Sheet Metal Workers Local 17

08/25/2026

Local 17 members and staff spent the day volunteering at the Merrimack Valley Food Bank in Lowell last week, continuing a tradition our union has kept up for many years.

Proud to see Rob Lambert (Shop Foreman, JEC Service Company), Sean Hayward (Council Representative), Mike Mathews (Outside Supervisor, JEC Service Company), Jason Wright (Council Representative), and Steve Kovatsi (Labor Management Representative) giving back to the community.

08/25/2026

We remember SMW Local 17 member James A. LaRaia, who passed away on August 14, 2026, at age 47. He was a member of Local 17 for 8 years. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Celebration of Life:
Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 1:00–5:00 p.m.
John Alden Sportsman's Club
16 Minuteman Lane, Plymouth, MA

Read the full obituary here

View James A. LaRaia's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

08/25/2026

💼 Your union card works hard for you. Do you know everything it covers?

Being a SMART member means more than a paycheck. It means access to industry-leading benefits built to support you and your family at every stage of your career.

Find out exactly what you're entitled to at smw17boston.org/join-the-team/

08/24/2026

📢 SHOW UP FOR UNION POINT

Brookfield Properties is holding a pre-construction meeting for the Union Point (South Weymouth Naval Air Station) redevelopment, and building trades members need to be in the room.

🗓️ Thursday, August 27
🕕 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
📍 Maria Weston Chapman Middle School Auditorium, Weymouth

This is our chance to ask the project team directly how they plan to build this and who they plan to hire. Wear your gear, bring a coworker, and let's fill that auditorium. 🤝

08/21/2026

South Shore, you showed up. 💪

Building Trades members from Quincy, Braintree, Weymouth, Scituate, Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset packed the house to talk Project Labor Agreements — fair wages, safe job sites, and good union jobs staying local.

Thank you to Mayors Koch, Joyce, and Molisse for joining the conversation and hearing directly from our members.

Special thanks to Mark Ricciarelli for speaking on our behalf and making the case loud and clear.

This is solidarity. Standing with each other, having conversations with elected officials, and making our communities' voices heard. 🤝

08/21/2026

We remember retired SMW Local 17 member Patrick J. Hughes, who passed away on August 14, 2026, at age 87. He was a member of Local 17 for 67 years. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Services have passed.

Read the full obituary here

View Patrick Joseph Hughes's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

08/21/2026

⏰ Voter registration closes TOMORROW, Saturday, August 22.

If you haven't registered yet, don't let this slip by. It takes five minutes and it's the first step to making sure your voice is heard on September 1. Not sure if you're already registered? Check your status and register online before the deadline: www.sec.state.ma.us/voterregistrationsearch/

08/20/2026

📢 Calling all Local 17 members and allies!

We've got THREE labor walks to help elect real champions for working people:

TODAY, 8/20, 3PM — Stephen Lynch for Congress & Nick Collins for State Senate at Ironworkers Local 7, 195 Old Colony Ave, South Boston

SATURDAY, 8/22, 9AM — Two walks, same time:
🔹 John Drinkwater for State Rep at IUPAT DC 35 Training Center, 120 Stedman St, Lowell
🔹 Lynch & Collins again at Ironworkers Local 7, South Boston

These candidates share our commitment to an economy that works for working people. Let's get out there and help elect union members and labor champions to office!

See flyers for details. Questions? Reach out to your Local 17 team.

08/19/2026

🗳️ Mark your calendars!

The Massachusetts Primary is Tuesday, September 1, and every deadline between now and then matters. Here's what you need to know:
✅ Register to Vote by Saturday, August 22
✅ Request a Mail Ballot by Tuesday, August 25 (by mail, online, or in person)
✅ Early Voting: Saturday, August 22–Friday, August 28 at locations across Massachusetts
✅ Election Day: Tuesday, September 1, polls open 7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Save this post, share it with your brothers and sisters, and make a plan to vote. 🛠️🗳️

08/17/2026

REMINDER: Dues can be paid online through the Union Fusion Member Portal or in person at the hall.
📍 Office hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
💻 Pay online: https://smw17.unionfusion.net/Auth/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F