Brothers and sisters:
There is a lot going on so I’ll get right to it…
I am pleased to report that Local 17 currently has 13 apprentices on our rolls. They are currently in class with Jerry Reitz and will be shortly completing the spring semester. With that in mind, please keep your eye on the local’s website, iueclocal17.org, the Cleveland Citizen and this space for news and dates of the upcoming apprenticeship recruitment. While dates have not yet been set, it will be held this summer. So if you know someone who is interested in entering the trade, talk to them now about this upcoming opportunity.
Local 17 in conjunction with NEIEP is once again sponsoring the very popular welding class held at Lincoln Electric. This 40-hour class is designed to qualify the participant for 3G and 4G certification at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric in Euclid. It is an extremely valuable class that gives you or helps refine a skill that will last a lifetime.
On Friday, April 19, 2013 Local 17 will honor our retired members at Frank Sterle’s Slovenian Restaurant, 1401 East 55th Street. Refreshments will be served at 5:30 and dinner will begin at 6:30. As always, this is a members only event. The cost at the door is $30 per person and includes the family-style dinner. All retired members attend for free, but a reply should be sent in for a reservation. Please contact Business Agent Tim Moennich at the hall, 3250 Euclid Ave, at 216-431-8088 or by email at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org for your reservation.
The Annual Local 17 Golf Outing will be held this year on June 1st at Mallard Creek Golf Course. The format is a two-man scramble with prizes, food and beverages before, during and after the event. The cost has not been announced, but watch this space and our website, iueclocal17.org, for further information.
Former Local 17 organizer and now regional director Jim Chapman reported at the Tri-State meeting that non-union Oracle Elevator lost the OSU contract and is now down to four employees in Columbus. There was also a report that work in Local 37 is picking up and they are looking for help. Looks like a good time to be a UNION elevator constructor in the Capitol City.
The International would like to remind you that if you had a change in marital status or family members, please update that information with the Benefits Office.
Almost every month I have a list of where are brothers and sisters are working in Local 17. While this is the easiest part of the article to write, it is also a reminder that Article IV, work we claim, is a vital and important part of our contract and our trade. Many of those listed below may not be working if we continue to allow companies to give away that work. Next time you are on a job and see our work being done by others, bring it to your supervisor and Tim’s attention. The job you save could be yours.
Where are they working?
Mark Carollo and Tim Moore have moved over to the Med Mart for Schindler,
Denny Dixon and Brendan Hyland doing a mod at Bonneville Towers for Kone,
Kevin Thomas and Matt Johnson doing a mod at Lake Park Towers for Thyssen,
Don Knapik and Dave Grantham at CSU Heritage Hall repairing water damage for Schindler,
Al Ward and Ken Eaton installing cars at Fairview Hospital for Otis,
Jim Thompson and Scott Erison dong a four-car mod at Euclid Hospital for Otis,
Tom Peska joined the crew at Key Tower working the modernization for Otis, and
Jim Archer and Ryan Todd doing a mod at Easterly Sewage for Schindler.
As of this writing there are eight mechanics and two apprentices on the bench.
Till next month,
Work safe, work smart and slow down for safety.
Don
Dknapik@windstream.net
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 