named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Annuity Fund
Self-directed retirement fund managed through John Hancock that supplements pension benefits for eligible members
Apprenticeship Program
Five-year program combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction two nights per week; prepares individuals for careers as sheet metal workers
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Free counseling and support services provided through Child and Family Services for members and their families
OSHA 10/30 Safety Training
Occupational safety training offered periodically to members to ensure compliance with federal safety standards
activities · 6 groups
What they do
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Union-Affiliated Trade Apprenticeship & Training 3 activities
- Operates a state-accredited apprenticeship program for sheet metal workersRuns a five-year apprenticeship program requiring two nights per week of classroom instruction and daytime work with contractors. The program trains individuals in HVAC, welding, and metal roofing, with structured class schedules available through Spring 2026 and periodic application opportunities.
- Provides safety and skills training for union membersConducts OSHA 30-hour safety training and offers ongoing safety classes for journeypersons on an as-needed basis, with sessions scheduled through Summer 2026. Also facilitates online skill-upgrade training in specialized areas such as ventilation verification, TAB, and grinder safety.
- Supports workforce development through temporary labor placementMaintains a pool of over 300 apprentices who serve as temporary skilled labor in HVAC, welding, and metal roofing for contractors across the region. Has provided skilled workers to major industrial and construction contractors since 1903.
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Labor Union Representation & Organizing 2 activities
- Facilitates union organizing and member engagementHosts regular union meetings and provides a confidential contact form for workers seeking information about joining SMART Local 71, supporting ongoing member engagement and union growth.
- Represents sheet metal workers in collective bargainingRepresents over 500 sheet metal workers in the Buffalo-Niagara region across various construction sectors, negotiating fair wages, medical security, and retirement benefits through collective bargaining agreements.
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Retirement Benefits Education & Support 1 activity
- Administers pension and annuity benefits for eligible membersProvides a defined benefit pension plan that guarantees monthly retirement income after five years of vesting service (870 hours per year). Offers early retirement options starting at age 55, joint pension benefits for surviving spouses, and issues annual benefit statements. Also contributes annuity payments to apprentices in year three or higher, journeymen, and classified workers.
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Construction Industry Standards and Contractor Support Services 1 activity
- Partners with contractors to maintain industry standardsCollaborates with over 30 contractors to uphold quality and safety standards in the sheet metal industry, ensuring skilled and efficient job performance across projects.
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Union and Association Benefit Funds 1 activity
- Provides health and welfare benefits to union members and their familiesOffers comprehensive medical benefits including zero-premium, zero-deductible health insurance with low co-pays for members, spouses, and dependent children. Also provides access to a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through a third-party provider.
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Union Member Training & Leadership Development 1 activity
- Supports academic advancement of union membersEnables union members to earn academic credits from Excelsior College toward college degrees through continuing education and apprenticeship training programs.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$8.78M
Contributions & grants$00%
Program service revenue$8.55M97%
Investment income$207K2%
Other revenue$22K
expenses
Total expenses$8.39M
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$180K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$8.30M
Cash$2.69M
Investments$4.68M
Liabilities$267K
Net assets$8.03M
Liquid reserves10.5 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +37.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 3
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHARLES HAKE | FUNDS ADMINISTRATOR | 24 | $157K |
| JACK DAFGARD | TRUSTEE | 3 | $4K |
| JEFFREY MEYER | TRUSTEE | 3 | $2K |
board members · 6
- ANDREW NOWAK — TRUSTEE
- JEFF MERTZ — TRUSTEE
- MIKE NELSON — TRUSTEE
- PATRICK BYRNE — TRUSTEE
- RICHARD DELOTTO — TRUSTEE
- TIMOTHY BENES — TRUSTEE
relationships · 14
Who they work with
- Andre Mayes Partner — Contact person for staffing services at SMART Local 71
- Buffalo Public Schools Partner — Coordinates apprenticeship class scheduling based on school closure decisions.
- Child and Family Services Partner — Administers the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for members and their families.
- Department of Labor Government — Regulates the apprenticeship program and rank list in compliance with federal standards.
- Excelsior College Partner — Provides academic credits to union members who participate in continuing education programs.
- Express Scripts Partner — Processes prescription claims for the trust fund.
- John Hancock Partner — Manages the Local 71 Annuity Fund and provides participants with online account access, loan processing, and investment tracking.
- National Labor Relations Act Government — References rights granted under the NLRA as the legal foundation for worker organizing efforts.
- Nova Healthcare Administrators Partner — Third-party administrator for medical and dental claims.
- Over 30 different contractors Partner — Collaborates with over 30 contractors to execute sheet metal projects and uphold quality standards.
- Sheet Metal Workers National Benefit Fund Network — One of the defined benefit pension funds available to members, offering access to pension history, benefit estimates, and forms.
- Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning International Training Institute (SMACNA ITI) Partner — Offers online training courses in specialized technical and safety topics for union members.
- Union Plus Partner — Provides additional benefits such as orthodontics discounts, vision discounts, life insurance, loans, and school discounts to active and retired members.
- WNY Labor Today Partner — Collaborates with WNY Labor Today to share labor movement news and updates.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Apprenticeship Model for Workforce Developmentmethodology: apprenticeship_modelBy combining structured classroom education with on-the-job training through contractor employment, the organization develops skilled sheet metal workers because experiential learning reinforces technical mastery and industry alignment.
- Collective Bargaining for Worker Securitymethodology: collective_bargainingBy using collective bargaining as a primary method, the organization achieves fair wages, medical security, and retirement benefits because union-negotiated contracts institutionalize equitable labor standards and enforceable worker protections.
- Labor Rights Organizing as Foundational Practicemethodology: labor-rights-organizingBy asserting rights to self-organization and collective bargaining under federal law, the organization strengthens worker power because legal empowerment enables sustained negotiation capacity and union growth.
- Self-Funded Health and Mental Health Benefit Deliverymethodology: self-funded_health_benefitsBy self-funding medical insurance and partnering with third-party administrators and EAP providers, the organization ensures accessible, stable health and mental health benefits because financial self-management allows customization and continuity of care for members and families.