Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the progress on the Mechanical Insulation Act. Iemini also discussed a new program to help leaders within the union recognize and assist members needing mental health care.
It’s rare to have both sides of the political aisle agree on legislation, but according to Ielmini, the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act seems to meet the needs of both sides. It’s been a long process to get bipartisan support for the bill, but he believes it is necessary to pass. He said there have been positive talks with legislators, earning 41 co-sponsors in Congress, with more expected. Meanwhile, they are working on getting a Senate companion bill presented before the end of April, and Ielmini discussed that progress.
Mechanical insulation installation might be one of the most overlooked part of the construction process, Ielmini said. Most people think of the pink stuff in the walls, but nobody is really focused on the importance of mechanical insulation, which is where he has focused educational efforts properly. Ielmini believes in educating lawmakers on how much money can be saved by installing mechanical insulation and showcasing the value it can provide. According to what Ielmini has been told by the 41 co-sponsors and the other lawmakers he’s worked with, the bill is a no-brainer, but that doesn’t mean it will get passed quickly.
The Insulators have created a new program to help leadership recognize potential warning signs of a member needing mental health assistance. The program trains union leaders from the International down to the Local level using an education system provided by two companies, one providing initial treatment and the other offering long-term care. This new program, called the Insulators Members Assistance Program (IMAP), will provide confidential assistance to members. Ielmini talked about the different triggers that could cause a member to need help and discussed how the member's family can also use the IMAP services.
To hear more from Ielmini, be sure to listen to the show above.