Brothers and sisters:
John Taylor is currently teaching a course in solid state motor control. This is a 20-hour class over five nights and started February 5th. While many were not able to get in on this class, Local 17 in association with Lincoln Electric is once again offering their popular welding class. This is a 40-hour class that meets for four hours a night for two weeks and offers the opportunity for a 3G and 4G certification. The class is taught by the instructors of Lincoln, the world’s leading manufacturer of welding equipment and supplies, at their world headquarters in Euclid. This is a rare opportunity to learn or refine a valuable skill at a world-class facility in our backyard. If you are interested, please contact Business Agent Tim Moennich at the hall at 216-431-8088 or by email at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.
It is my sad duty to report that Charles Buchanan of Local 5 (Philadelphia), a Schindler mechanic, lost his life on December 29th. The accident happened while he was working on a dumbwaiter at a Philadelphia area casino. He was 54. While the specifics of the accident are being investigated, this should be a reminder that ours is, at best, a dangerous occupation so vigilance about safety is not only important, but crucial to our going home every night.
IUEC Local 17 maintains an email list for immediate communication with members, both active and retired, in the event of a death, accident or important events. You can get on the list by contacting Tim at the hall.
New York City (Local 1) and Houston, Texas (Local 31) are looking for help. If you are willing to travel or know of someone who would be, please have them contact Tim at the hall.
Buffalo, New York Local 14’s Vice President Bill Schaber was featured on the Union Sportsman Alliance TV program Brotherhood Outdoors which originally aired Sunday, January 13th. The episode featured Schaber bowfishing Asian carp in Illinois. For more information and showtimes you can go to unionsportsmen.org.
IUEC organizer Jim Chapman reported that effective January 1, Thyssen-Krupp purchased non-union Amco Elevator in Indianapolis (Local 34). This is a large gain for the local because it brings eighteen new members into the fold and adds 2000 units to Thyssen’s portfolio. According to Chapman the acquisition happened because the members of Local 34 reached out to the Amco employees and convinced them that joining the IUEC was the best thing to do. The sale to Thyssen came about after it was clear the employees wanted union representation. Moving forward, this approach can be a model for all the trades.
There will be a vote at the February meeting on International resolutions to make a three trustee board to regularly audit the books of the International and add two vice-president positions. While this is not a mandatory meeting, it is important that all members be present to hear and vote on the resolutions.
The entire Local 17 family sends their condolences to the families of Brothers Tom Kelly and Mark Carollo who both lost their fathers and Brother John Patton who lost his mother.
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 