SERVING NEW YORK
Local 83’s jurisdiction covers the counties of Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene, Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington. Our recent charter established on January 1, 2012 changed us to our current name, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation Workers’ (SMART) Local 83.
Local 83 comprises over 400 highly skilled sheet metal workers. In addition, we have access to at least 180,000 members who are affiliated with our International Association. There is no project that we cannot cover with our craftspeople. Local 83 supplies qualified mechanics and apprentices to over 30 local contractors who perform all facets of sheet metal work including, but not limited to heating, ventilating, skylights, cornice work, lockers, spiral or oval duct, kitchen equipment and testing and balancing systems.
Our contractors and our local union are highly respected for their quality of workmanship and their safety awareness. Again and again, we have brought projects in on time and under budget. We have earned this reputation honestly and we take great pride in each and every job we do. Our craftspeople and their skills are the driving force of our local communities.
APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINING UPGRADES
Local 83 also serves as an educational institution that trains future and current sheet metal workers through a five year apprentice program and journeyperson upgrade training.
Our commitment to training, re-training, safety and drug awareness translates into quality craftsmanship, efficiency and productivity on the job site. Using union contractors on projects will ensure that you have dependable, competent craft people who will work together to get the job done on time and under budget.
OUR HISTORY
December 1, 1896: Chartered
Grover Cleveland was President, and Adlai Stevenson was Vice President of the United States.
Originally chartered with 12 officers and a membership of about 140 members.
February 13, 1899: 9th General Convention held in Albany, NY
Local 83 member P. J. (Packey) Downey, who also served as the corresponding secretary, was appointed by the International Association (IA) to be a delegate to the AFL-CIO annual Convention. He took pride in organizing sheet metal workers and was responsible for having a resolution passed regarding independent sheet metal locals becoming members of the IA.
March 31, 1902: Local 83 Strike
Local 83 went on strike Monday, March 31, 1902 to fight for wages of $3.50 per day. All but 7 shops conceded, and the others followed by the end of the week. We learned strength in solidarity, and the unity our union experienced on that day still carries us forward.
April 1, 1920: A New Charter
A new charter was issued to Local 83 due to the amalgamation of former Local 15 in Troy, and Local 83 in Albany. For this reason, the charter in Local Union 83’s office shows the 1920 date.
Today
Local 83 now has over 500 members including retirees, apprentices, service, production, and classified workers.
