The Union Difference 

Everyone who works hard to make an honest living deserves respect from their employer, both on and off the job. That means being guaranteed safe, suitable working conditions, fair treatment, and the family-sustaining wages and benefits necessary to survive as the cost of living continues to rise.

As a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 17, these basic human needs, which for too many are only a dream, are guaranteed to you through a collective bargaining agreement. You do have the right to stand with your fellow workers and hold your employer to a higher standard, without fear of repercussion.

Benefits

As a worker, you have a right to quality healthcare, retirement benefits and more. We continually evaluate the benefits we offer and look for opportunities to enhance those benefits while maintaining financially sound programs. Your Board of Trustees continually evaluates the benefits we offer and looks for opportunities to enhance those benefits while maintaining a financially sound Insurance Fund. We depend on you as a member of the Fund, and you should depend on us to provide benefits that meet your needs and are easy to use.

Your benefits plan includes:

  • Comprehensive medical care for physical health needs and conditions, including annual exams, hospitalization, and surgery provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
  • Counseling, mental health and addiction therapy, recovery programs, drug testing, and referral services provided through Modern Assistance
  • Prescription drug coverage through EnvisionRxOptions
  • Dental care, provided through Delta Dental
  • Vision care, provided through Davis Vision
  • Weekly accident and sickness benefits, provided through the Funds office; and
  • Life insurance, accidental death, and dismemberment insurance.

Please note that all mental health and substance abuse disorder questions should be directed to Modern Assistance.

Join the Team

Are you looking for financial stability? What about industry-leading training, wages and benefits? Do you want security for your family and for your family’s future? It’s time to invest in yourself.

Sheet Metal Workers Local 17 is committed to providing our workers with not only a job, but a career with state-of-the-art training and clear opportunities for growth. We believe that one job should be enough, and if you’re putting in a hard day’s work five days a week, you deserve the peace of mind that comes with a good paycheck, quality healthcare and a growing retirement fund.

Apprenticeships

Our training and apprenticeship programs give you the opportunity to get the right experience for a fulfilling career in the trades – and allow you to get paid while you train. For additional information on our apprenticeship programs, call us at 617-298-0850 or click here.

Veterans Opportunities

This program is designed to help military service members successfully transition back into civilian life by offering them training for a quality career in the construction industry. SMW17 values our veterans and we’re proud to offer programs that help returning veterans become building trade professionals. No prior experience is needed and most successful placements start with virtually no experience in the building trades. Better yet, you get to earn-while-you-learn! Please call us at (617) 296-1680 if you want to learn more about programs for veterans.

Training

Union work is mandated on the majority of public projects because people understand that unions set the standard for safety in the industry. We give our members the best training to make sure that they stay safe on the job and that the final product meets community standards.

New industry technology, training and regulations are constantly emerging, and SMW Local 17 is committed to keeping you informed and up to date with certifications, so that you have direct access to the region’s building boom.

For the latest apprenticeship and continuing education opportunities, visit www.lu17jatc.org

Dues

(Office hours or online portal payment)

SMW Local 17 members pay annual dues to the strength and longevity of the Union. These funds are used for membership events, staff pay, outreach, and more.

Dues Office Hours:

  • Monday thru Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm

You can pay dues online by logging into our Union Fusion Member Portal.

PLEASE NOTE: All checks and money orders for dues payment should be made out to NERC SMART 17.