(NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK) - Workers employed at Niagara Industrial Mechanical - a Niagara Falls-based full-service Industrial Mechanical Contractor - have voted 9-to-4 to join SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation) Local Union 71, choosing Union representation and strengthening their voice in their workplace.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Union Election followed an organizing effort led by the company’s Employees - with support from Buffalo-headquartered SMART Local 71 Organizers Adam Kerr and Shane Vermilye.

“We're ‘proud to welcome these Workers.’ It’s ‘been a long-time coming’ (for the Local organizing a local business). ‘I can’t remember such an organizing drive in many years,’” Local 71 Business Manager Tim Benes told WNYLaborToday.com.

“These ‘skilled people (pictured below) care about their Trade and take pride in the work they do.’ ‘They came together because they wanted to build a better future and we're looking forward to helping them do that,’” he said.

SMART Local 71 - which represents (a combined) 800 Workers (Active, Apprentices and Retirees) in Commercial, Construction and Industrial Sheet Metal, Welding, Fabrication, HVAC, Architectural Metalwork and related industries across Western New York - supports its Members through collective bargaining, Apprenticeship training, continuing education, and industry partnerships throughout Western New York.

During the organizing effort, the Niagara Industrial Mechanical Workers (Industrial and heavy-duty equipment Welders, Mechanics and Fabricators) contacted the Union and expressed interest in opportunities to continue developing their skills, access additional training, and connect with a broader network of experienced Tradespeople, Union Representatives said.

“These (Niagara Industrial Mechanical Workers) are a ‘tight-knit’ group and ‘we’re excited to represent them,’” Kerr said. “‘They took the initiative, stood together and made their voices heard.’ ‘It was a privilege to work alongside them throughout this campaign and I'm excited about what comes next.’”

Local 71 is now working toward a first Collective Bargaining Agreement that addresses the priorities of the Niagara Industrial Mechanical Employees and builds a foundation for the future, Union Officials said.

Said Benes: “The owner ‘reached out to us after the election and it was pretty positive.’ This is an ‘important step for these Workers and another opportunity to strengthen our Skilled Workforce here in Western New York.’ ‘We're ready to get to work.’”

Local 71’s Membership has grown steadily over the past five years, Benes said, which amounts to about 30% overall growth.

“Our Local and SMART Local (46) in Rochester ‘are the only two SMART Locals that have grown our Memberships in the Northeast’ (over the past several years),” he added.

SMART Local 71-Provided Photo.