February ’19 Constructor

Brothers and Sisters:

Local 17 has been aiding the efforts of Work Preservation and signatory companies to pass the Model Elevator Bill (SB 308) which would bring licensing of Constructors to the state of Ohio.  Testifying on behalf of the bill were IUEC lobbyist Andrew Herf, Kevin Sullivan from Work Preservation, Schindler Elevator code consultant and former Chief Elevator Inspector Norm Martin and Local 11 Business Agent Jim Miller.  All spoke on the importance of being properly trained to work on elevators and the problems that can arise when untrained personnel put themselves and the public at risk.

Two weeks later the opponent testimony had one speaker Mike Simko, the owner of Access Solutions in Akron.  Simko claimed that companies like his doing residential work should be exempt from the law because oversight by the AHJ is already in place.  Additionally he argued that the accessibility market is a “niche inside a niche” and likened the licensing of all those working in the trade to “requiring a lawn tractor mechanic having to obtain a diesel truck mechanic license in order to remain in (their) field.”  When visiting the company website, Access Solutions claims their products are suitable for both residential and commercial applications.  

In addition to  Access Solutions, Arrow Lift, a Minnesota-based non-signatory with an office in Beachwood, and two groups, Americans for Prosperity and the accessibility industry association AEMA sent letters of testimony in opposition claiming the bill as a legislative overreach.

On December 5 the bill passed out of committee and as of this writing is waiting on a vote in the Senate.

On December 15 Local 17 held its annual Children’s Christmas Party.  For photos from the event go to the website iueclocal17.org and click on the Galleries tab.  A large thank you to outgoing Entertainment Chairman Mike Moennich for the fine job in planning and working the events for 2018.

Apprentices enrolled in the NEIEP program will be starting the Spring semester the first week of February.  If you have not received your class assignment contact Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org or call the hall at 216-431-8088.

Where are they working?

Bob Meyer and Andrew Daniels at 101st and Chester Residence Inn installing two eight-stop tractions,

Brett O’Laughlin and Jon McCuan at RTA Quincy for Kone,

Chris Wyant and Chris DeJesus at Amazon in Euclid installing a four-stop hydro for Schindler,

DJ Spring and Deven Shields at Case Dental School installing three cars for Otis,

Jeff Lindell and Dave Francis at Residence Inn installing two cars for Kone,

Dave Adrian and Don Page at the mill doing maintenance for Otis,

Dan Tinner and Lemroy Hurd at Chestnut Lakes in Strongsville changing pump units for Otis,

Ray Mack at Akron Children’s Hospital installing drive for Kone,

Jim Thompson and Steve Keating at Altmount in Akron repairing a machine for Otis,

Gary Thompson and Brian Siether at Mercy Hospital doing a four-car mod for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Brian Owens at Fisher House installing two cars for Thyssen,

Todd Ross and Morgan Armstrong at Cleveland Athletic Club doing a two-car mod for Kone.

As of this writing the bench is clear.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net