April ’19 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and Sisters:

School has started and apprentices are in one of four classes: 400, 500, 600 and 700. The apprentices in the 500 class will be doing the second round of Practical Exams in applying the lab in a timed demonstration of their skill. It’s like Forged In Fire without the heat, smoke, noise and Will Willis counting down the time. Those in 700 will not be participating yet in a Practical as NEIEP is not ready to roll out the exam.

The Model Elevator Bill, which would bring licensing to the state of Ohio, is back in committee in the Ohio House with a good chance of getting passed this year. Former Local 17 Business Manager Tim Moennich, now with Work Preservation, has been working on getting this bill through the legislature and on to Governor Mike Dewine’s desk for signature.

Gable Elevator, who started out in the home lift segment of the business before moving into commercial work, decided to sell off the home lift division to the daughter of founder Rick Gable. The new business is called Ohio Home Elevator and for the time being is a non-signatory.

If you are on a construction or modernization job and see pre-assembled components that are questionable, take photos and contact Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

The Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner will be on May 17th at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Rd, Independence, Ohio. As always, retiree’s eat free. Watch the mail for the response form and get it in as soon as possible. This is a well attended event and the opportunity to see old friends and make new ones is always a blessing.

Where are they working?

Jeff Ward and Rob Zadravec at Hampton Inn on East 9th Street doing a door mod for Thyssen,

Dave Gnagy and Matt Carlton doing a one-car mod at Positive Education for Schindler,

Dave Lehotan and Brian Chambers doing a two-car mod at Medical Mutual for Schindler,

John Goggin, Mark Ondich and Ed Gimmel cabling at NRG for Schindler,

Russ Lansky from Tampa and Jeff Stryzak from Denver troubleshooting at Progressive Insurance for Kone,

Anthony Metcalf and Jason Saunders at the Drake doing a jack and one-car mod for Thyssen,

Bill DUdas and Tony Kuhn at French Creek Water Treatment Plant doing a one-car mod for Thyssen,

Drew Williams and Joel Reyes at May Company doing a five-car mod for Kone,

Ken Jung and Jason Tischler decommissioning a six-stop car at Cleveland Public Auditorium for Schindler,

Ric Supinski and James Hirz at the Beacon installing three cars for Kone,

Al Ward and John Smith at Western Reserve doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Bill Dudas and Tony Kuhn at Tri-C Westshore installing two cars for Thyssen,

Jim Ehrbar and Mark Carollo doing a one-car mod at St. Augustine for Gable,

John Goggin and Kieth Janzen cabling at Stoffers in Solon for Schindler,

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to Brother Dave Horner who lost his grandmother.
As of this writing the bench is clear.
Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net