Steve Langley, Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation (SMART) Local 85 joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how provisions in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will create work for its membership through the upgrade of ventilation systems in schools and businesses.
Local 85 has 2,000 members in Georgia and two counties in Alabama.
Langley explained how many Georgia schools need to upgrade their HVAC systems. He noted how IIJA and other federal funds can be used to do this, which will help improve student health.
Langley also talked about the challenges of growing union membership in Georgia, a So-Called “Right to Work” state, the need to expand the Local’s apprenticeship program and the need to improve diversity in the building trades.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.