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During the last weekend of October, more than 3,000 tradeswomen and allies gathered at the Paris Casino in Las Vegas for North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) Conference. TWBN is the largest gathering of any kind for union tradeswomen, and the largest NABTU event, eclipsing the annual Legislative Conference.
The fall session of parliament kicked off at the end of September, and a busy legislative agenda has kept the federal government focused on tackling the rising cost of living, dealing with labour and supply challenges and moving forward with implementing its commitments on climate change and the environment.
In 1971, Walt Disney World opened in Florida, the voting age was lowered to age 18, the most popular song was “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night and the movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory premiered. That same year, Terry Hermanson, age 17, started to work for the HFIAW.
Through education, advocacy, campaigning or at the polls, members of the Insulators Union made a political impact this year in both the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S., the efforts of our Brothers and Sisters to, ‘Get Out the Vote’ helped stem the tide on what was expected to be a “red wave” at the federal level and allow Democrats to keep control of the Senate and only narrowly lose a majority in the House.
When I was a young boy, I could not wait for my dad to get home from work at the end of the day.
Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), made his monthly appearance on America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about H.B. 9419, the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act.
The HFIAW is a proud charter union of the Union Sportsman's Alliance (USA).
Legislation that seeks to ensure that federal buildings utilize mechanical insulation and that it is installed by individuals who have completed a registered apprenticeship program was introduced into Congress.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained the purpose of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, which he believes will be introduced into Congress in late November.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Tax Deduction.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the importance of Mechanical Insulation energy audits and why the National Energy Conservation Policy Act should be amended to ultimately benefit taxpayers.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the alarming suicide rate of construction workers and the resources available to help those in crisis.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained how the proper installation and maintenance of Mechanical Insulation can help reduce U.S. fossil fuel consumption, which in turn, will help protect the environment.
When I raise the issue of banning the use of asbestos, the most common response I get is: “Isn’t asbestos already banned?”
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about why firestop measures are critical to public safety and how the firestop industry can be a highly lucrative for both contractors and members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Craftworkers.
In mid-May, over a dozen Local JATC Training Coordinators and Instructors attended the Advanced Pad Development and Advanced Metal Layout Train-the-Trainers courses at the Local 17 Training Center in Chicago.
The Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) held its annual legislative conference in Ottawa from April 25-28, following two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In April, the North America’s Building Trades Union (NABTU) Legislative Conference was held in-person in Washington, D.C. after a two-year break due to COVID-19.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers General President Emeritus James A. Grogan, Jr.
Heat and Frost Insulators in Canada have much to be proud of following a busy but productive first half of the year.
In May, the Biden Administration celebrated six months of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) being enacted.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini recently joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about efforts to address construction worker suicide and the resources available to help union Mechanical Insulators.
HFIAW Local 134 Business Manager, Financial and Corresponding Secretary Gary L. Guertin, 59, passed away peacefully on Feb. 2 surrounded by his family and loved ones.
The Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund (IIIATF) hosted a virtual nanomaterials training course on Feb. 17.
During the 2021 Christmas season, apprentices from several Locals spent time on a fun and creative project to display holiday spirit.
Tradeswomen from all over North America took part in a webinar event in March that was designed to take the place of last year’s Trades Women Build Nations in-person event, which was cancelled due to COVID-19 safety precautions.
Leaders from the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (IAHFIAW) gathered on the evening of April 5 to honor General President Emeritus James P. McCourt in Washington, DC.
Newly elected Local Union Officers attended the Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund (IIIATF) New Officers Training course, which was held virtually at the beginning of March due to continued safety concerns related to the pandemic.
Rollin R. Reth passed away on March 7 at the age of 72. He was the former Business Manager of HFIAW Local 84 in Akron & Youngstown.
At this moment (March 2022), it is a hopeful time during the viral pandemic with infection rates plummeting and no surprises have appeared on the horizon.
For members of Insulators Local 5 in Los Angeles, this year’s Super Bowl was extra special, and it was not because a local team won the Lombardi Trophy.
The Executive Order signed by President Joe Biden in early February requiring the use of Project Labor Agreements on federal construction projects above $35 million will benefit the Insulators Union and create more work opportunities for our members.
