January 2018 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

On January 12, 2018, there will be a changing of the guard at IUEC Local 17 as Brother John Driscoll Jr. assumes the role of Business Manager from Brother Tim Moennich. Driscoll most recently served the Local as treasurer taking over for the retired Brother Denny Dixon. Driscoll has accompanied Moennich to legislative conferences in Columbus and Washington, DC were they lobbied for labor related issues. He was also a delegate to the most recent IUEC International convention. Driscoll is the son of former IUEC Local 17 Business Manager John Driscoll, Sr. He can be reached at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

It is not retirement time for Brother Moennich. He has accepted a job working for the National Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund working on behalf of the trade on the state level on issues like elevator constructor licensing and the model elevator bill. He will also work to establish a more labor-friendly environment with the Republican dominated state legislature. “This is a great opportunity to make a real impact on the future of our trade.”

Congratulations to John and Tim as well as all the officers of IUEC Local 17.

John Taylor will be teaching the motor alignment class. Since this is a new offering by NEIEP, it is going to be a while before the class begins because all the instructors are going to need training to teach the class.

The welding class offered through NEIEP and Lincoln Electric will begin January 15th and run through January 26th. This 40-hour class prepares the student for 3G vertical up and 4G overhead welding certification. There is a $600 deposit required at sign up which will only be cashed if the student does not complete the course. If you have questions on how to maintain your welding certification, please call the hall at 216-431-8088 or email John for the information.

The painters recently put up the big inflatable rat in front of the Halle Building on Huron Avenue to protest developer K&Ds use of non-signatory contractors on their properties. The Cleveland Building Trades and Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelly are putting pressure on K&D to use all union labor on their renovation of the crown jewel and symbol of Cleveland, the Terminal Tower.

At the December meeting International Organizer Jim Lowery gave an update on organizing activity in his area. In addition to organizing Gable Elevator and several other out of state contractors, Lowery was able to strip 55 new members from non-signatory companies in his region. “Once you are able to sit down with the people working at these non-signatories and show them the wages and benefit package they can get with the IUEC it becomes a very easy sell.”

 

“As I’m reminded,” he continued “there are other companies out there to bring into our fold.” Davis-Newcomber of Findlay, Handle and Son’s of Kent, Steiner Elevator based in Clyde, the constructors working at Dillard’s as well as the home lift companies Acorn and Burning River were acknowledged as potential targets in 2018.

During the Gable campaign, Local 17 passed several organizing resolutions specifically aimed at the company. These are now general resolutions to aid in the organizing efforts of these other non-signatories working our jurisdiction. The one with the greatest impact being the 50/50 resolution where an employee of a noon-signatory can go on the out of work list for a $50 initiation fee and $50 per month dues until they are picked up by a signatory company. This eases the financial burden on the employee since many non-signatories pay far less in wages and benefits than IUEC signatories.

If you see or suspect there is a non-signatory company working on a job, please contact John at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Ralph Abriani who passed away November 25th.

As of this writing there is one mechanic and one apprentice on the bench.

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net