July ’11 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

There is a lot going on. So, let’s get started….

In case you have not heard, the local’s website, iueclocal17.org, is up and running! There is a wealth of information available including links to union and signatory contractor websites, a photo gallery of past events and information on upcoming events. It is designed to be a user friendly way of keeping the local in touch with important union news from Cleveland and beyond. Please take a few minutes and check it out.

By the time you read this in July, the Mechanics Review classes will be in full swing to prepare the 23 eligible apprentices for September’s Mechanics Test. Whatever your thoughts are on taking the test, please keep in mind that everything can, and often does, turn on a dime in the ever evolving world of the apprenticeship program. When it was first initiated, the program seemed to be thrown together in a hodge-podge manner and the rules and requirements were literally changing on a weekly basis. The reason was to have NEIEP nationally recognized as the official training course for the elevator trade. It took almost two years for the changes to shake out and the program to have a consistent set of rules from one year to the next.

As a result of the wording in the contract, locals around the country have become flooded with mechanics and have apprentices shaking in their boots about their future after the test. In some instances, the day an apprentice takes out his card has become his last in the business. So what message does this send? Do you feel you have to be in fear for your job?

Fear is the emotional manifestation of evil. It is designed to break you down and make you malleable to those ingraining the fear, extinguishing the light that burns inside everyone.

If you are afraid of being a light to those around you… then leave. This business is not for the thin skinned. The truly tough, the people that truly last, in this or any business, are the ones that are fearless in the face of injustice and stand tall when all others around them bow down in subjugation.

While standing up makes you a target of fear mongers, realize that you are not alone. As our brothers in the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) say “an injury to one is an injury to all.” When we all stand together, we all stand proud. We all are one local and International. We are the power of one backed by millions across the globe. United as one brother and sisterhood across all delineations fear mongers hope to divide us.

We are Union.

Rick Maron’s Uptown project at East 115th and Euclid is hitting some snags. The Cleveland Building Trades are planning on setting up several picket lines at the job. Gable is still contracted to install the elevators. While IUEC Local 17 does not have plans to set up our own lines at this time, we will support those of the other trades.

Recently, there has been a rash of members from all over the state not properly reporting in when traveling out of their jurisdiction. Several trials took place to punish these wayfarers. If you are sent out of town, or into an area that you think might belong to another local, call the BA and let them know where you are. It could save you a fine of several thousand dollars.

Condolences
The local sends its condolences to Brother Mario Malizia whose father and mother both passed away in April. The local also extends its condolences to the family of Carl Klokley who passed away May 10.

At this writing there are 29 mechanics and three apprentices off.

‘till next month,
Work smart, work safe and slowdown for safety.

Don