General President Revard promotes disaster relief fund on podcast

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.

First established in 2005 in response to Hurricane Katrina, the fund provides support to HFIAW Brothers and Sisters throughout North America who find themselves in need following a natural disaster.

Paid through Union dues, the fund currently totals $3.2 million. Since the fund’s inception, about $1.2 million has been given out to over 1,000 members in the U.S. and Canada. Following the devastating tornadoes in Kentucky, 12 members immediately got checks to help house and feed their families, Revard said. Flooding in Tennessee displaced several members, who also received relief from the fund. 

The HFIAW is grateful to have the ability to help its members during difficult times, Revard said. As disastrous events unfold, the Union’s top priority is to provide relief to impacted Brothers and Sisters, he added.

Apprentices wanted: Growing membership remains a top priority

Revard also spoke about HFIAW’s efforts to recruit apprentices in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The infrastructure bill will bring great job opportunities to the Mechanical Insulation trade, so growing the union through apprenticeship remains a priority, he said. 

With Baby Boomers retiring and a good work outlook in many areas, now is a great time to join the Insulators Union as an apprentice.

Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund Administrator John Stahl is doing a great job recruiting new apprentices and growing membership, Revard added. 

You can listen to Revard’s interview by checking out all the major podcast carriers including Apple, Google, Spotify and iHeart.