On Nov. 15, 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, known as the IIJA, into law.
Jerry Donovan, retired Local 1 Business Manager, passed away on Jan. 5 after suffering a heart attack. He was 62.
The Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) is proud to announce a new partnership with the lobbying firm State Federal Strategies.
Canada’s 2022 parliamentary calendar kicked off on Jan. 31 when the House of Commons reconvened for its winter/spring session.
André Savard, the former Local 58 Montreal Business Manager passed away on Feb. 10 due to complications from COVID-19.
A project completed by HFIAW Local 50 members was featured in a recently released report focusing on how labor unions can play an essential role in addressing climate change.
Members of HFIAW Local 7 helped bring top-level professional hockey back to Seattle after nearly a century absence.
The Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund (IIIATF) hosted an online Grant Writing Course during first full week in October.
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers General President Gregory T. Revard joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss The Insulators Union Disaster Relief Fund that provides emergency funds to members impacted by natural disasters.
There are at least 650,000 known lead pipes in Ohio that deliver polluted drinking water. Ohio has the second highest number in the nation, next to Illinois.
Going to the doctor is no one’s idea of fun, especially these days.
In September, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party were re-elected to lead another minority government in Canada.
Spring Hill, Tenn.—Despite the cold temperature and strong wind, more than 150 participants turned out at San Antonio’s South Side Lions Park on December 11 for Fishing Lines at Christmas Time—the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) first holiday-themed youth fishing event.
As the country comes to grips with the reality of climate change, energy efficiency becomes increasingly essential to infrastructure. Mechanical insulation will play a critical role in that transformation. The efforts to better insulate America’s buildings will lead to unprecedented demand for Mechanical Insulators, spurring the growth of apprenticeships.
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers General President Gregory T. Revard joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast on Veterans Day to discuss opportunities available for veterans through the HFIAW’s registered apprenticeship program.
Clean energy is the future. As we move towards a carbon neutral energy economy, millions of new jobs will be created — and many will be unionized.
Insulators Union General President Gregory T. Revard released the following statement on the inclusion of mechanical insulation tax incentives in President Biden's Build Back Better framework and U.S. House legislation:
The HFIAW Local 53 (New Orleans) Pension Fund was the big winner in a recent lawsuit filed against an employer.
A major project in Kansas City will not only benefit airline travelers, but has created good paying jobs for members of the Insulators Union.
COVID-19 comes and goes, despite our hopes in early summer it was on its way out.
Over the past year and a half, the COVID-19 pandemic brought much of the world to halt.
“Hurry up and wait,” is a common construction concept, but this phrase also often applies to the legislative process.
The dedication and commitment so many of our Insulators and Allied Workers Brothers and Sisters have demonstrated by defending the U.S. and Canada is unparalleled.
For roughly 40 years, Brother Geoff Millar was an active member of HFIAW Local 16 who worked in all aspects of our trade including asbestos remediation, commercial, refrigeration, light industrial, heavy industrial and ship work.
Before the travel restrictions were implemented in early 2020, the Western States Conference Master Apprentice Competition (MAC) was one of the last in-person events held in our union.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The International Insulation Industry Apprenticeship and Training Fund (IIIATF) held a three-day Joint Apprenticeship Conference (JAC) in June.
Press Release from Union Sportsmen's Alliance:
With the health and safety concerns of the pandemic again gaining momentum, the International Insulation Industry Apprenticeship and Training Fund (IIIATF) made the choice to move the Spring 2020 Trainer Enhancement class online. The decision to move this traditionally in-person event to a virtual environment was difficult, as the class normally includes numerous hands-on components.
The Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund (IIIATF) held a virtual training session for the new Training Coordinators.
The 31st Annual Florence Bernard/Alta Miller Scholarship Drawing was held virtually on July 21 at the International Office in Maryland, with International staff and officers pulling names in a random, basket-style drawing to award the scholarships.
Two of union’s top trainers were recently recognized with the International Insulation Industry Apprenticeship
and Training Fund’s (IIIATF) greatest honor, the W. F. Pablo Bleiker Award.
