Brothers and Sisters:
For those Local 17 members who have not heard, the IUEC and NEBA reached an agreement on a new five-year contract which was ratified April 1 by the delegates to the International Convention 282-16.
After reading General President Christensen’s and Assistant General President Bender’s articles in the April Constructor, I am reminded of the importance of steady leadership. The steady leadership of Roosevelt and Churchill kept the Allies together during World War II. The steady leadership of Barack Obama guided America out of financial disaster. Everyday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky redefines what it truly means to be a leader.
For this negotiation and the last full contract, the IUEC is fortunate to have steady hands with a clear vision of the future guiding the ship of our International. Their priorities are consistent, predictable and clear: safety, financial security and growth.
It is never expected that both parties to an agreement will be completely pleased with the result. If the International was willing to walk away from the table over the issue of safety written into our new contract, what does that say about their commitment to the issue? What does that say about NEBA’s initial reaction to the proposal of essentially codifying safe work rules and practices? Consistent safe work rules and practices between employers only benefits employees as they now have a common reference point on the subject and the IUEC has a way of holding non-compliant companies accountable for inaction on this vital issue.
There is always more to get and always more to give. Striking the right balance is essential to achieving the long term gains that keep the IUEC the best trade in the trades.
Business Manager John Driscoll Jr and Brothers Bill Lynsky and John Patton attended the 2022 NABTU Convention in Washington DC after the contract acceptance vote. Lynsky and Patton will report on the convention at the May meeting.
Congratulations to Brothers Morgan Armstrong, Dan Koprowski and Jon McCuan for passing the Mechanics Exam. This is the only time in your career you will have an unbiased evaluation of your knowledge of the trade. There are currently three apprentices eligible for the exam.
The IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing will be held June 11th at Hickory Nut Golf Course, 23601 Royalton Rd, Columbia Station. The format is a four-man scramble with friends and family welcome. Tee times start at 10 am. Food, beverages and prizes are provided.
CMHA awarded the modernization job at Apthorp Towers to non-signatory Findlay based Davis-Newcomer Elevator. Davis previously was awarded an LMHA job in Lorain just prior to the pandemic. Because of Covid lockdowns, the Volunteer Organizing Committee was not able to make a showing for that job. Look for an email from Business Manager John Driscoll Jr on a VOC meeting. If you hear of a building where a non-signatory is working, call John at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
Just a reminder that the vacation reporting requirement waived under the MOU by the E-Board during the pandemic is now back in effect. Don’t forget to take and report all your vacation time to the hall in a timely manner.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of honored retiree Dan Wulff who passed away April 6.
As of this writing there is one mechanic 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 