Sheet Metal Union Members Endorse Haaland for Governor

SMART Local 49 Etches their Support

Albuquerque, N.M. – Today, SMART Local 49 announced their endorsement of Deb Haaland to be the next governor of New Mexico. The union represents workers in construction and industrial sheet metal industries, railroad transportation, and manufacturing industries. 

SMART works to ensure economic security and career opportunities for its members in the Sheet Metal Industry by safeguarding workplace, wage, and benefit standards, investing in progressive apprenticeship training, and creating pathways to the middle class for working families. 

“We’re proud to support Deb Haaland in her race to become New Mexico’s next Governor. SMART Local 49 trusts her to make life more affordable for every New Mexican, expand building trade opportunities for young people, make workplaces safer, and crack down on wage theft affecting thousands of working New Mexicans. Deb is the candidate with the most experience to fight for New Mexicans on day one” said SMART Local 49 Business Manager Isaiah Zemke. 

“I am honored to earn the endorsement of New Mexico’s sheet metal workers union. Everyone deserves the opportunity to receive an education for trade programs, work in a safe environment, and make a living wage. SMART provides these opportunities and has consistently shown up to protect workers,” said Haaland.

SMART Local 49 joins workers across New Mexico who support Haaland: NEA – NM, Council 18 AFSCME, American Federation of Teachers-New Mexico, CWA Local 7076, and the Committee of Interns and Residents of the Service Employees International Union. 

Haaland released an education plan that works to expand career pathways starting in middle school. Haaland hopes to cultivate the next generation of skilled trades-workers by having schools partner with experienced, quality, union apprenticeship programs to provide more opportunities for our kids and meet our workforce needs.

Throughout her campaign, Haaland has traveled to all 33 counties in New Mexico, meeting directly with parents, students, educators, and families to hear their concerns and share her vision for New Mexico. Strengthening New Mexico’s public schools and creating a pipeline of workers is a top priority for Haaland.