After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the North America’s Building Trades Unions Legislative Conference was held for the first time ever as a virtual event in 2021.
Nearly five years ago, the Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades Council established the Raising the Baltimore
Apprenticeship Readiness (BAR) Program to serve Baltimore residents.
On April 19, the first Canadian woman to hold the federal finance minister portfolio delivered the longest and arguably most significant budget in Canadian history. At more than 740 pages, Finance Minister Chyrstia Freeland’s first budget was both heavy and weighty for a Liberal government seeking to support Canadians and steer the economy out of the pandemic. It also didn’t hurt that the budgets’ massive spending spree helped position the government for the looming election.
As the weather gets better and more Americans and Canadians receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, there is a growing sense of optimism that better days are ahead.
Many people have reduced or entirely skipped out on seeing their doctor over the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Steven Markowitz, MD, DrPH, as the Union’s Chief Medical Advisor.
After a 35-year career with the Insulators Union, Brother Scott Curry announced he will retire on July 1.
Efforts to update the Selikoff Insulator Cohort are expected to provide valuable information to better understand the progression of asbestos-related disease. However, before we address this work and what it means, we want to discuss the cohort and what the initial work meant.
Brother Alan Pierce joined Local 16 San Francisco in July 1975. Upon completing the apprenticeship program, he spent another 30-years on the tools before retiring in December 2006.
After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the North America’s Building Trades Unions Legislative Conference returned, albeit virtually in 2021 with representatives from all 14 affiliated building trades attending the conference that was held on June 5.
Tradesmen and tradeswomen must be brought along with the rest of the workforce as the U.S. takes an eco-friendly approach to infrastructure and energy. Local 1 Retiree, former Missouri state senator and current Mechanical Insulators LMCT Deputy Director Gina Walsh explained initiatives in place to ensure building trades unions have a seat at the clean energy table and more on a labor-focused podcast.
California Congresswoman Linda Sanchez made sure to reference legislation that she supports regarding mechanical insulation during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on infrastructure financing on May 19.
Construction workers face plenty of hazards on the job, but they can also struggle when they leave the jobsite. On Workers’ Memorial Day, the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers and our affiliates are working to promote safety and wellbeing in all forms.
A group of newly elected Local Union Officers were supposed to have training in Maryland at the end of 2020.
As the U.S. and Canada continue to face significant health and economic challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not easy to envision better days ahead. This is especially true in the U.S. after the attack on the U.S. Capitol and our democratic institutions on Jan. 6.
Steven Markowitz, MD, DrPH, a physician specializing in occupational and environmental medicine, directs the Barry Commoner Center for Health and the Environment and is a professor of environmental sciences at Queens College, City University of New York (CUNY). The Insulators Union has been working with Dr. Markowitz for many years and appreciates his expertise on issues that matter to our industry and our members.
A historic hospital that served New Orleans residents for centuries, only to be shuttered by Hurricane Katrina, is coming back to life. The bold $300 million project is covered by a Project Labor Agreement, which is already benefiting HFIAW Local 53.
Building trades members, including those from HFIAW Local 7, struggled through numerous roadblocks and protests as they performed work to get a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) refueling port in the Tacoma/Puget Sound area up and running.
The storm in Texas this winter caused unthinkable damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure, leaving many without running water and electricity. The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers are continually promoting mechanical insulation and the many benefits.
In a letter to President Biden in support of the Build Back Better Clean Energy Infrastructure Plan, Insulators Union General President Gregory T. Revard reminded President Biden and his administration of the green benefits from mechanical insulation.
The mechanical insulation industry won’t be going anywhere, anytime soon. Our Union’s joint labor and contractor effort, the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management and Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini explained how mechanical insulation jobs will be created on a labor-focused podcast.
Insulators Local 18 Business Manager Jason Smith talked about an Indianapolis, Ind. project on the labor-focused America’s Work Force Union Podcast.
With the new year approaching, Mechanical Insulators Labor Management and Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini explained the importance of a new job-creating climate initiative on a labor-focused podcast.
HFIAW Local 18 Indianapolis is proud to be working on the new Marion County Criminal Justice Complex project with signatory contractors Fargo Insulation and Performance Contracting (Insulation Division).
Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund Administrator Thomas A. Haun is set to retire at the end of 2020, after 22 years of leading the International Training Department, and 46 total years of industry experience.
International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 58 has gained 18 new apprentices after they completed a pre apprenticeship course in Montreal.
International Representative Rob Hall recently announced his intent to retire at the end of 2020. Over the past 12 years, many Insulator Brothers and Sisters have come to know Brother Hall through his position as International Representative.
Just ahead of Thanksgiving, Mechanical Insulators Labor Management and Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini discussed the importance of labor unions and outlined some of the most important accomplishments of the labor movement on a labor-focused podcast.
Although the building trades are a traditionally male-dominated field of work, women are breaking barriers and finding success and equality in the industry, including within the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers.
On Veterans Day, Navy veteran and Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers General President Gregory T. Revard appeared on America’s Work Force Union Podcast to tell his story and explain what the Insulators Union is doing to recruit veterans.
The dedication and commitment so many of our Insulator Brothers and Sisters have demonstrated by defending the U.S. and Canada is unparalleled.
In the runup to the election, Mechanical Insulators Labor Management and Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini informed union members where they can find reliable election information on the Oct. 30 episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast.
Thanks to the efforts of the Building Trades of Alberta (BTA), so-called “Right to Work” laws will not be instituted in the province.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management and Cooperative Trust Deputy Director Gina Walsh appeared on the Oct. 12 episode of America’s Work Force Union podcast to give a preview of the North America’s Building Trades Unions’ Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference.
With rising unemployment and a construction industry workforce continuing to shrink, one former Insulators Union Business Manager has stepped up to help create meaningful career opportunities.
In late June, 26 Insulators attended an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 502 training event via digital conferencing.
The Insulation Industry International Apprenticeship and Training Fund (IIIATF) held a successful virtual website training event in August.
In the middle of August, Phillips 66 announced they will begin a four-year process of campaigning and gaining approvals to transition their 124-year-old San Francisco Refinery into the world’s largest renewable fuels plant.
It is often said the next election is the most important and consequential in our lifetime, and the 2020 U.S. General Election is no exception. To help our U.S. members cast an informed vote, it is necessary to review the past four years.
Newly appointed International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers General President Gregory T. Revard detailed his career thus far and shared his mission and goals as the new General President on the Oct. 2 episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast.
Missouri State Sen. Gina Walsh, a member of the Insulators Union, was honored by her fellow state senators in mid-September.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management and Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini appeared on the Sept. 23 episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how worker safety has improved within the insulation industry throughout the years.
The International Executive Board elected Douglas N. Gamble to be the HFIAW’s new General Secretary-Treasurer.
On Aug. 26, Mechanical Insulators Labor Management and Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini appeared on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast to discuss the inclusion of mechanical insulation language within the Invest Act.
Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 95 Director of Government and Community Relations Brother Adam Melnick was recently appointed to serve as a youth advisor to the Ontario Government.
On Labor Day, General President James P. McCourt retired, ending a 45-year career as a proud member of the Insulators Union.
For Gregory T. Revard, Labor Day will mean even more to him than ever before.
In the U.S., Election Day will be here before you know it, but are you registered to vote?
Spring Hill, Tenn. —Third-generation union insulator, Gary Payeur of Florissant, Missouri, heads to Colorado, where he encounters “Frank the Tank” during his first western mule deer hunt on the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s (USA) Brotherhood Outdoors TV episode airing the week of August 24.
Democratic Party Presidential Nominee Joe Biden promised to support key issues important to the Insulators Union.
Today, the Executive Board of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers voted unanimously to endorse Democratic Party presidential nominee Joe Biden for President of the United States.
When Laura Goff of Circle Pines graduated from Inver Grove Heights schools in 1998, she did what was advised at
the time.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management and Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Radio Podcast on July 22 to discuss registered apprenticeship programs and the future of the mechanical insulation industry.
The Insulators Union is proud of our allies in the U.S. House of Representatives for including funding to complete the Mesothelioma Patient Registry Feasibility Study in their Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations bill to fund the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education.
