The initiative comes at a critical time when childcare costs have jumped more than 50% over the last ten years, creating significant barriers for workers in trades who often face unpredictable schedules and mobile job locations. The partnership will give SMART members access to over 200,000 licensed childcare providers across the nation, including facilities offering non-traditional hours and 24/7 care options. Through their platform, members will have access to providers offering first, second, and third shift care options.

"This partnership sets a new standard for addressing the real-life challenges faced by working families," said Michael Coleman, general president of SMART. "We are proud to be the first building trades union in the country to provide access to childcare programs nationwide, ensuring that our members, especially apprentices and members with young families, have the support they need to thrive in their careers and at home."

The program aims to address a significant demographic challenge in the trades, where currently less than 9% of skilled trades workers are under 25 years old, and women represent less than 5% of the workforce. Through TOOTRiS's technology platform, parents can search, compare, and enroll in childcare programs based on real-time availability and their specific needs.

Alessandra Lezama, TOOTRiS CEO and member of the ReadyNation CEO Task Force on Early Childhood, emphasized the broader implications of the partnership.

"Parents in the trade industry are the backbone of progress. By providing real-time access to quality childcare solutions, TOOTRiS will empower parents to thrive in their careers while ensuring their children — the future of our economy and country — have the foundation they need to succeed," she said. "Together, we're building stronger families, industries, and communities."

The initiative has garnered support from industry leaders who see it as a model for future workforce development.

"This partnership addresses a critical gap for families in the trades, enabling parents — especially women — to succeed in careers that were once out of reach due to a lack of childcare," said Allison Grealis, Women in Manufacturing Association President and Founder.

Sean McGarvey, President of North America's Building Trades Unions, also praised the initiative: "Increasing access to childcare is critical to the success of workforce development in the skilled trades. This partnership between SMART and TOOTRiS exemplifies how the building trades can lead by example, ensuring that members have the resources to balance their work and family life. It's a model for how we can address a growing need facing today's workforce."

The partnership particularly targets support for apprentices and younger members who are often starting their careers and families simultaneously, providing them with crucial support during their early professional years. Through TOOTRiS's platform, members will receive free, unlimited online and phone support to help navigate their childcare needs.

According to SMART's Facebook page, there has been "an outpouring of interest" following the initial announcement. They clarified a few aspects of the platform: The program comes with specific eligibility requirements: it's available to members in good standing who have children aged 0-12, and their local union must opt to participate in the program. 

While the benefit doesn't cover the direct cost of childcare, it provides members with premium access to TOOTRiS's platform, helping them find the most affordable options. Members can use the platform to quickly find, schedule, enroll, and pay for childcare tailored to their family's needs. 

Those with eligible locals will receive email instructions on how to claim their benefit, and a dedicated concierge team is available at (866) 943-5449 or smartunion@tootris.com to address members' questions.