sisters,
I want to personally share an update with you as I begin a new chapter serving our union. I have been given the distinct honor of being appointed as an International Representative with the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers.
After a lifetime spent in Local 17 and the Northeast Council, I have accepted this new position with great honor and pride. My journey with this union began in 1986, when I entered the Local 17 apprenticeship program at the JATC in Dorchester, graduating in 1991.
Like many of you, I learned this trade on the job, side by side, with union Brothers and Sisters, and I’ve spent the last four decades fighting to protect our work and build opportunities for the next generation.
Serving as Business Agent, Business Manager, and most recently, President of SMART-NERC, has been the privilege of my career. Every step of the way, I’ve been guided by our union’s values of solidarity, accountability, and doing right by the membership.
The Executive Council has appointed Russell Bartash as President of the SMART
Northeast Regional Council and Robert Maloney as Financial Secretary-Treasurer of the SMART Northeast Regional Council
Appointments were made effective as of Friday, February 6th
Both bring deep experience and a strong commitment to our members, ensuring the Council’s work continues seamlessly.
Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me over the years. It’s been an honor to serve, and I’m proud of where our union is headed.
If you have any questions about this transition, we encourage you to contact your local leadership.
As I step into this new role at the International level, I’m confident in the leadership stepping forward.
In Solidarity, Robert Butler
International Representative
International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
Brothers and Sisters,
I’m honored to step into the role of President of SMARTNERC. My focus is clear: to safeguard the work, safety, and livelihoods of our members and ensure our Council stands strong for every family we represent.
Our union is strongest when members stand together. Whether you’re a journeyman, an apprentice, or a retiree, each of you helps protect the future of our industry. SMART-NERC is built on solidarity, with members supporting one another and defending the work that sustains our communities.
In the months ahead, that solidarity will matter more than ever. Decisions in state houses, regulatory agencies, and local and federal governments directly affect our jobs. Policies on permitting, project timelines, and labor standards can determine whether projects move forward or stall. That is why our Council remains engaged and vigilant.
Even amid uncertainty, our mission does not change. The restart of the Vineyard Wind project, a federally halted Project Labor Agreement job, shows that persistence and unity deliver results. Our members’ voices also matter. Recently, we met with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Peabody Mayor Edward Bettencourt to discuss Project Labor Agreements and the role union labor plays in delivering high-quality infrastructure.
We also highlighted the MBTA North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement Project, a $472 million investment expected to create 15,000 jobs and support over 11 million passenger trips annually. With the Governor’s support, our members now have a central role in planning and executing projects that deliver real work opportunities.
I want to give a special acknowledgment to my good friend Bobby Butler, who began his career alongside me in 1986 as an apprentice. His leadership strengthened our trade and our Council, and we wish him the very best in his next chapter.
Our priority remains constant: protecting jobs, wages, and standards built by generations of SMART members. We will continue defending prevailing wage, supporting strong contracts, and ensuring the value of union labor is recognized.
The challenges ahead are real, but so is the strength of this union. When SMART members stand together, we protect the work, strengthen our trade, and build a better future for the next generation.
Russell Bartash President SMART Northeast Regional Council
SMART-NERC UPDATES
This is a moment of leadership transition within our Council. We want to congratulate our good friend Bobby Butler, as he moves on to join the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers. Bobby’s leadership strengthened our trade and Council, and we wish him the very best in this next chapter.
We are proud to welcome leaders stepping up to carry this work forward. Patrick Donlan is now serving as Regional Manager of Local 17. Shamaiah Turner, who joined the union in 2012 after completing the Building Pathways preapprenticeship program, is now serving as a Regional Council Representative alongside Jason Wright.
At Local 40, Daniel Mulcahy is now Regional Manager, with Anthony Ocone stepping into the role of Labor-Management Representative. Together, this leadership team will continue building on the strong foundation of our Council.
HONORING A TRUE UNION LEADER: BOB’S FAREWELL LUNCHEON
On Bob’s last day as SMART-NERC President, we held a luncheon where members and leadership came together to celebrate his accomplishments and leadership. The membership shared notes of appreciation, enjoyed time together, and reflected on the camaraderie and teamwork that make our union strong.
LOCAL 17 UPDATE
CELEBRATING THE SEASON WITH OUR UNION FAMILIES
On Saturday, December 6, dozens of Local 17 families gathered at the Union Hall to celebrate the holiday season together at our annual Kids’ Christmas Party. The day was filled with festive fun, including a visit from Santa, face painting, a balloonist, and plenty of presents to keep the kids smiling.