Brother Woodrow Smith, known to his friends as “Woody,” has been a pillar to generations of HFIAW Local 47 members. And his four-digit registration number is only part of the reason why.
Heavy rainfall in May and the failure of two dams caused severe to a portion of Michigan that impacted numerous members of Local 47 in Michigan. Similar flooding problems hit Local 110 members in the Fort McMurray area in Canada.
Winners were randomly selected for the 30th Annual Florence Bernard/Alta Miller Scholarship Drawing in mid-June.
A member of HFIAW Local 14 and Union Sportsmen's Alliance (USA), set a new Pennsylvania fishing record. Lifelong angler, Brother Jonathan Pierce, 34, of Roxborough, Pa., hauled in a 56.3-pound flathead catfish during the Memorial Day weekend.
After much effort and coordination, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an infrastructure bill, which includes mechanical insulation tax incentives.
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-De.) introduced legislation aimed at creating jobs and providing stimulus funding for infrastructure projects.
Since last November when we first secured mechanical insulation tax incentives into the House Ways and Means GREEN bill discussion draft, we have been optimistic that the Mechanical Insulation tax incentives would be included as part of a larger infrastructure bill that the U.S House of Representatives would consider and approve. Our optimism was further increased when the Joint Committee on Taxation contacted us to get information that they needed to complete their economic/budgetary analysis for the Mechanical Insulation tax incentives.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management and Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Radio Podcast on June 24 to discuss firestopping and infectious disease control.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined America’s Work Force Radio Podcast on May 27 and spoke about Insulator apprenticeships during the COVID-19 pandemic and asbestos legislation.
Thanks in part to members of Insulators Local 80, a once shuttered plant has new life.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini recently spoke on America's Work Force Radio Podcast about apprenticeship and other topics.
The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 7 Business Manager Todd Mitchell was interviewed on a daily labor-focused podcast on April 29.
The heads-up inspection of deteriorating insulation at a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) energy plant led to nearly four months of additional work for members of HFIAW Local 86.
Communiqué de presse // Pour diffusion immédiate
Dr. Tam provided an update on the number of cases in Canada: 15822 cases and 293 deaths. She says the most concerning news right now are the new outbreaks in hospitals and hearing of young people being hospitalized and people as young as in their 20’s dying from the disease. She shares this information as a reminder that this is a critical illness that may strike anyone at any age. She also gave an update on testing that Canada has now completed over 339 000 tests. She points to cautious optimism from British Columbia as they recorded a lower number of cases than last week showing that collective action can slow the spread of the virus.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau explained CERB opened for applications today, saying 240,000 people have already successfully applied and that the government is suggesting people apply according to their birth month. He said there are some who don’t qualify who still deserve help and that the government would expand access to CERB soon for gig workers, freelancers, those who have had hours reduced to below 10 hours per week, and others.
Eligible employers would be able to apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy through the Canada Revenue Agency’s My Business Account portal as well as a web-based application. Employers would have to keep records demonstrating their reduction in arm’s-length revenues and remuneration paid to employees. More details about the application process will be made available shortly.
(Toronto, ON) “Today’s decision by the government of Ontario to largely shut down private sector Industrial and Commercial construction in the province is a difficult but necessary one, given the growing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Patrick Dillon, Business Manager of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario. Public sector infrastructure projects, together with the residential sector will largely remain open.
In response to the construction industry’s questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, the following are steps workers should be taking now:
• Don’t go to work if you are feeling sick.
• Don’t go to work if you have a fever.
• Don’t go to work if you have a cough or shortness of breath.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Don’t shake hands when greeting others.
• Avoid large gatherings or meetings of 10 people or more.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others on job sites and in gatherings, meetings, and training sessions.
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissues if you cough or sneeze or do so into your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When hand washing isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with greater than 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
• Clean your hands frequently, including before and after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Bring food and water bottles from home to the job site and do not share.
• Drive to worksites or parking areas by yourself—no passengers or carpooling.
• Wipe down interiors and door handles of machines or construction vehicles, and the handles of equipment and tools that are shared, with disinfectant prior to entering. CDC has issued disinfection recommendations here.
Mechanical Insulators Labor Management and Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini represented the LMCT on America’s Work Force podcast on March 26.
