What We Do The Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers (HFIAW) provide long-term energy efficiency, emission reduction, cost savings and safety benefits. We insulate all types of mechanical systems and also specialize in fire protection and life safety, making us the number one Energy ConservationSpecialist. Insulation is the first step in energy conservation, on thermal piping, HVAC systems, domestic water lines, and cryogenic work. Insulation provides an excellent barrier for freeze protection and personnel protection. Local 36 has been conserving energy since 1903, and continues to be a leader in the Mechanical Insulation and Firestop industries.
Who We Are Our membership is made up of hard-working men and women who know their craft. Our Local Union 36 is in partnership with the Apprenticeship Training Programs: Mechanical Insulation & Firestop. The Union membership works in conjunction with the insulation industry’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee(J.A.T.C.) labor-management group, which works to provide the best-trained insulation workers with the skills necessary to meet industry needs now and in the future.
Who We Represent We represent over 300 working professionals throughout Oregon and SW Washington. Our goal, at all times, is to better the lives of our members working in the fields of Mechanical Insulation, Firestopping, and Hazardous Material Handling.
Insulation saves money, improves lives and protects the environment
Properly installed mechanical insulation provides long-term energy efficiency, emission reduction, cost savings and safety benefits, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE).
Firestopping is the use of fire protection systems made of various materials used to seal openings and Joints in a fire resistant wall or floor. Firestops are designed to restore the continuous fire-resistance of wall or floor assemblies, impeding the spread of fire and smoke by filling any openings in them with fire-resistant materials.
Without Firestop systems in place, fire and smoke would spread from room to room and floor to floor at a much faster rate. Firestop systems are in place to help protect life.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction accounted for more than 20% of all workplace deaths in 2020. In annual reports, the industry consistently lands in the top 10 highest rates for workplace injuries and deaths.
United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 290 members ratified their largest collective bargaining agreement April 1. The new contract with the Oregon chapter of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association raises compensation $13.54 (15%) over three years. It replaces a six-year contract that expired March 31. It covers work throughout Local 290’s jurisdiction in Western Oregon, Southwest Washington, and two Northern California counties. That includes about 3,300 Local 290 members who work for union-signatory contractors, plus currently about 600 “travelers” from other UA locals who are filling jobs in the area’s ongoing construction boom.
Local 36 apprenticeship coordinator, Dreng Espelien talking with potential candidates about our 4-year apprentice program's.
A Meet the Trades Career Fair is bring held Wed., Mar. 8, 2023 from 1-4pm in Portland at Lloyd Center on the 2nd floor.
Constructing Hope, Portland Youth Builders, Portland Opportunity Industrialization Center, and Oregon Tradeswomen are hosting the Meet the Trades Career Fair, sponsored by Skanska Flatiron.
Upon arrival you will receive a passport to help guide you through the Trades Career Fair. Turn your completed passport in for a chance to receive a great gift pack including work boots, safety glasses, gloves, a vest, a backpack, and a gift card!