Brothers and Sisters:
By the time you read this there will be eight short weeks before the election. While most of the attention will be on the top of the respective tickets, I want to take a moment and talk about the down ballot races. These races represent the most direct way that government affects our lives. These elected officials decide how and where our tax dollars are allocated and their priorities decide more on a granular level than those broad policies of the federal system.
On the local level, the differences between party affiliations means little. These are the men and women we see at church, the park and grocery store and usually will stop to talk about an issue that affects their constituents. That direct face time and individual connection makes them more accountable to you and I.
The statehouse begins a level of insularity between the electors and elected. The elected work and live, for the most part, in the capitol and travel home on weekends or breaks to rest and meet with electors. They tend to socialize with other elected and form a thought bubble that can lead to an “us and them” mindset. Depending on the level of politicization, this can impede the ability to pass legislation. This mindset is only amplified in the echo chamber of Congress.
Your votes for governor, senate, house, state and local offices are just as important, if not more, than your vote for who heads the ticket. Pay attention.
IUEC Local 17 is moving its school from the Superior Avenue address Engle Road between Brookpark and Snow. The move increases the space available for classes and labs as well as giving an option to comfortably hold multiple classes on the same night. A large thank you to all the members who gave the time to make the move a reality.
After the spring semester finals, there are 11 apprentices eligible for the mechanics exam. Congratulations to those apprentices and good luck on your review and exam. The important takeaway is that even though this represents the end of your formal training, education in our trade is an ongoing affair. Take every advantage of those opportunities and you will see a long and prosperous career.
Apprentices advancing to their next pay level will have the new rates effective in the pay cycle after September 1. Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. sent a letter to the signatories listing their apprentices and the appropriate pay scale as of that date. Vacation checks were due July 15. If there was a problem with your check, or a question on your status, contact John at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the International and signatory companies represented by NEBA and ECA lapsed June 30. As a result, those that were furloughed are now on the out of work list.
While work remains strong in many areas, there is evidence that a slow down may be on the horizon. Otis asked for volunteers to go to Pittsburgh to work on a project for Amazon while Kone picked up an apprentice and probationary off the bench and Schindler is booked with work through the fall of 2021. ThyssenKrupp corporate completed their sale of the elevator division to an equity group July 31 and it is unclear how that will affect the local office.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 11. If the hall is not available, John will notify the membership through email.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Brothers Walter and Brandyn Alley on the passing of their mother and grandmother respectively.
As of this writing there are four mechanics and two probationary apprentices on the bench.
Until next month…
Work safe, work smart and slow down for safety.
Don
dknapik@windstream.net
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 