Growing demand for skilled construction workers is driving union organizing efforts across North Carolina, where SMART Local 5 is adding experienced sheet metal workers and strengthening its pipeline of skilled labor.
Andres Hernandez moved to the United States about a decade ago without prior work experience and entered the sheet metal trade as an apprentice. After developing his skills and advancing to foreman, Hernandez began looking for a long-term career environment that offered stronger benefits and greater recognition of skilled trade experience.
Hernandez connected with SMART Local 5 organizers while working on a $1.25 billion casino project in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. Discussions with organizers covered union representation, health insurance, pension benefits and career opportunities.
Healthcare coverage and improved stability were among the factors that influenced Hernandez and coworkers to pursue union membership.
Following his decision to join Local 5 in March 2026, Hernandez became involved in recruiting other experienced sheet metal workers. He has helped bring more than 20 workers into the local, including forepersons and journeypersons employed by McKenney’s Inc.
Hernandez also helped organizers identify additional workers at the Kings Mountain project who are interested in joining the union. More than 70 employees remain potential organizing contacts at the project.
His Spanish-language connections have also helped SMART organizers reach workers at other North Carolina companies, broadening Local 5’s organizing activity among the region’s sheet metal workforce.
The organizing activity gives Local 5 a larger base of experienced workers as construction activity creates demand for skilled labor across North Carolina.
The effort also demonstrates how existing trade workers can contribute to workforce development by connecting organizers with experienced colleagues and workers who may be seeking improved employment conditions.
For contractors and construction employers, access to experienced sheet metal workers remains important as project workloads increase. Local 5’s organizing activity is expanding its skilled workforce while creating additional connections with workers across North Carolina, including Spanish-speaking tradespeople.
Source: Smart.
