March ’16 Labor Citizen

IUEC Local 17 from now through March 24th is accepting applications to its apprenticeship program. The process is started online by filling out an application through the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) website, neiep.org, click on Careers and then the link in the Apprenticeship opportunities. There is also a link on the local’s website, iueclocal17.org.

Applicants must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent along with official transcripts or test results. All applicants must pass an examination designed to test their knowledge of reading and math skills and a tool assessment designed to asses their knowledge of basic tools and their use along with measuring skills. All applicants must be capable of performing the physical requirements of the job with posing a threat to themselves or the health and safety of others. Everyone must have a photo ID present during al phases of the process.

If you have any questions, please contact Area Coordinator Jeff Burns at JBurns@neiep.org or call Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088.

At the IUEC regional meeting, General President Frank Christensen, who along with the other general officers visited Local 17 in December, reported that the union controls 84 percent of all the elevator work in the US and one of their top priorities is to increase organizing efforts by adding six more organizers to the nine currently serving the US and Canada. Over the last three years, the IUEC organized 300 new members.

One of the main draws of the union is the fact that elevator constructors have consistently placed as the top blue collar job over the last six years.

Also at the meeting, Work Preservation Director Allen Spears talked about the lift designed in conjunction with Canton Elevator. The unit is designed for the home market and representatives of Work Preservation have been working with independent signatories to market these units at home and flower shoes to the general public. The IUEC sees this as a growing market with the greying of America and the desires of older Americans to stay in their homes as long as possible.

On Friday, May 20th, Local 17 is honoring its retired members at Frank Sterle’s Slovenian Restaurant, 1401 East 55th Street, Cleveland at the Annual Retirees Dinner. Refreshments start at 5:30 pm and dinner is served at 6:30 pm. The cost remains at $30 per person and will include a family style dinner. For more information, please contact Entertainment Chairman Bill Yuhas or Business Manager Tim Moennich no later than May 1st to secure your spot at this always well attended event.

Any Local 17 member wishing to submit a resolution to the 31st General Convention in July must have their resolution submitted to Tim as soon as possible. The deadline for resolutions to be submitted to the International is Tuesday, April 12, 2016. You can email your resolution to Tim at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 880 is asking the support of all Local 17 and Cleveland area union members to not shop at non-signatory companies such as Marc’s, Walgreen’s, BJ’s, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Save-A-Lot and Aldi’s. UFCW Local 880 recommends supporting organized brothers and sisters by shopping at Giant Eagle, Heinen’s, Dave’s, Acme, Zagara’s and CVS. For a list of all signatories email UFCW@ufcwlocal880.org.

As of this writing all members wishing to work are working.