Brothers and sisters:
In northeast Ohio, we have been very fortunate this winter. The weather has been unusually mild and, with the exception of a two week span, our temperatures have stayed above freezing. This offered those on construction or those of us exposed to the elements a welcome respite from the potential problems brought on by the bone-chilling cold.
I’ve been working a lot of jobs in downtown Cleveland lately and those men, women and children who call the alleys, dumpsters, parking garages and public spaces home do not have the luxury of a nightly respite in the way of a hot shower, cup of coffee or heaping plate of comfort food to warm them. Whether they are there by choice, accident or confluence of unfortunate fate, their presence is a constant reminder of the fragility of existence.
There are services available to those in need. The county offers resources through the Cuyahoga County Homeless Services. Their coordinated intake center on Lakeside Avenue is the front door to a safe place to sleep or placement in a shelter. Secondly, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless offers outreach and volunteer opportunities for those needing assistance or those offering that assistance. If neither of these resonate with you, a quick search can come up with other options.
We are very blessed to be doing what we do. It does not take a lot to make a small corner of our world just a little bit better.
The International has advised employees of signatory companies in general and ThyssenKrupp in particular to not “activate, test or use wireless remote runs stations for any employer” due to safety concerns with interference from other sources. If there are any questions or concerns about this, please contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org for clarification.
If you know of anyone that is interested in applying for a spot on the apprenticeship list, please keep your eye on the local’s website, iueclocal17.org, for updates on when the application process will begin.
At the January meeting the members voted to increase the dues to $625 per quarter. With the exception of a few apprentices that were grandfathered into the old progressive dues system, all members will be paying the same amount.
The new IRS milage rate for business use of your personal car is 54 cents per mile. Please make sure your company is paying this correctly.
The Executive Board has instructed probationary apprentices to charge the company $2 per day for the business use of their personal phones. If the company will not pay, then leave them at home.
Where are they working? Here’s where…
Jeff Lindell, Brendan Hyland, Chris Sipso and Joel Reyes working on escalators at the Terminal Tower for Kone,
Mike Miller, Matt Page, Pat Kelly and Justin Craine at American Greetings for Otis,
Bill Sellers and Chris Wyant doing a two car dos at Hill Rock for Schindler,
Shawn Yatsko and Chris DeJesus doing a mod at Sherry Park for Schindler,
Bob Brady and Dave Adrian doing a jack at Polaris Vocational Center for Otis,
Gary Thompson, Ryan Harger, Robin Eaton and Ryan Todd doing a mod at Erieview Tower for Schindler,
John Brunner and Jim Rogers installing an elevator at Crocker Park for Schindler,
Joe Simcic and Craig Nolty at the Thistledown expansion for Otis,
Scott Hicks and Mac Carollo installing six cars at the Cleveland Clinic for Schindler,
Matt Weingart and Jason Tischler installing a car at Oberlin Inn for Schindler.
The Brothers of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Bob Lunt who passed away Christmas Day.
As of this writing the bench is clear.
Until next month
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 