December ’18 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and Sisters:

At the November meeting Sister Andrea Rodriquez reported on the Women Build Nations Conference held October 12-14 in Seattle, Washington.  Rodriguez and her husband, fellow Local 17 member Ernie, were among the 130 attendees representing the IUEC at the conference.  Of the 2000 tradeswomen in attendance, 58 were working IUEC members.  “The incredible show of support from the IUEC is astounding but, the sisterhood within the IUEC and combined trades alike was like nothing I’d ever experienced.”

Attendees had a selection of trade specific caucuses as well as CORE classes on labor history, collective bargaining and other labor related subjects.

“Knowing we are not forging through this as alone as many of us thought has been an empowering experience.  Making connections and bonding with Sisters that share in our realities has created a force that will forever change the culture of our trades.” 

A large thank you to all the trades for the effort to educate US Senators and Congressmen about the issues facing pension plans.  According to IUEC General Secretary-Treasurer Larry McGann all hearings by the Select Committee on Pension Solvency have been held and their final recommendation is pending.  This is the committee charged with finding a solution to the underfunding issues faced by many multi-employer pension plans.  

The spring semester starts the first week of February.  If you have any questions about class assignments, call Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org

John Taylor recently completed the first motor alignment class.  The next round of classes will begin soon so if you are interested in signing up, contact John Driscoll at the hall for further information.

For those of who are being asked to have a background check done for work related purposes, the check can only be for criminal background and not financial.  Your employer can only receive a pass or fail result.  If you have any questions, contact the Hall.

Notice:  The December 14, 2018 and January 11, 2019 meetings are Mandatory Meetings for the election and installation of officers.  Fines will be levied for non-attendance.

The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the families of Brother Jeff Ford whose father passed away and retired Brother John Lopiccolo who lost his wife.

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