Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide an update on the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act (FMIA). Ielmini also talked about the Insulators Member Assistance Program (IMAP) and a new program to train foremen to be ambassadors for the industry.
While passage of the union's most important federal legislation, the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, is far from guaranteed, Ielmini revealed that the bill now has 60 House members as co-sponsors. He went on to review the hard work his team put in to get to this point, which included many visits and meetings on Capitol Hill. The strong bi-partisan support in the House offers hope for a possible vote this year, he added.
Building Trades members die by suicide nearly five times more than the general public, and Ielmini discussed the stigma around mental health in the construction industry. He shared some recent improvements that have helped to eliminate some of the negative perceptions around mental health disease and how the Insulators Member Assistance Program is helping to raise awareness on the subject. Ielmini talked about the program and how members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers can access the help they need.
Finally, Ielmini discussed the Jobsite Leadership and Marketing Program. The program is focused on training and educating foremen on ways to promote and market the union mechanical insulation industry to customers. He said the goal is to have the foreman market the union's expertise and ensure every job is an opportunity to bring in more work for the union.
To hear more from Ielmini, please listen to the show above.