Brothers and Sisters:
As you read this there will be less than a week until the mid-term elections.
Everyone votes for a candidate based on whatever criteria is foremost in their mind at the moment. The Second Amendment, women’s issues, immigration, LGBTQ, farm subsidies, judicial appointments and water rights are all examples of wedge issues politicians and their surrogates use to create rifts among voters.
We in the trades and, for that fact, anyone who works need to take a close look at just how our representatives really represent us. Do they support policies that keep the cost of living low? What about infrastructure issues like bridges, roads and mass transit? Do they support workers rights to organize? What about their stance on pension solvency? Maintaining health insurance for the underserved so providers can get paid for their services? Keeping our water drinkable and air breathable? What are their thoughts about school safety and dealing with the issues underlying its problems? What about decency, consistency and stability in our government?
Our standard of living was raised by men and women who bled and fell in picket lines and sweatshops. Men and women who died to make their children’s life better.
These are answers that real working men and women of all sides of the spectrum require. This is where we in the trades need to make a stand.
Special Meeting Notice. The November 9, 2018, December 14, 2018 and January 11, 2019 meetings are Special Called Meetings for the purpose of nomination, election and installation of officers. A $20 fine will be assessed for non-attendance.
Every member should have received a letter inviting them to the 2018 Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party being held Saturday, December 15th at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue. This is always a well attended event with entertainment and age appropriate gifts for children 12 and under as well as a visit by Santa. Please send in your response ASAP.
Letters were sent out to all the companies informing them that apprentice raises went into effect for the first full pay period after September 1. If you did not receive a raise or are unsure of what your pay rate is supposed to be, call Business Agent John Driscoll, Jr. at the hall at 216-431-8088.
Congratulations to Brother Steve Keating who passed the mechanics exam in August. Work safe and live to enjoy your retirement.
Where are they working?
Dave Francis and Jeff Lindell unloading at Beacon Place for Kone,
Jim Rogers and Ernie Rodriguez installing one four-stop 3300 for Schindler at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School,
Joe Simcic and Morgan Armstrong installing a three-stop for Otis at Wilbur Wright Elementary School,
Matt Hausler and Mack Carollo at Linden House doing a jack for Thyssen,
Mark Ondich and John Goggin roping at NRG for Schindler,
Ken Bowles, Shane Huff, John Logue and Pat Pollock doing a modernization at Andrews Place Nursing Home in Mentor for Otis,
Jason Barnett and Dan Yoho from Local 45 installing a 3300 for Schindler in Painesville,
John Goggin, Ryan Oullette and Brian Chambers cabling at Penton Media for Schindler,
Tom Peska and Ernie Rodriguez installing a two-stop hydro at Warrensville and Cedar for Schindler,
John Goggin and Don Knapik shortening cables at CSU for Schindler,
Tom Kelly and Cory Huhn at Western Reserve Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls doing a jack for Otis,
Shawn Yatsko, Rob Timko, Ryan Todd, Dan Varga, Gary Thompson, Brian Siether, Mark Byram and Felix DeJesus doing a six-car mod at Moreland Courts for Schindler,
Pat McCann and Brian Owens installing two three-stop MRLs at Tri-C Downtown for Thyssen,
Dave Adrian and Zach Miller at CWRU Lot 54 doing sills replacement for Otis,
John Goggin and Ed Gimmel replacing a worn worm gear at Four Seasons for Schindler.
The Brothers and Sisters of the Local send their condolences to the families of retired Brothers Joe Miranda who lost his wife and Robin Eaton whose mother passed away.
As of this writing there is one mechanic on the bench.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
Dknapik@windstream.net
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 