May 2019 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and Sisters:

Happy May Day!

The second set of RC 500 Practical Exams were administered over two days on April 24th and 25th. These exams count toward the Apprentices overall score on the Mechanics Exam and as new exams roll out will be even more important for Apprentices not even involved yet in the trade.

The IUEC recently banned the use of Leatherman-style uninsulated multi-tools after Otis mechanic Brother Paul DeChane of Local 71 (Miami, FL) was electrocuted while using one to crimp a connection on a door lock. These style tools are very common in the field and should be discontinued as soon as possible.

There are two continuing education classes planned for the coming months. The first is the forklift class being taught by Tim Narowitz at the Laborers Local 310 classroom located in the rear of the parking lot at 3250 Euclid Ave. This class will give you the basic tools needed to be able to unload a truck on an worksite. The second is the welding class which gives the student the opportunity to earn 3G or 4G welding certifications. This is a 40 hour commitment over the course of two weeks. The class is taught at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric in Euclid, Ohio. If you are interested in this or any other continuing education classes, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr. at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org or call at 216-431-8088.

As with all of the continuing education offerings, everyone you take makes you a better Constructor and a more valuable employee. They also give you an edge when work slows down making you recession resistant.

There has been a series of vehicle break-ins at the school. The JATC is discussing moving the school to a different location but, for now everyone is encouraged to keep all valuables out of sight. As John said at the meeting, even a bit of loose change looks like a fortune to a homeless person.

IUEC Local 17 will hold the annual Local 17 Golf Outing at Hickory Nut Golf Course, 23601 Royalton Rd, Columbia Station on June 1st. The cost has yet to be announced but, it is always a well attended and fun event.

As of this writing the bench is clear.