Local 26 organizes at Tesla Gigafactory to build union strength, create opportunities for members

[Omaha Steve]

Members at the Gigafactory in 2017

https://www.smart-union.org/local-26-organizes-at-tesla-gigafactory-to-build-union-strength-create-opportunities-for-members/

July 7, 2026

Snip: A threat to Local 26 members

Since construction began at Tesla Gigafactory 1 in Reno in 2014, SMART Local 26 union contractors have successfully performed almost all mechanical sheet metal work on the project. The scale of the facility required workforce support from SMART members across the country, with sheet metal workers traveling from nearly every region to assist Local 26 in meeting the workforce demands of one of the largest industrial projects in the United States.

Toward the end of 2025, rumors began circulating that Tesla had started self-performing a significant portion of the sheet metal work outside of the main Gigafactory building. Initially, Local 26 was unable to verify the reports until a former Tesla employee visited the union hall seeking employment opportunities.

During discussions with the worker, organizers learned that Tesla was performing large-scale ductwork installations using more than 60 workers from across the country — workers who were not SMART members. The worker also identified the project location and explained that Tesla was staffing the operation through a temporary labor provider, Superior Skilled Trades (SST), based out of Florida.

Further investigation revealed that SST was recruiting heavily from Southern states and other regions with lower wage rates, making Tesla’s compensation package highly attractive to workers willing to travel. SST’s focus was on providing labor quantity rather than skilled sheet metal experience, resulting in many workers possessing only limited sheet metal backgrounds.

FULL story at link above.

[Munu]

1. Elon needs this.