8(f) to 9(a) Conversion

As part of SMART Local 71’s ongoing effort to better represent members at the bargaining table, we’ve recently begun the process of converting all of our contracts from voluntary contractor to employee recognition. There has been some confusion as to what the union recognition cards that were handed out at our annual picnic and are currently being given to apprentices mean. This statement will serve as an explanation for what the purpose of these cards is and what you can expect as a SMART Local 71 member.

Under our current 8(f) agreements, all union members working at our signatories are there because the contractor agrees to have them there. None of our contractors came to be signatory with Local 71 through NLRB elections. This means that at the end of any CBA our contractors can walk away without a new agreement, or that another union can come in and offer to do our work for cheaper, displacing us from the shop.

Under a 9(a) agreement, all shops must recognize Local 71 as the exclusive bargaining agent of the members of our union. It does not change the day-to-day operation or management of a company - but puts into writing what is already in practice. They would keep our contractors from walking away, even at the end of the CBA, and would make it impossible for another union to come in and do our work.

These cards do not give the union any extra say in your personal life, healthcare costs or decisions and are in no way related to COVID-19. They are also not combative or controversial. On the national level, SMACNA has agreed to let SMART undertake the conversion of these contracts without obstruction, and our local companies are on board with this as well. Their sole purpose is to make our relationship with our signatory contractors permanent and to provide peace of mind that once a shop is with SMART Local 71, it’s always going to be with SMART Local 71.

In Solidarity,
Andre Mayes
Organizer, SMART Local 71