The AFL-CIO Executive Council mourns the passing of Joseph J. Nigro. Nigro, a career sheet metal worker from Local 17 in Boston, retired as president of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) in 2015.
Nigro was instrumental in the merger of the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association and the United Transportation Union, forming SMART in 2011. It was a challenging process, but Nigro worked closely with his UTU counterpart to build one stronger, bigger and more effective union.
Nigro was the first general president of SMART, leading more than 200,000 members with passion and vision.
He was known as the “members’ general president,” a title he cherished and richly deserved.
The AFL-CIO Executive Council sends our deepest condolences to Nigro’s family, friends and all the members, leaders and staff of SMART.