Brothers and sisters:
As many of you know Local 17 has not and will not be picketing the Board of Elections renovation job. This does not mean that our organizing effort is over, in fact, it means that the Volunteer Organizing Committee is moving in the right direction. The VOC was formed a little over a year ago to educate our unorganized brothers and sisters about the advantages of being a part of the best union in the trades and offer them a path to membership. Many hours were spent early on educating the members of the committee about the NLRA and other laws regulating organizing. Believe me when I tell you the decision to not picket was received in all quarters with a variety of reactions. Ultimately it allows us to continue on the path we originally started.
The purpose of the VOC is to see that every elevator constructor working in our jurisdiction has the best wages, benefits and working conditions in the trades. Until all our unorganized brothers and sisters join the IUEC that mission will not be complete.
Congratulations to Tom Peska for passing the Mechanics Exam. I have said here many times that the mechanics test is the only unbiased evaluation of a member’s knowledge they will have. It also is the end of the easy part of their career in the trade. The successful completion of the job and the safety of all those involved now falls on their shoulders.
One very important thing to remember is that education in this trade is a never ending task. Local 17 has a signup sheet for a scaffolding class and is putting together a welding class for the weeks of January 12th and 19th. If you are interested in either of these continuing education opportunities, please contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org. NEIEP also offers many continuing education classes through its website neiep.org.
The December 12th and January 9th union meetings are mandatory meetings for the election and installation of officers. Meetings start at 6 pm and are held at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue.
The Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party will be held this year on December 6th at the hall. The festivities start at 1 pm and feature a visit by Santa Clause and family-oriented entertainment. This is a great opportunity to mix with members and friends from other companies and their families.
Where are they working?
Jeff Ward and Nick Meyer replacing a machine at Erie Square Apartments,
Gary Thompson and Ryan Todd doing a mod at Highland Square in Akron for Schindler,
Tom Kelly and Mark Mehnert doing service work at the Stokes Office Building for Otis,
Drew Williams and Lem Hurd doing a mod at Case Parking garage for Thyssen,
Jim Thompson and Joe Simcic doing a mod at South Point Parking Garage for Otis,
John Brunner and Jim Rogers installing a three-stop car at Wiggins Place for Schindler,
Dennis Dixon and Ric Supinski doing a mod at Moreland Courts for KONE,
Jason Fredrick and Bob Garman doing a mod at Reserve Square for Thyssen,
Jason Sohayda and Steve Keating doing a mod at Willoughby Library for Otis,
Dave Gnagy and Matt Harden doing a mod at Shoregate Towers for Ross Elevator,
Shawn Yatsko and Joe Sumph doing a mod at 1717 for Schindler,
Mark Byram and an Akron helper doing a two-car mod at Wadsworth Towers for Schindler,
John Patton doing retrofit work in Akron for KONE,
Jerry Szemerkovsky and Craig Nolty at Akron Children’s Hospital for Otis.
The Brothers of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Tom Ross who passed away September 30. Tom was the founder of Ross Elevator.
As of this writing there are 14 mechanics and one apprentice on the bench.
Till next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 