In the last two weeks, Congress has passed one major piece of legislation and is poised to do the same in the coming days on a second bill. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) has been signed into law by the president. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is scheduled to be voted on by the US House of Representatives as early as Friday, March 27 after already passing the US Senate on Wednesday, March 25. The House is expected to pass the bill and then it will head to the president who is expected to sign it into law.
Both of pieces of legislation were designed to provide economic relief for businesses and workers severely impacted by COVID-19. North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) lobbied very aggressively to ensure each bill contained policies that would help the working families of the construction industry as well as its contractors. The following memo is a summary of many of the key provisions impacting the building trades and its industry partners.
While Congress is expected to officially recess until mid to late April (possibly longer), plans for a fourth relief bill are already coming together. With the help of all the affiliates and our councils, the building trades will begin lobbying on it immediately. As you will read, we have unfinished business and our members and their families are depending on us to get it done.
On March 25, the Prime Minister announced a new taxable benefit that provides $2,000/month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On March 19, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee approved legislation to regulate the amount of asbestos used in building materials and industrial facilities.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have announced a plan to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) has shared a brief on March 19 at 11:30 am with the following information to be shared as resources within their affiliated Unions.
Blog created on March 19 at 2 p.m. EST: This is an update regarding the March 18 Canadian federal government response regarding the Emergency Funds being supplied to Canadian citizens during the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
President Trump signed into law a Coronavirus aid, which was overwhelmingly approved by Congress.
After months of delay, the U.S. Department of Labor released the final rule on Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, otherwise known as IRAPs, exempting the construction industry from this rule.
Seattle Building Trades Executive Secretary and former Insulators Local 7 Business Manager, Monty Anderson led the way in securing an agreement to streamline the negotiating process for employees of King County.
On Feb. 19, Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Labor Management Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined Ed “Flash” Ferenc on America’s Work Force Radio to discuss mechanical insulation.
Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Ind. and Democratic Presidential Primary candidate, mentioned the Insulators and the insulation industry during a recent interview.
International Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers General President James P. McCourt recently wrote a letter to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson regarding the role HFIAW members can play in ensuring affordable housing.
The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers has been making their voice heard lately on the legislative front.
The Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) made a presentation during the annual National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) meeting in California. Local 5 Business Manager Michael Patterson and Local 16 Business Manager Mel Breshears joined LMCT Interim Director Rob Hall for a panel discussion about energy and the benefits of Mechanical Insulation on systems. With attendees from across the United States, the exposure for our union was great with the potential to engage in more work opportunities across the county.
More than 2,800 attendees discussed, networked and learned about the importance of empowering tradeswomen during the 2019 North America’s Building Trade Unions (NABTU) Trades Women Build Nations (TWBN) Conference.
The 10th Annual Breath of Life Foundation golf fundraiser took place in late September at Stonewall Jackson Golf Resort in Roanoke, W.Va.
The Insulation Industry International Apprenticeship and Training Fund (IIIATF) held its annual New Local Union Officers Training event in late October. On Oct. 21, the IIIATF welcomed 30 newly elected officers to the week-long training, which was held at the Maritime Institute Conference Center in Baltimore, MD .
In September, HFIAW Local 53 New Orleans opened a brand-new state-of-the-art training center. Located in the lower level of the Local 53 Union Hall in Kenner, La., the building has 2,000-square-feet of training space, both interior and exterior, with additional external storage.
As the calendar year draws to a close, it is a good time for Insulators and their families to remember to perform some necessary maintenance around the house, such as change the battery in all smoke alarms, replace the furnace filter and shut off the water to the outdoor spigot.
On Oct. 25, 2019, Local 16 Retired Brother Robert “Spider” Cantley was presented with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) annual President's Award. Pictured is LLS President & CEO Dr. Louis DeGennaro (left) presenting Brother Cantley with the award at a ceremony held in San Francisco.
Apollo Beach, Fla. — Hundreds of local youth and their families gathered Saturday, Nov. 2, to celebrate the dedication of a new boardwalk and fishing pier at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center (SYCC) in Apollo Beach, Florida.
On Oct. 7, Insulators Local 6 Training Coordinator Rick Rothwell and Brother Joe Gallagher met with a Democratic Presidential Primary candidate.
Dr. Michael Harbut, a world-renowned researcher and physician with several decades of experience treating asbestos exposed patients, leads a team of occupational hazard researchers at the St. John Providence Health System in Michigan. Harbut is the medical advisor to The Breath of Life Foundation since inception in 2009 and continues to be a trusted partner with the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers. Dr. Harbut is available if any members of our Insulators Union family have questions regarding diagnosis or the approach your doctor might be taking for as asbestos-related disease. Dr. Harbut can be reached at 248-849-3107.
The HFIAW Local Unions that make up the Central States Conference, in conjunction with their Contractors Association, hosted the 7th Annual Breath of Life Foundation Motorcycle and Classic Car Rally in Dayton, Ohio.
The Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund (IIIATF) held its annual Trainer Enhancement program for instructors from the U.S. and Canada at the Maritime Institute in Maryland.
This proved to be a busy summer, as we worked to ensure our priorities, especially those of Canada’s Insulators, who are featured in our federal election on Oct. 21. At the same time, our provincial representatives are busy ensuring Insulator priorities are front and centre, as provincial capitals wrestle with budget cuts and energy policies, which could impact the bottom line of the insulation trade.
The Seattle skyline changed this summer, when crews finished construction of a new skyscraper on the Amazon campus. Named re:Invent, the 37-story high-rise is the third tallest building on the internet retail giant’s main campus. Checking in at 1.2-million-square-feet, the high-rise can hold up to 5,000 employees.
On the first weekend in September, our Brothers and Sisters across the U.S. and Canada celebrated Labor Day in a wide variety of ways.
Labor unions serve a great purpose for their members, as they work to negotiate better pay, better health care and pension benefits and a safer work environment. In the case of building trades unions, including the Insulators, unions also train the next generation of skilled workers through apprenticeship programs.
The US House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee has developed a Subcommittee on Energy that will hear At Large International Vice President Tim Keane testify on Friday, September 20, 2019. The hearing is entitled “Building a 100 Percent Clean Economy: Solutions for the U.S. Building Sector" and will also include testimonies from American Institute of Architects 2018 AIA President Carl Elefante, FAIA, U.S. Green Building Counsel Senior Policy Counsel Elizabeth Beardsley and American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Executive Director Steven Nadel.
Spring Hill, Tenn. — Union volunteers’ efforts to enhance visitors’ experiences at the nation’s first Urban National Wildlife Refuge earned the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) 2019 Project of the Year Award.
The Department of Labor has introduced draft language for regulations on expanding apprenticeships, including expanding Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs).
Spring Hill, Tenn. — The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) invites outdoors enthusiasts to catch the excitement as its award-winning Brotherhood Outdoors television series whisks hardworking union members away on action-packed hunting and fishing adventures.
Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund (IIIATF) Administrator Thomas A. Haun announced during the 2019 Combined Local Union Officers Meeting/Joint Apprenticeship Conference/Master Apprentice Competition of his retirement slated for December of 2020. Following the announcement, the IIIATF Trustees accepted applications and interviewed all candidates, with the selected replacement to work with Haun for an entire year.
Brothers from HFIAW Local 94 completed a colorful project at the Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City. Members did such a masterful job on the colored PVC project, that it was publicized on the front page of The Oklahoman newspaper earlier this year.
To help offset costs to continue their education, 20 students with a direct connection to the HFIAW will receive $5,000 scholarships this year.
This year, the International Insulation Industry Apprenticeship and Training Fund (IIIATF) presented the 2019 W. F. Pablo Blieker Award to Local 14 Instructor and Master Apprentice Competition Proctor John Sullivan.
The Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund (IIIATF)’s 44th Annual Joint Apprentice
Conference (JAC) took place in Arizona this May, and for the first time, it was combined with the annual Local Union Officers Meeting.
The first annual Insulators Tissue Bank and Asbestos Research Charitable Trust Golf Fundraiser raised more than $200,000 to help finance much-needed research for asbestos-related diseases.
Dating back to 2012, Beaver County, Penn. knew there would be a construction boom on the horizon after the Shell Oil Company announced plans to build an Ethane Cracker plant along the Ohio River.
