Passing the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act & Harnessing Food as Medicine

In this power-packed episode, we dive into two major fronts where labor is winning: Capitol Hill and member wellness. First, Pete Ielmini of the LMCT breaks down the historic 54-0 committee vote for the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act and why firestopping is the "life-safety" market union insulators need to own. Then, the experts from Blue Cross Blue Shield’s National Labor Office join us to explain why "Food is Medicine" isn't just a trend—it’s a survival strategy for shift workers and union families.

Segment 1: Legislative Momentum & Life Safety
Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joins the show to discuss a massive legislative breakthrough.

• The 54-0 Win: How the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously and what the "suspension" process means for its future.
• Taxpayer Impact: Why auditing 350,000 federal buildings for insulation is a "no-brainer" for energy savings.
• Firestopping is Life Safety: Why union insulators are the experts in containing smoke and flame—and why building owners can’t afford to wait for a tragedy to prioritize it.
• Mental Health Matters: An update on the Insulators’ Member Assistance Program and the push to make mental health support as routine as a safety meeting.

Segment 2: Nutrition as a Union Strategy
We sit down with Merrilee Logue, Aishat Magbade, and Sarah Duggan Goldstein from the BCBS National Labor Office to talk about the "Food is Medicine" movement.

• Breaking Barriers: Why shift work, overtime, and "food deserts" make healthy eating a structural challenge for union members, not just a personal choice.
• Hidden Benefits: Are you leaving "Medically Tailored Meals" or "Produce Prescriptions" on the table? We discuss how to find these benefits in your existing health plan.
• Small Changes, Big Gains: Practical tips for locals to improve workplace nutrition and combat the chronic diseases that drive up healthcare costs.

Key Quotes

"The Federal Mechanical Insulation Act is a no-brainer... it’s not just a bill, it’s a journey toward public savings." — Pete Ielmini



"Food is medicine is the concept that food is a factor for improving health outcomes by preventing, combating, or even managing disease." — Merrilee Logue



What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The status of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act in the House and Senate.
2. How the Firestop Market Recovery Program is helping contractors win more work.
3. The difference between medically tailored groceries and standard nutrition.
4. How to advocate for better nutrition benefits within your Local.

Resources & Links:

• Mechanical Insulators LMCT Website
• Blue Cross Blue Shield National Labor Office
• Next Step: Check your health plan for "Medically Tailored Meals" or "Produce Prescriptions" today!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for more updates from the front lines of the labor movement!



More...