Events like this remind us of the importance of gathering outside the jobsite, strengthening our connections, and celebrating the community we’ve built together. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and if you couldn’t make it last year, we hope to see you and your family at the next one this year.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
This past holiday season, SMART-NERC Local 17 was proud to support The Charity Guild and their annual Food Delivery Drive, which provides food and small gift bags to senior citizens and homebound neighbors who may otherwise spend the holidays alone.
This effort was organized by one of our own — third-year apprentice Leiara Gonzalez-Guerra, whose ongoing work with The Charity Guild continues to make a meaningful impact in our community. Through this drive, volunteers helped deliver not only meals, but connection and care to neighbors in need.
Local 17 is proud to support initiatives like this that reflect our values both on and off the job. Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and helped spread some holiday cheer.
SMART LOCAL 17 LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP
The Local 17 Lottery Scholarship is available to college students and high school seniors who are not taking the Labor History Exam.
How to apply:
• Scan the QR code or visit our website’s scholarships section to access the application
• Register by emailing the completed bottom half of the scholarship letter to DHolmes@SMART-NERC.org
• Application deadline: March 31, 2026
• Winners will be drawn at the May 2026 Boston Union Meeting
LOCAL 40 UPDATE
APPRENTICES SUPPORT FANTASY OF LIGHTS:
For decades, Local 40’s Apprentice Training Program has been partnering with Goodwill’s Fantasy of Lights in New Haven, Connecticut — a beloved holiday tradition that brings thousands of families together each year. Every holiday season, Local 40 apprentices volunteer their time and skills to help set up the structural framework for the light displays, ensuring the event is ready to welcome the community.
This long-standing partnership gives apprentices hands-on experience outside the classroom while reinforcing the values of service, teamwork, and union pride. More importantly, it strengthens Local 40’s connection to the communities where our members live and work, showing firsthand our union supports not just jobsites, but community traditions as well.
HOLIDAY MEETING & SERVICE AWARDS:
Sheet Metal Workers Local 40 gathered on December 11th, 2025, to celebrate the holiday season while recognizing the outstanding service of many brothers and sisters. This celebration included several former officers and union leaders whose decades of commitment have helped shape the local and strengthen our union.
WE PROUDLY RECOGNIZED:
• Jason Sherman (25 yrs) – former JATC Coordinator
• John Roche (50 yrs) – former JATC Instructor
• Luke Ford (50 yrs) – former Business Representative & JATC Instructor
• James Neary (60 yrs) – former Business Manager
• Frank Pannone (60 yrs) – former local President & Organizer.
40-Year Service Pin: Pictured from left to right are Meeting Chairman/Coordinator, John Beal, and Thomas Dunn.
SMART Local 40 apprentices help set up Goodwill’s Fantasy of Lights holiday lighting display
SMART Local 40 apprentice crew pictured from left to right: Christopher Harrison, Charles Clark O’Neal, Enzo DiMauro, Deonte Smith, Aniyza Elliott, Jake Gerich, Rebecca Leigh, John Beal (Coordinator), Jason Divito (Instructor), Jayson Beal, and Owen Daigle. Kneeling, from left to right: Anthony Preste, Tyvon Bradley, and Dmytro Kondrat.
60-Year Service Pin: Pictured from left to right are James Neary and Meeting Chairman/ Coordinator, John Beal.
70-Year Service Award: Pictured from left to right are Carlo Rosati and Regional Manager, John Nimmons.
25 Year Service Pins: Pictured from left to right are Meeting Chairman/ Coordinator, John Beal, Jason Sherman, James Pellegrino, Ryan King, and Jeremy Meloche.
50-Year Service Pins: Pictured from left to right are John Roche IV, Luke J. Ford, Robert Godden, Dennis Keating, and Meeting Chairman/ Coordinator, John Beal.
60-Year Service Pin: Pictured from left to right are Frank Pannone and Meeting Chairman/ Coordinator, John Beal.
LOCAL 63
REGIONAL MANAGER’S REPORT
Brothers and Sisters,
As we move through 2026, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on some notable highlights in the fall of 2025.
This past September, several members of NERC Locals 40 and 63 participated in the Annual Iron Workers Local 7 Clay shoot in Conway, MA, which we have attended regularly over the years. A team of five shooters from NERC Locals 40 and 63 also participated in the 1st Annual Union Sportsman Alliance Clay Shoot in Andover, CT, in October, in which they took 3rd Place in their respective class.
In late October, Local 63 hosted an Anniversary & Pin Ceremony Dinner Dance at the Sheraton in Downtown Springfield, where Local 63 members earned Recognition Pins for reaching milestones of 15, 25, 40, 50, and 60 years of continued service as Union Sheet Metal Workers.
