Brothers and sisters:
When my children were young I told them three things. First, when they are out in the world, their actions reflect on themselves, their family and everyone they associate with. Second, if at dinner they had to tell me everything they did and there was something they would not tell, then they should not have done it. Lastly, even though I might not like what they may have done, I would always love them.
When we adults need to be reminded of these three simple rules of personal conduct the ramifications can be much deeper than a simple scolding. It can lead to the loss of the respect of our family, friends, co-workers and those outside our circle that will judge us and our associates by our actions.
Being a union member adds a whole new level of responsibility to the equation.
In our oath of obligation, we pledged to “…never commit any act or offense that will bring the International, the Local Union or the Trade Union Movement in general, into disrepute.” This is a very heavy pledge. These days there are so many eyes on every member and officer from the company GPS to the Department of Labor that every little movement is recorded, parsed and reinterpreted to the Nth degree so maintaining a positive reputation is more difficult than ever.
There are too many people that run away from or deny their responsibilities. We all know them. We might even be them. When everything is right they can’t stop telling you about how they made things great. When things go south, they conjure plausible deniability. This is unacceptable from your children and even more so from adults.
One of the greatest things about being a union brother or sisters is when you are down there are people that are willing to give you a hand up. The key to successfully repairing a cracked reputation is to accept aid from those that offer it in the spirit in which it is given. There also has to be a genuine desire, outside of the prodding of others, to make the needed positive changes.
This is the learning and healing process in action.
As we celebrate our independence from England, remember all those that have stood up for liberty. Freedom is never free, that is why it is so precious.
Tim wants me to remind everyone that is working on a job that lasts more than two days that they are required by the by-laws to report where they are working to the hall. By doing this you help the local and International gauge the amount of work and possibly help some out of work brothers return from the bench.
Local 17 extends its most sincere condolences to the families of brothers Mike Schaffer and Jerry Reed.
Where are they working?
Todd Ross and Terry Keating dong a jack job at Severance Center for Kone,
Dave Francis and Kevin Driscoll working on a buck hoist at Ernst and Young for Metro Elevator,
Mike Hogan and Bill Sellers doing full-load safety tests downtown for Schindler,
Bob Garman and Robin Eaton at Upton Elementary School installing a two-stop hydro for Thyssen,
Jeff Lindell and Brendan Hyland working on the freight elevator at the Art Museum for Kone,
Joe Broz, Jr. and Dave Adrian doing door work at Day-Glo for Thyssen,
Dave Brunner, Mark Byram, Ron Rittwage and Chris Wyatt starting the Medical Mart job for Schindler,
Jason Costa and Ryan Foley installing door controllers at 700 Huron for Schindler.
As of this writing there are 14 mechanics out of work.
Till next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
dknapik@windstream.net
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 