Brothers and sisters:
A LOT is going on so I’ll get right to it…
The local has its first class of probationaries in four years. Seven are at Otis and two currently at Schindler. There are also nine out-of-towners working on various jobs both large and small. Local 17 had seven fourth-year apprentices take the mechanics exam. As I said before, the mechanics exam is the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge of the trade that you will ever have. I will have the names of the newly passed next month.
There is a sign up for an OSHA 10 class. If you are working construction you know that this little ten hour class is required for you to work on many new jobs. It is reported that soon you will need an OHSA 30 card, a more advanced class, in order to do the same work. NEIEP has signaling and scaffolding classes available and many great programs in the pipeline for both online and in the classroom. Take advantage of the continuing education opportunities, they could keep you working.
November 9th, December 14th, and January 11th are called special meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers. There is a $20 fine for not attending.
The current contract requires that we all take an additional five days of vacation every year. These additional days must be taken by December 31st or you will be called in front of the Executive Board to explain why they were not taken. Please work with your superintendent to make sure you are in compliance.
Local 17 would like to congratulate Brother Frank Christensen of Chicago’s Local 2 on being elected by the General Executive Board to fill the vacancy created by the resignation and retirement of former General President Dana Brigham. It is our most sincere hope that he will lead this great organization with wisdom and insight to keep it the best trade in the trades.
Where are they working?
Tom Gombar and Fran Adams installing a Life Jacket at Knickerbocker Apartments for Kone,
Jeff Lindell and Brendan Hyland doing escalator work at the Art Museum for Kone,
John Goggin and Ryan Foley pouring bearings at the Leader Building for Schindler,
Ken Bowles and Sean Costello doing a mod at Cleveland Clinic for Otis,
Al Ward and Ric Supinski installing two Gen2 MRLs at the Marriot on Mayfield Road for Otis,
Joe Broz, Jr. and Dave Adrian doing a jack at John Carroll University for Thyssen,
Neil Beechuk and Nick Meyer installing a hydro in Garfield for Thyssen,
Matt Pinchot and Jeff Ward doing a mod at Hillcrest Hospital for Otis,
John Logue, Scott Villanueva, Tim Gibbons and Steve Keating doing a mod at Key Tower for Otis,
Gary Thompson and Eric Cosgrove doing a mod at Hampshire House for Schindler,
Jim Thompson and Jonathon Koch doing a mod at the old Deaconess Hospital for Otis.
Local 17 sends its most sincere condolences to the families of retired Brothers Joe Udovic and John Sutter who both passed away in July. John was best known for his blessing at the annual Retiree’s Dinner and at the Christmas Party to the children of Local 17 as Santa. He will be missed by all.
Finally, Murray and I made it South Bend, Indiana. During that bicycle trip I learned a couple of things. There is a reason they are called the PREVAILING westerly winds, America is made up of endless miles of corn and soybeans, even in places that look desolate on a map there are farm houses, every farm house has a dog and every dog thinks it’s a Rottweiler. I learned a lot about myself in those four days and I will be sharing it shortly.
Till then…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety,
Don
dknapik@windstream.net
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 