Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini made his monthly appearance on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, where he discussed the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act and the Insulators Union Member Assistance Program.
Ielmini told AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc that the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act (FMIA) is up to 74 House co-sponsors with solid bipartisan support.
Congress held a six-week summer recess, postponing Ielmini’s meeting with Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas), the Congressman who sponsored the bill. The meeting is expected to be rescheduled in September.
When he meets with Congressman Weber, he plans to ask when the bill is going to be introduced for a vote in the House of Representatives.
“The sooner we can get this thing into law, the sooner we can start benefiting the taxpayers to be able to make our federal buildings that much more energy efficient by the use of mechanical insulation,” Ielmini said.
If approved, the FMIA would modify the Energy Security Independence Act, which requires federal buildings to undergo an energy audit to ensure they are using their resources and utilities efficiently.
During this audit, water, electrical and fuel usage is evaluated, but not mechanical insulation.
The new bill asks for mechanical insulation to be included when these inspections take place.
Ielmini is hopeful this bill will be passed by the end of the year despite it being an election year.
Ielmini switched the topic to talk about the importance of mental well-being in the construction industry and how the Insulators Union provides its members support through the Insulators Member Assistance Program (IMAP).
IMAP is free to all HFIAW members and their families. It provides resources for depression, anxiety, substance abuse and more.
The IMAP website has information and access to multiple areas of assistance, from skills training, care training, emotional well-being and legal forms to mental health issues.
“We’re utilizing two great companies that offer the professional input that we need in the counseling, the peer coaching and the consultation,” Ielmini said. “Those two companies are Perspectives and You-Turn. They make up what IMAP is.”
Last month, Rich Jones from You-Turn appeared on AWF, and next month, a representative from Perspectives is scheduled to appear on the show.
“Many times, we get caught up in the negotiations and wage packages and fighting for our work. One of the main purposes of a labor union is to be able to benefit the members and be able to increase the quality of life,” Ielmini said.
Ielmini stressed the importance of not only having a drug-free workforce but also having a clear head when you begin working.
“You could be 100 feet up in the air and you have to have clear judgment to make sure you’re safe,” Ielmini said. “If you’re dealing with anxiety or addiction or have negative thoughts in your head, you’re not clear and we have to address that.”
Listen to the full interview: