The Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) joined union and contractor leaders at the Central States labor-management meeting in Louisville, Ky., on Oct. 15 to discuss a variety of issues, including political advocacy and mental health awareness.
The LMCT thanks International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Central States Conference International Vice President Mike Hickey and Central States Insulation Association (CSIA) President Chris Tremberth for the invitation and the opportunity to share updates on its industry initiatives.
The annual meeting brings labor representatives and signatory contractors from the Central States Conference together to address regional issues and advance the union mechanical insulation industry.
For Hickey, the meeting represents an opportunity to solve issues facing both sides of the labor-management aisle.
“We all are meeting today to have a discussion on how we listen to each other and attempt to solve issues that affect our region,” said Hickey. “It’s good to see so many organizations represented here today. Even though there are some differences, we are all on the same team.”
Tremberth noted this was the second year the conference was held, and he feels the larger turnout signals a strong commitment from leaders on both sides of the aisle to advance the industry.
“This was our second year bringing labor and management together, and the stronger turnout shows a real commitment from both sides to working together to solve the issues facing our industry,” he said. “I appreciate everyone who came ready to listen and understand each other’s perspective. Thanks as well to Pete and Jim for joining us and for their work on behalf of the mechanical insulation industry.”
Labor and Contractors Represented
All 16 HFIAW Local Unions affiliated with the Central States Conference were represented at the meeting. The union members were joined by affiliates from the Illinois Regional Insulation Contractors Association, represented by Joanne Buckley, and the Central States Insulation Association, represented by Executive Director Rachel Pinkus.
Signatory contractors in attendance included:
- Advanced Industrial Services
- Alloyd Insulation Co., Inc.
- American Energy Contractors, LLC
- Bondy Insulation
- Cardinal Industrial Insulation Co., Inc.
- Cascade Insulation Co.
- George V. Hamilton, Inc.
- Gribbins Insulation Company
- JT Thorpe
- M & O Insulation Co.
- National Environmental Contracting, Inc.
- Nelson Insulation Company – Central States
- Pedersen Insulation Company
- Rand Industrial Insulation
- Rival Insulation
- Superior Industrial Insulation Co.
- Triangle Enterprises, Inc.
LMCT Updates on Legislation and Industry Programs
LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini and LMCT Senior Mechanical Insulation Specialist Jim Petrides, CEM, CEA, CTII, CIEA, presented updates on current initiatives and on topics covered in last year’s presentation. The updates included:
- Background on the Insulators LMCT and its mission
- The Federal Mechanical Insulation Act (FMIA)
- H.R. 3474
- S.4312
- The Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act, H.R. 6104
- The Firestop Market Recovery Program (FMRP)
- A recap of the 13 trade shows across the U.S. where the LMCT participated to promote the mechanical insulation industry
- Digital industry promotion through the LMCT website, which includes:
- More than 200 blog posts
- Active social media channels
- A contractor directory with multiple search filters
- Downloadable articles and publications
- The Contractor Social Media Program, which allows contractors to submit articles about their work
- The online Jobsite Leadership and Marketing Program, which promotes professionalism among jobsite leaders to strengthen contractor-client relationships
- Marketing, recruiting, and retention efforts, supported by a series of published blog articles
- The Insulators Member Assistance Program (IMAP), including its purpose, the reasoning behind it, and how supporting members’ mental health can help improve a contractor’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR)
Attendees also received printed materials on the FMRP, the Contractor Social Media Program, the Jobsite Leadership and Marketing Program and IMAP.
Why In-Person Labor-Management Meetings Matter
A productive discussion followed the presentation, and Ielmini and Petrides answered questions throughout the day, including during lunch and dinner.
“There is tremendous value in interacting personally,” Ielmini said. “It’s refreshing to see both labor and management working toward the same goal, collectively working together to secure work for everybody.”
Ielmini also stressed the importance of meeting outside of contract negotiations, which aid in strengthening the overall labor-management relationship.