Ielmini emphasizes need for women’s safety gear on AWF Union Podcast

Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast (AWF) and discussed how brick-and-mortar retail stores lack appropriate attire for female construction workers, including safety gear, which in turn negatively impacts female building trades members. He also provided an update on the reintroduction of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act.

FMIA might require Insulators to complete a registered apprenticeship program

Ielimi expects the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act will soon be re-introduced by Rep. Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calf.).

He stressed the importance of the bill, which would add Mechanical Insulation Energy Audits to the required checks performed on all federally owned buildings. 

One initial sticking point for the bill is its requirement that all Mechanical Insulators who work in federal buildings must have completed a registered apprenticeship program. However, while registered apprenticeship programs are commonly associated with union labor, Ilemini pointed out that this does not eliminate non-union contractors, since there are some who operate registered apprenticeship programs.

Ilemini has also been working with Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) as a potential co-sponsor to the bill. He hopes to get more bipartisan support from House members prior to the bill’s reintroduction. 

Tradeswomen deserve safe and appropriate work attire 

With more women joining the construction workforce, Ielmini emphasized the importance of making sure they are both comfortable and safe on jobsites.

He noted the disheartening lack of appropriate and safe female attire in local retail stores and how it could truly impact women’s performance in the industry.

Ielmini said there should be proper safety equipment and apparel for women, just as much as there is for men. He feels construction workers are similar to professional athletes, as both use their bodies every day and they cannot perform their work without the proper attire.

He stressed the need to spread awareness about women in the construction industry as a way to encourage retail stores to market their construction-safe products to both men and women. 

Listen to the full podcast here.