Mechanical Insulation Act reintroduction will create hundreds of jobs
Insulators International Staff — Fri, Jul 28, 2023 @ 15:07 PM
Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast in July and spoke about the reintroduction of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act.
On July 14, the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act of 2023 was reintroduced with bipartisan support by Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) and Rep. Linda T. Sanchez (D-Calif.).
As part of the legislation, all federal buildings would be required to use mechanical insulation, a technology Insulators are well versed in as it drastically improves the energy efficiency of a building.
Ielmini estimated a minimum of 400,000 buildings would undergo mandatory mechanical insulation inspections, granting more work hours to Union Insulators and improving their working conditions.
The bill recognizes crucial mechanical insulation qualities - lower operating expenses, reduced energy loss and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.
He said reintroducing the act is the first step in the right direction, but more work must be done to enact the bill into law. Ielmini predicted this could happen by the end of 2023.
Mental Health Awareness
Ielmini then addressed the suicide epidemic facing the construction industry.
The LMCT’s Suicide Awareness campaign raises awareness of mental health challenges and struggles construction workers face.
He explained the LMCT had green poker chips produced with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number on them. Due to their discrete size, these chips can be placed anywhere on a job site.
Ielmini said he hopes Insulators will pick up the chip, memorize the hotline and place it somewhere another Union Brother or Sister will easily find it.
The LMCT has received several success stories from mental health survivors and their families since the campaign's initiation.
If you or someone you know is struggling with severe mental health issues and contemplating taking their own life, please dial 9-8-8 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
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