Mechanical Insulators Local 76 in Albuquerque, N.M., hosted the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Firestop Market Recovery Program in late July.
The LMCT Firestop Market Recovery Program is designed to bring Local Union leadership and their signatory contractors together to gain market share and increase Firestopping manhours.
Nationwide, the union Firestop market has had a wide range of successes and failures. For over 35 years, the industry has been plagued with reasons and justifications not to control the market. This has to change, and the FMRP is the vehicle to make that change.
As discussed during the program, there are four main reasons why Firestop work belongs to the Insulators:
- Work techniques and materials are similar to Mechanical Insulation.
- Timing of the work is similar to when Mechanical Insulation is applied.
- Specifications, in most cases, are within the Mechanical Insulation specifications.
- Top-quality Mechanical Insulator training programs are needed to provide a workforce for this very specific, highly skilled industry.
IAHFIAW Southwest States Conference International Vice President Rick Johnson attended the LMCT Firestop Market Recovery Program held at Insulators Local 76.
The Local 76 FMRP class took place from July 29 to Aug. 1. Local 76 Business Manager Prescilliano Matthew Gonzales participated in the training along with other Local Union officers and International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Southwest States Conference International Vice President Rick Johnson. Several employers were also present at the event.
As part of the training, an assessment of the existing market was conducted and then compared to other areas and best practices to ensure a customized approach appropriate for the Local 76 market. Firestop contractor techniques and development were also addressed during the four-day class. Upon completion of the program, all parties gained knowledge of Firestopping, its intended purpose, where to bid the work and how to complete it economically to increase the market share.
“The LMCT Firestop Market Recovery Program was a great success,” said Johnson. “It opened up the doors to the members on what firestop is and how to perform it, as well as educating the contractors on how to pursue and bid the firestop market.”
Gonzales called the FMRP impactful and enlightening.
“The discussions, contractor engagement and clarity of the material far exceeded my expectations,” he said.
The first two days of the event were dedicated to the Union leadership, while the last two days focused on the area contractors. All parties were welcome to attend the entire four days.
Throughout the FMRP course, various topics were reviewed that covered a vast amount of Firestop industry knowledge. This also helped both labor and management realize, respect and value each other’s commitment to a true vested partnership. Just as meaningful was the spontaneous dialogue between all participants about their prior experiences, good and bad, to help develop a strategy for future initiatives.
A look at the mockup that was burned at the LMCT FMRP hosted by Local 76.
Among the items discussed were:
- Basic Firestop concepts
- The Local’s market analysis
- FM/UL contractor qualifications
- Bidding techniques
- Types of training needed for Labor and Management
- Basic understanding of building codes and fire codes
- Approved firestop systems overview
- QA/QC modes
- Liabilities
- Developing relationships with the fire inspection community
- Where to locate Firestop in bid specifications
- Salesmanship from both the workers and contractors
The class is the beginning of a journey of hard work and cooperation to capture the Firestop market in the Local 76 jurisdiction, which includes all of New Mexico and parts of Western Texas. Each side now understands the commitment that must be made to successfully work together and accomplish the ultimate goal – to capture the Firestop market.
“I believe, by the end of the class, it opened up everyone’s eyes to the possibilities of how firestop could dramatically increase the manhours and market share for both the union and contractors,” Johnson added.
“It was a privilege to host such a committed group,” said Gonzales. “I believe the seeds planted here will lead to measurable growth in the months ahead.”
If any Insulators Local Union is interested in hosting the Firestop Market Recovery Program, please contact LMCT Senior Mechanical Insulation Specialist James Petrides, CEM, CEA, CTII, CIEA.