Brothers and Sisters:
Happy New Year! Raise your hand if you’re sad to see 2020 go? I didn’t think so. Here’s what’s going on in Local 17…
As of this writing work in Cleveland is strong with Schindler holding the lions share of new construction and modernization. The other majors are holding their own and keeping as many employed as possible.
Congratulations go out to Brothers Matt Carlton and Felix DeJesus and Sister Andrea Rodriguez for passing their Mechanics Exam. This is that only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge as an elevator constructor you will every have. Congratulations on your achievement and good luck to the remaining eight apprentices awaiting the exam.
The Local 17 School Board has asked NEIEP to extend their apprentice list through September 2021. The extension request is due to the ongoing pandemic. During the time this list has been active, 12 new apprentices have started work in Local 17.
The Elevator Licensing Bill is once again making its way through the state legislature and is coming up for a committee vote. If it passes out of the committee it will have to pass the State House and Senate before going to the Governor for his signature. The bill would require the licensing of elevator constructors in the State of Ohio in a similar way that other trades are regulated by the state.
The Children’s Christmas Party normally scheduled for the second Saturday of December was cancelled due to COVID-19.
As of this writing the United Irish Society of Greater Cleveland, the sponsors of the annual Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade, are planning for the return of the event for 2021. Local 17 is slated to march if the event is held
It was reported at the November meeting that the Local had as of that time five members off work for COVID or COVID-related exposure. All members are encouraged to use masking, social distancing and hand washing as preventive measures as well as limiting exposure to others in group gatherings.
At the November nominations meeting, five members were nominated to attend the IUEC International Convention in San Diego this August. The election will be held at the December meeting but, as of this writing it is questionable whether an in person gathering will be allowed by Laborers 310 whose hall we use for meetings. All other officers were nominated without opposition except Conductor where Brother Al Jerson stepped aside in favor of Brother Chris Sipos.
The 2021 wage rate sheets are out and available from Business Manager John Driscoll Jr by contacting him at the hall at 216-431-8088 or emailing him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org. A mechanic will see a $1.76 raise in the check which is a 3.28% increase in our total package.
The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Brother Josh Mitchell who passed away November 13.
As of this writing there are one mechanic and one apprentice 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 