As you are all aware, growing our membership and contractor base has always been a priority, and 2025 was a successful year for organizing. In late 2025, after dozens of meetings and conversations throughout 2024 and 2025, NERC Leadership and Local 63 Labor Management Rep Dan Mulcahy successfully signed J.W. Danforth to a full building trades contract in Burlington, VT. In early November, Danforth hosted a grand opening of their new facility. We look forward to the partnership and growing our membership in the Northern VT Area. 2026 is the year of the National Midterm Elections. We all need to do our part to restore balance in Washington. As always, we as union members strive to elect pro-labor and pro-worker candidates who advocate for living wages, safer workplaces, and building trades careers with health insurance and retirement benefits that help strengthen the communities in which we live and raise our families.
As always, I will continue to work collectively with the Northeast Regional Council Representatives to provide new work opportunities and reduce administrative costs for our hard-working Brothers and Sisters.
In Solidarity,
Michael J. LaFleur
Local 63 Business Manager
SMART Northeast Regional Council
Pictured from left to right are Jim Leigh, Local 40; Mathieu LaFleur, Local 63; Zach Snape, Local 63; Michael LaFleur, Local 63; Kyle Averill, Local 63; and John Klemba, Local 40.
Local 40 attending Danforth’s grand opening of their Vermont facility, growing the partnership and membership.
SMART-NERC third-place team winners, pictured from left to right: Martin Finn, Local 40; Jim Leigh, Local 40; Michael LaFleur, Local 63; Mathieu LaFleur, Local 63; and John Klemba, Local 40.
LOCAL 63 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
In late October, Local 63 gathered at the Sheraton in downtown Springfield for its Anniversary & Pin Ceremony Dinner Dance. Members were recognized for reaching milestones of 15, 25, 40, 50, and 60 years of union service.
15-Year Service Pins: Pictured from left to right are Matt Duprey, David Knight, Dan Mulcahy, Labor Management Representative, Ed O’Keefe, Council Representative, and Michael LaFleur, Regional Manager.
60-Year Service Pin: Pictured from left to right are Michael LaFleur, Regional Manager, Russell Pepe, Ed O’Keefe, Council Representative, and Dan Mulcahy, Labor Management Representative.
25-Year Service Pins: Pictured from left to right are Shawn Gagnon, James Moore, Raymond Sikes, Dan Mulcahy, Regional Manager Representative, Dean Dextraze, Carl Bey, Tim Bozak, Michael LaFleur, Regional Manager, and Ed O’Keefe, Council Representative.
40-Year Service Pins: Pictured from left to right are Ed O’Keefe, Council Representative, Michael LaFleur, Regional Manager, Kevin St. Germain, Todd Davis, James Nadle III, and Dan Mulcahy, Labor Management Representative.
50-Year Service Pins: Pictured from left to right are Michael LaFleur, Regional Manager, Albert Szymonik, Ed O’Keefe, Council Representative, Dan Mulcahy, Labor Management Representative, and Gene Nyzio.
LOCAL 83 HOLIDAY MEETING AND AWARD PRESENTATIONS
On Tuesday, December 15th, the retirees of Local 83 who were unable to attend our recent awards ceremony gathered prior to the holiday season and were presented with their awards. Rob Monahan, Regional Manager, and Mark Landau, President of the Retirees, presented awards to the 40-, 50-, and 60-year recipients. Among the honorees, John Herrewyn received his 70-year plaque, a truly distinguished and remarkable honor. The gathering concluded with lunch enjoyed by all in attendance.
LOCAL 83
LOCAL 83’S 128TH SERVICE AWARDS CEREMONY & RETIREMENT DINNER HONORS
LARRY WARZEK
Local 83 extends its sincere appreciation to all who joined us for the 128th Service Awards Ceremony and Retirement Dinner on Saturday, September 27th, 2025, at the Gideon Putnam Hotel. Your strong turnout and support made 2025’s event an overwhelming success.
Last year, we recognized the achievements of many dedicated members whose hard work and commitment continue to strengthen our local. We were especially proud to honor Larry Warzek, who was celebrated for his exceptional service as JATC Coordinator and for receiving his 50-Year Pin. Larry’s vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication have played a vital role in building an apprenticeship program and training center that will support generations of Local 83 sheet metal workers.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped create a meaningful evening filled with recognition, camaraderie, and celebration. Your presence truly made the night memorable.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BROTHER JOE DEMARCO
It was a profound honor for Sheet Metal Workers Local 83 to recognize Brother Joe DeMarco — our oldest living member, still strong at 99 years young — for an extraordinary 70 years of unwavering dedication.
