CHICAGO — SMACNA Greater Chicago, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 73, and SMART Local 265 announced the launch of Breathe Easy Illinois. This labor-management cooperative features solutions designed to help improve IAQ for all Illinoisans now and beyond the pandemic.

“Improving occupant health and wellness is no longer a value-added option — it’s a necessity,” said Tony Adolfs, SMACNA Greater Chicago executive vice president. “Our members have the best-trained workforce to install and maintain today’s most reliable IAQ solutions, and we’re proud to take the lead in our industry with the launch of this program. Together, we can clear the air and get our communities back up and running safely.”

Currently, there are more than 50 preferred contractors in the Breathe Easy Illinois network.

“I knew our industry could help combat COVID and felt an obligation to educate businesses, schools, and homeowners that their investment in clean air now will improve the general health of people today and well into the future,” said Ray Suggs, president and Business Manager of Local 73. “With better indoor air quality, workers will get sick less often, students will miss fewer days of school, and homeowners will feel more comfortable breathing in clean air. This long-term investment will enable businesses, schools, and homeowners to return to normal.”

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