The SMWIA Legal Department primarily advises the General President, the General Secretary-Treasurer and the General Executive Council on all litigation and legal matters affecting the International Association and its membership by:
- Providing legal support to the SMWIA’s Departments and International staff in the field on jurisdictional, organizing, bargaining and other labor issues;
- Assisting Sheet Metal Worker Local Unions with legal issues relating to their representation of SMWIA members, election of officers and internal discipline; and
- Teaching labor law concepts at seminars sponsored by the SMWIA Education Department at the George Meany Center and at council meetings and legal workshops during annual conferences.
The Legal Department relies on Local Union Business Managers, Representatives, Organizers and local stewards to handle most workplace problems. In the event legal advice is required, the appropriate Local Union agent will contact the SMWIA’s Legal Counsel.