Brother DeMarco’s lifetime of service, craftsmanship, and loyalty stands as an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the deep bonds that make our union a family.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Rob Monahan and Steve Savoca for traveling north to personally present his plaque and to share in this deeply meaningful celebration. Moments like these remind us of the commitment, pride, and brotherhood that span generations and keep our union strong.
Sadly, Brother DeMarco passed away shortly after this celebration, on November 11, 2025. We take comfort in knowing he was honored by his union brothers while he was still with us. His legacy, spirit, and seven decades of service will forever remain a cherished part of Local 83.
SASMI BENEFITS
WORK BOOTS BENEFIT
Old work boots hurting your feet? Buying your first pair of work boots? Good news: your SASMI benefits may just have you covered.
Members who complete a qualifying preventive care exam and receive SASMI’s Annual Physical Benefit may also be eligible for a credit toward a pair of USA-made, union-made work boots.
You may be entitled to a pair of USA-made, unionmade Thorogood or Carolina boots. This benefit covers the cost of the boots up to $275, but if you
Eligible members can select from SASMIapproved Thorogood or Carolina boots if they have not received a boot credit within the previous three stabilization periods.
Once approved, eligible members will receive instructions to select their boots. Shipping, returns, and exchanges are free.
This benefit does not reduce any future SASMI benefits.
BIG NEWS!
To apply, log in to the Member Portal, select Applications, Annual Physical Benefit, complete the form, and upload your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing your preventive care exam.
Scan to get started.
The SASMI Trustees have approved an HRA enhancement: a 50% match on employer contributions as an annual "non-deduct" benefit. However, for 2026 only, members will receive a 100% match!
For example, an $800 employer contribution will be matched with $800, totaling $1,600, when your HRA allocation hits in late March or early April 2026.
Starting 2027, the match will return to 50%.
Learn more by scanning this code or visiting SASMI.org
IMPORTANT TAX NOTICE
Tax season is underway. Be sure to file your federal tax return or request an extension by Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Please note that there have been temporary but important changes to the tax code this year, including updates related to overtime. Keep these changes in mind as you prepare your filing or consider working with a qualified tax professional.
PROTECTING OUR WORK THROUGH POLITICS
This is a critical election year. We are all feeling the squeeze; rising costs of living, higher gas prices, and economic pressures are making it harder for families to get by. Many of these challenges stem directly from decisions made by those in power. That’s why this moment matters more than ever.
This isn’t about party lines or who voted for whom. It’s about our members, our jobs, and our families. Working people need to know which policies lift us up, and which leaders truly stand with us. By backing pro-worker champions, no matter their party, we can fight back against rising costs, protect our wages, and secure a stronger future for every member. Together, we can make a real difference.
ANNUAL PHYSICAL BENEFIT
SASMI’s Annual Physical Benefit encourages members and their families to stay on top of preventive care.
Members can receive $200 per calendar year for their own physical exam, and $100 for covered family members, up to $600 per family per year, simply for getting a routine checkup.
While many preventive services are covered under health plans, additional costs — such as certain tests, travel, or time away from work — may not be. The Annual Physical Benefit helps offset those expenses and supports members in prioritizing their health.
JOB SPOTLIGHT
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS
Local 17 members are helping bring another major biotechnology facility to life at Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ Innovation Square II in Boston’s Seaport.
This state-of-the-art building will support advanced research and lab operations that will drive the next generation of medical innovation. Projects like this provide high-quality union work while strengthening one of the region’s fastestgrowing industries.
The high standards of professionalism and skill upheld by our union ensure the construction of this facility. This commitment supports both the future of healthcare and strong union jobs across the Northeast.
STAY CONNECTED: UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO
To make sure you never miss important updates from the union — like news, job opportunities, benefit information, or emergency alerts — please take a moment to make sure your contact information is up to date.
Having your correct address, phone number, and email helps us:
• Share up-to-date union news and events.
Here’s how to update your info:
• Scan the QR code or visit: SMW17.UnionFusion.net/Auth/Login
• Reach you about work opportunities and dispatch info.
• Get important benefit and safety updates to you faster.
• Keep you informed about contract changes that affect your livelihood.
• It only takes a minute–and it makes a big difference.
• Log in with your account credentials
• Review and update your contact details
• Save your changes Keeping your info current is one of the easiest ways to stay connected and informed. If you need help accessing your account, email DHolmes@SMART-NERC.org or reach out to the hall for support.
SMART-NERC member Isaac Jorge testified before the Department of Labor & Workforce Development in support of legislation to close the offsite fabrication loophole and protect union work.
