In a significant development for the construction industry, the pioneering childcare benefits program launched by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) is already showing signs of success at the local level, with Local 206 serving as an early adopter and model for national expansion.
Dave Gauthier, Business Manager at SMART Local 206, reveals that his local union was the first to partner with TOOTRiS, the San Diego-based childcare benefits provider, before the program expanded nationwide. “We went from being the first local union to sign up with TOOTRiS to now being part of the first international and only building trades union to actually have a real answer for childcare,” Gauthier explained.
The program’s implementation through Local 206’s healthcare trust has created a streamlined verification process for members.
“When somebody tries to sign up with TOOTRiS and says they’re a SMART Local 206 member, their information is immediately piped over to our Health Trust to verify their standing,” Gauthier said, describing the automated system that ensures benefits reach eligible members.
Beyond Basic Childcare
The program offers several advantages over traditional childcare search methods. According to Gauthier, 80% of childcare providers don’t advertise, making TOOTRiS’s comprehensive database particularly valuable. The platform allows members to filter providers based on specific needs, including:
- Early morning availability for job site schedules
- Swing shift and graveyard shift coverage
- Special dietary requirements and allergies
- Religious preferences
- Summer camps and specialized programs
One standout feature is the ability to book childcare up to a year in advance. “If you wait until June to find summer care for your kids … you’re not getting it,” Gauthier noted. “You can book a year out so members can start booking right now for summer care.”
Expanding to Meet Industry Demands
SMART plans to continue developing the program to address specific industry concerns, including “mega projects” and workforce demands in rural areas. The International is working on two pilot programs to that end, though the details are still being finalized.
“The trades are going to be very busy for a very long time,” Gauthier emphasized. “If we’re not bringing in a more diverse group of people to do this work, then we’re going to miss out on some of that work.” He points out that with women comprising half the available workforce, addressing childcare needs is crucial for recruitment and retention.
Setting an Industry Standard
The success of this initiative is already catching attention within the building trades. Gauthier believes this benefit is “way overdue” and predicts other trades will follow suit once they see its impact on recruitment and retention, particularly among women workers.
The program includes 24/7 multilingual concierge support and negotiated rates that often beat direct-to-provider pricing. These features, combined with the extensive vetting of providers and the convenience of the platform, make it a comprehensive solution for working parents in the trades.
As the program continues to roll out nationally, Local 206’s experience suggests that addressing childcare needs could be transformative for the building trades industry, potentially opening doors for a more diverse workforce while supporting existing members’ families.