Delegates heard from multiple politicians hoping to become the Democrat candidate to run for President in 2020 during the final day of the to the North America’s Building Trades Unions 2019 Legislative Conference.
At the North America’s Building Trades Unions Annual Legislative Conference, NABTU President Sean McGarvey and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calf.) both discussed the need for lawmakers to pass laws that create good-paying jobs for union construction workers.
Les questions portant sur l’ouvrage et les élections fédérales étaient au centre de la Conférence législative Canadienne de L’industrie de la construction et une saine conversation politique ont rempli le calendrier lors de la conférence législative de 2019 des Syndicats des métiers de la construction du Canada (SMCC)
Issues critical to the Canadian Construction Industry and a healthy dose of political conversation filled the schedule during the Canada’s Building Trades Union (CBTU) 2019 Legislative Conference.
Summer is here, and in Canada, the political scene is truly heating up with only a couple months left before the next federal election on Oct. 21. Members of Parliament and candidates from all parties are pounding the pavement, knocking on doors and pitching themselves and their party’s policy agenda to Canadians.
For the first time in the 116-year history of the union, the Insulators held the Local Union Officers Meeting, the Joint Apprenticeship Conference and the Master Apprentice Competition (MAC) at the same time and same location.
For the first time in competition history, an apprentice from HFIAW Local 119 earned the Master Apprentice Competition (MAC) title.
In Phoenix, Western States Conference International Vice President Doug Gamble and Local 16 Business Manager Mel Breshears provided an update on the enactment of 2013 California state legislation (SB 54), which requires workers at all California refineries to have appropriate training.
Spring Hill, Tenn. — A popular fishing pier on Champion Lake in the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge received a much-needed face-lift thanks to union volunteers, the Union Sportsmen's Alliance (USA) and the Lower Trinity Basin Master Naturalists.
Sixty kilometers east of Turin, Italy, nestled on the shore of the Po River sits the Italian town of Casale Monferrato. For centuries this community has been the important centre of the Piedmont Region of Italy and today boasts a beautiful bounty of rich history and beautiful architecture. However, for over 80 years Casale Monferrato and all its’ citizens were buried in clouds of asbestos fibres from the manufacturing of fibre cement products by the Eternit factory. For those eight decades the community was destroyed by the cynicism of those who, for the sake of profits, did not hesitate to put in danger the health of the employees, their relatives and of all of those, who by simply living in the town, were forced to breath this dust of death. The last century has resulted in Casale Monferrato being known as the epicentre of mesothelioma and asbestos disease.
Spring Hill, Tenn. — The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) has honored International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (Insulators) Local 14 Member John Stahl with the 2019 Insulators Conservation Steward of the Year Award for his exemplary commitment to conservation and community service.
Cambridge, UK, and Lanham, MD, USA June 05, 2019: Owlstone Medical, a global diagnostics company developing a breathalyzer for applications in early disease detection and precision medicine, announced today the formation of a partnership with the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (IAHFIAW), formerly known as the Asbestos Workers, a building trades union in the United States and Canada, to identify and verify breath-based biomarkers for the early detection of malignant mesothelioma.
On March 18, Rep. John Katko, a Republican from New York’s 24th District, introduced the Mary Jo Lawyer-Spano Mesothelioma Patient Registry Act of 2019 (H.R. 1824) into Congress.
Training coordinators and instructors from all the Building Trades attended the third annual Apprenticeship Conference, hosted by the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI.
BALTIMORE (March 14, 2019) – The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation today announced new registered apprenticeship programs and apprenticable occupations, expanding opportunities for Maryland workers in high-wage skilled trade jobs and non-traditional apprenticeship industries. At the March meeting of the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council (MATC), two new sponsors became part of the state’s apprenticeship program, three existing sponsors added a new occupation, and one sponsor reactivated an occupation within its program.
Government decisions impact many aspects of our daily lives (the taxes we pay, our ability to secure work, the health and safety of our workplace, health care and retirement benefits), and as such, our union has, and continues to emphasize, the importance of electing candidates who support the union construction industry, specifically the work of the Insulators.
