May ’17 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and Sisters:

Congratulations to the Labor Committee on their successful contract negotiations with NEBA and the ECA. All in all, the IUEC and its leadership did not have to make significant concessions to receive a lot in return.

In looking over the highlights presented by Business Manager Tim Moennich at the March meeting, the increase in wages and fringe benefits over the next five years will maintain the IUEC as the best blue-collar job in the trades. Members will now be able to get paid time off (PTO) in hourly or daily increments, Article XXII letters will have a shelf life of 24 months and companies can now work four-tens on modernization work.

For all of our gains, every contract I’ve worked under since entering the trade n 1999 has, in my humble opinion, placed increased responsibility on the shoulders of field personnel to the detriment of our customers and our safety. Maintenance routes are being overloaded to the point where customers are lucky to see a tech once a year to do a test. GPS, text message threads, tasking and a host of other distractions take our minds off of where it should be, keep everyone on the job safe from injury. On top of that our soft skills in keeping the customer happy have become more important than keeping their equipment running.

Perhaps I’m just pining for a time in the trade I barely remember. Times change and that should not mean forgetting that it is quality work that brought our trade to where it is and will keep it there for another contract.

There is still room on the sign-up sheets for the scaffolding and CPR-First Aid classes. If your scaffolding card is due, this class will renew your certification for another two years. The skills taught in the CPR-First Aid class could make the difference between life and death for a coworker or family members. If you have any questions or would like to sign up for these offerings you can contact Tim at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

There are some apprentices getting behind on their OJT forms. If you are three months behind you will be appearing in front of the JATC Board to explain why you are late. Keep up with this form. Your livelihood depends on it.

Local 17 once again marched in the Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Brothers and Sisters of the Local would like to thank Thyssen Krupp for donating the use of their brand-new truck and the loaning of their driver, Tony, for the day. Kudos to parade coordinator Joe Broz, Jr, his wife Meg and her sister Christine for their help in making a successful day for the Local. If you would like to see parade photos of the before, during and after, they are available on the local’s website, iueclocal17.org.

Where are they working?

Craig Nolty and Lucas Jenke installing a hydro at Jennings in Brecksville for Otis,

Matt Weingart and Sean Canning working on the elevators at the Cleveland Clinic Caner Center for Schindler,

Gary Thompson and Robert Timko doing a mod at Erieview Tower for Schindler,

Ken Bowels and Shane Huff doing a mod at the Radisson Hotel for Otis,

DJ Spring and Deven Shields doing a two-car mod at Metro General for Otis,

Jim Thompson and Brian Siether doing a mod at Trinity Towers for Otis,

Don Knapik and Ernesto Rodriguez doing service work for Schindler,

John Goggin and Brian Chambers cabling at University Hospital Main Campus for Schindler,

John Logue and Brandyn Alley doing a two-car mod at Metro General-South for Otis,

Don Kaiser and Josh Mitchell at the State Office Tower doing service work for Schindler,

Tom Gombar and Matt Hausler doing machine work at Bratenahl Apartments for Kone,

Jason Saunders, Matt Pinchot, Andrea Rodriguez and John Smith doing a four-car mod at Hamilton House for Otis.
As of this writing there are three mechanics and one apprentice on the bench.

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
Dknapik@windstrem.net