On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Chris Grando, President of the National Union Insulation Contractors Alliance (NUICA), joined the show to discuss the organization, its recent changes and ongoing challenges in the insulation industry. Representing signatory contractors and advancing the mission of partnership between labor and management, Grando offered insights on how NUICA is working to reshape its approach, address market dynamics and build a stronger future for union insulation work across the U.S.
Grando began by highlighting his transition into leadership and the initial efforts to transform the alliance. When he assumed the role, he said he was met with the challenge of revitalizing an organization whose past was bogged down by negotiation over collaboration. Grando brought new energy and a focus on open communication to establish trust and renewed partnership with union leadership. This included refreshing the alliance brand, involving more voices in decision-making and ensuring union contractors were part of solution-oriented dialogues.
Next, Grando discussed the complex set of challenges faced by signatory contractors in the insulation industry. He detailed issues such as the rise of non-union labor, workforce shortages, cost pressures and regional differences in labor demand. He emphasized the importance of establishing internal committees within NUICA to collectively address these challenges, sharing best practices from high-pressure markets such as New York and adapting those strategies to different regions across the country. Grando pointed out that collaboration and regular communication remain vital for creating creative solutions tailored to local needs.
Lastly, Grando discussed the power of successful union-contractor partnerships by spotlighting high-profile projects, such as the new Highmark Stadium for the Buffalo Bills. He explained how the collaborative efforts between different Locals have overcome manpower shortages and tight project schedules, proving the value and expertise that union workers bring to complex builds. Grando stressed that sharing these success stories through marketing, video and industry outreach can help promote the union advantage and inspire further cooperation among industry stakeholders.
For more from Grando and what NUICA is doing to improve relations in the union insulation industry, listen to the full episode above.
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America’s Work Force Union Podcast is brought to you in part by our sponsors: AFL-CIO, American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of Musicians Local 4, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes-IBT, Boyd Watterson, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Communication Workers of America, Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 50, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Crafts, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 6, Ironworkers Great Lakes District Council, Melwood, The Labor Citizen newspaper, Laborers International Union of North America, The National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, North Coast Area Labor Federation, Ohio Federation of Teachers, United Labor Agency, United Steelworkers.
