June ’18 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

There’s a lot going on so lets get started…

Congratulations go out to Joe Gauker for passing the Mechanics Exam. As I always say, the Mechanics Exam is the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge of the trade you will ever have. Work smart and work safe!

Starting this fall there will be three apprentice classes to reduce the class size and give more opportunities for individualized instruction. I am also pleased to say that I am joining the instructing team. As of this writing I do not know how I will be used but, I am looking forward to the challenge of passing on what little I know to the next generation of constructors.

Two issues arose over the past month worth passing along regarding the contract and work we claim. A company was going to send two helpers to unload a truck while their mechanics were in training. The supervisor calling it in said it “wasn’t a big deal because it would be unloaded by a Lull anyway.” This is not the right answer. We unload the trucks, not the other trades or company drivers. Second, if drilling a hole is sub-contracted out a mechanic must be on the job the entire time including the assembly and disassembly of the rig.

Know your contract and know what it means. Do not give up our work.

Congratulations to NEIEP and Work Preservation on their outstanding job at the Ohio State House highlighting the training each and every elevator constructor must go through to be come a mechanic and the continuing education available to them. The program targeted Ohio’s House and Senate members as well as the staff of the Ohio Department of Commerce Industrial Compliance Division and was meant to support efforts to pass the Elevator Safety Bill through the legislature. Currently 32 states have licensing of elevator constructors.

 

Where are they working?

Jeff Lindell and Dave Francis in Kentucky doing escalator work for Kone,

Scott Hicks and Ryan Todd in Westerville installing two cars for Schindler,

Brett Olofinn adjusting in Beachwood for Kone,

Pat McCann and Brian Owens installing a two stop and a three stop at UH Women’s and Children’s Hospital on Euclid for Thyssen,

John Logue and Brandon Alley at Cleveland Clinic S Building doing a five-car mod for Otis,

Bernie Sickle and Corey Ptak at Beachcliff Apartments in Westlake doing a jack for Schindler,

Tom Gombar and Tim Moore on the RTA route for Kone,

Anthony Metcalf and Mark Carollo at the Lorain County Courthouse doing a jack for Thyssen,

DJ Spring and Deven Shields at University Circle installing three cars for Otis,

Pat McCann and Brian Owens unloading jobs at Ursuline College and Cleveland Heights Communion of the Saints for Thyssen,

Jason Saunders and Lemroy Hurd at Trinity Towers doing a two-car mod for Otis,

John Patton, Heath Kramer, Todd Ross and Joe Gauker at Progressive Field opening the stadium,

Scott Hicks and Ryan Todd at the Van Aken District doing two six-stop cars for Schindler,

Jason Faber and Mike Hogan at Stouffer’s doing a door mod for Thyssen,

Dave Gnagy and Matt Carlton at WO Walker doing a two-car mod for Schindler,

Robin Eaton and Ray Mack at the Browns Stadium replacing travel cords for Kone,

Don Knapik and Jason Tischler at AECOM replacing travel cords and roller guides for Schindler,

John Brunner and Ernie Rodriguez installing a hydro in Beachwood Parking Garage for Schindler,

Tom Peska and Dan Varga at Scranton Road Church installing a four-stop hydro for Schindler,

Bob Meyer and Chris Scholle installing a four-stop hydro in North Royalton for Thyssen,

Dave Francis and Jeff Lindell at West 25th Street Lofts installing two six-stop cars and one service car for Kone.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Brother Allan Greene who passed away March 21st.

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