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SMART Local 71

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SMART Local 71

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SMART Local 71 is Buffalo and Western New York's sheet metal workers' union. To apply, please visit smartlocal71.com/apprenticeship-application.

We are a 600+ strong organization of HVAC fabricators/installers, industrial welders, architectural metal workers, TAB technicians and CAD designers. We offer a New York State-registered apprenticeship training program to prepare our members for a career in sheet metal. We will also help any worker looking to form a union in their workplace. Visit smartlocal71.com/organize to learn more.

10/21/2026

Hard work, courage, and solidarity! That is what it takes to win ✊

On the morning of October 8th, workers at Niagara Industrial Mechanical Services voted 9–4 YES to union representation with SMART Local 71!

For 3 months, these workers supported one another and stood together to strengthen their voice in the workplace. Organizing takes commitment and is a hard fight, but they held the line and showed us what solidarity can accomplish. SMART Organizer, Shane Vermilye, and LU71 Organizer, Adam Kerr, helped the workers understand their rights and learn how to successfully organize, but the workers led the effort. This was their campaign, and this is their victory. Now we’re ready to carry that same determination into bargaining for fair wages, strong benefits, and safe working conditions.

Local 71 is proud to represent these industrial workers—the welders, fabricators, and installers whose skills keep our industries and factories moving. This demanding, essential work often goes unrecognized, but we are here for you. Workers who want to learn more about organizing or LU71 can visit smartlocal71.com or call (716)835-8836.

Congratulations to these workers for a big win! More updates will follow as this story progresses.

10/18/2026

October is National Careers in Construction Month!

What better time to talk about joining the union?

We set the standard for fair wages, medical security, and retirement benefits. SMART Local 71 members enjoy zero-premium, zero-deductible health insurance with low co-pays, and it covers your spouse and dependent children at no additional cost.

We also offer ongoing training, including the chance to earn academic credits through Excelsior College toward a college degree. Our goal is for members to live comfortably and retire in dignity.

If you’re in the trades, call us today to see what we can offer you! You belong here.
📲(716) 835-8836

10/16/2026

Tim Benner was nominated for this safety award for his outstanding commitment to worker safety, mental health awareness, and the well-being of others.

What sets Tim apart is his recognition that safety extends beyond physical hazards to mental health. He creates an environment where members feel comfortable seeking help and always offers encouragement and support through personal struggles.

As our Apprenticeship Coordinator, Tim's mentorship and care has had a lasting impact on Local 71 and our members by prioritizing workplace safety at every training opportunity.

Local 71 is very grateful for all of Tim's hard work. Thank you, Tim!

10/13/2026

Learn a Trade and Shape the Future of Western New York!

Interested in learning a trade and joining a team that's making a difference? At SMART Local 71, you'll receive ongoing training and develop skills in fabricating and installing ductwork for HVAC systems, metal roofing, siding, kitchen equipment, and all phases of welding.

Our skilled craftsmen have worked on major projects like The Buffalo Airport, Roswell Park, The Harbor Center, Ralph Wilson Stadium, Hotel Henry, Oishei Hospital, and newly built HighMark Stadium.

Join over 600 workers and 30 contractors setting the quality standard in sheet metal work. Enjoy a rewarding career with excellent pay and benefits.

Learn more today at the link below:
💻 www.smartlocal71.com
📲(716) 835-8836

10/10/2026

October union meeting dates are coming up!

Please mark your calendars and make plans to attend.
Retiree Meeting: October 12
E Board Meeting: October 15
Union Meeting: October 20

Your involvement matters. We look forward to seeing our Local 71 members there!

Interested in learning more or joining Smart Local 71?
Visit smartlocal71.com/application or call Adam Kerr at (716) 912-9007

10/08/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 71 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦: Join us on October 10, 2026, for our Wellness Fair!!
ALL DETAILS/REGISTRATION CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE HERE: https://www.smartlocal71.com/wellness

Biometric Screening (𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣-𝙪𝙥 𝙧𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙)
💉 Enrolled members and covered spouses will both receive a $75 prepaid Visa card via mail AND a 2026 Local 71 Wellness Day T-Shirt for completing the screening and lifestyle survey!
💉Blood draw requires fasting! More information is provided during sign-up

Lung Cancer Screening (𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣-𝙪𝙥 𝙧𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙)
🫁 On-site Lung Cancer screening conducted by Roswell Park.
🫁 All are welcome to complete the screenings, but spots are limited- sign-up early.

Vaccines On Site (𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣-𝙪𝙥 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙)
💉Get ready for the fall/winter bugs with your flu vaccine or your COVID booster provided through CVS

Hearing Screenings: (𝙉𝙤 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣-𝙪𝙥 𝙧𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙)
👂 Get your hearing checked with TruHearing. Our insurance provides full/partial coverage for hearing aids!

Meet with Vendors:
❓ Representatives from Nova Healthcare, Union EAP, and John Hancock will be available to answer member questions. Information about Davis Vision and Union Plus will also be available

Free Breakfast:
☕ Breezy Bowls food truck sponsored by SMACNA Buffalo will be serving acai bowls, smoothies/shakes, and coffee after you complete your blood draw.
☕After completing the biometric screening and lifestyle survey, you will receive a ticket for a free item from Breezy Bowls!

Grand Prize Raffle (Drawing on 10/12):
🎁 Attendees can win 1 of 3 Gift Cards of $500+!!!!
👉𝐓𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐮𝐬𝐭: attend Wellness Day, complete the Biometric Screenings and Lifestyle survey, and be a member of SMART Local 71 (spouses not eligible).

10/07/2026

It’s Fire Prevention Week! 🔥

Smart Local 71 is proud to play its part in Fire Prevention. In the buildings we use every day, there’s ductwork behind the walls & above the ceilings that do more than just move air.

Sheet Metal workers fabricate and install the ducts in these buildings, which are used for heating, ventilating, and A/C systems. Having ductwork & its components (like fire dampers) installed correctly is essential to helping keep fire & smoke from traveling through a building.

Smart Local 71 Members attend ongoing training to ensure our contractors have skilled workers who get these jobs done safely, efficiently, and accurately.
Proper installation is more than “just doing it right”, it’s what helps keep buildings protected and people inside the buildings safe!

📲(716) 835-8836
💻www.smartlocal71.com

10/06/2026

Class is back in session at Local 71! 📚

Our apprentices work for one of our contractors during the day, then twice a week they head to class in the evenings 👷

Over five years, they combine classroom instruction with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training!

Members can also take extra classes, like Ventilation Verification, TAB, Reading Weld Symbols, and Grinder Safety, and there's a new Intro to AutoCAD class to build digital drafting skills.

Working all day and learning all night takes dedication. Here's to our apprentices!

📲(716) 835-8836
💻www.smartlocal71.com

Address

24 Liberty Avenue
Buffalo, NY
14215

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4pm
Tuesday	8am - 4pm
Wednesday	8am - 4pm
Thursday	8am - 4pm
Friday	8am - 4pm

Website

http://smartlocal71.com/

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