June ’18 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

In the past two months the IUEC has lost two Brothers in work related accidents. The first was a Brother in Columbus who was working on the valve of a newer-style hydraulic elevator system with the tank in the pit. During disassembly of the valve, the car started down in an uncontrolled manner pinning him between the car and the tank. He was working with two other constructors who both were in the pit area at the time of the accident. The second accident was in Dallas where a mechanic was working on a traction car with the disconnect in the overhead and was electrocuted when pulling the mainline.

It goes without saying that working in the trades is dangerous. We deal with the possibility of life altering events of either our own making, chance or others on a daily basis. Please look out for one another. If you see another trade working in an unsafe manner or leaving a hazard for others, say something or better yet be an example of a safe craftsman. It can make all the difference in the world.

Organizing is still a major push by the International. In 2017 the IUEC organized 287 members and there were 1824 new hires industry wide. This means that a little over 13 percent of the new members brought in to the International last year were the result of the organizing efforts of the 16 members of the organizing department and the Volunteer Organizing Committees of the locals.

Organizing is the way to keep your union and your local strong by bringing more options to the table for work and raise the standard of living of those currently working at a non-signatory. The IUEC and Local 17 have made a strong commitment to make our jurisdiction 100 percent signatory. Everyone that does our work deserves to be paid like the professionals they are and have the best apprenticeship program available.

There are still a few non-signatory companies in the Cleveland area and IUEC Local 17 needs to hear about where they are working. At the bottom of the article is a list of the signatories for Local 17. If you see a company not listed below then please call Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org

IUEC Local 17 will be accepting applications of its apprenticeship program on July 16th. Those interested in applying must go to the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) website neiep.org, click on Careers, cursor to the bottom of the page and click on the link for Local 17 STARTING AT MIDNIGHT JULY 16TH. In order to be considered for a position on the list you must follow all the steps indicated. Good luck to those wishing to join the best trade in the trades.

A letter from Local 17 is being sent to members and their families on behalf of American Income Life Insurance Company. Since 2004 AIL has contacted members of Local 17 about life insurance products and services. All members and retirees receive a $3500 accidental death benefit through the Local regardless of whether they talk with an AIL representative or not. AIL is a 100 percent union company. If you are looking for insurance products, it may be worth your time to talk with an agent.

 

The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Rick Bodnar who passed away February 27th.

As of this writing there are three mechanics and one apprentice on the bench.