March ’25 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and Sisters:

The 2025 IUEC Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner is scheduled for Friday, May 16 at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence.  Watch your mailbox and the Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org, for more information.

A contingent of Local 17 members and family marched in the 2025 Cleveland St.Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17.  Once again Kone donated the use of their stake body truck for the event and everyone in attendance had a great time.  For photos of the event, go to the Local 17 website.

The elevator constructor licensing process is beginning.  The first stage, opening the contractor portal, is effective May1.  This is where the companies apply to the state for an operating license.  The portal for mechanics is expected to open June 1 with the expectation that by November 1 all eligible mechanics will have their license.  The cost for a two-year license is $250 set by the Ohio Division of Industrial Compliance under whose jurisdiction the Elevator Safety Board will operate.  There is no word as of now who Governor Mike DeWine will name to the new board.

There are multiple members working out of town.  If you are an apprentice and sent out of town, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org before you leave so he can put you in roaming status with NEIEP.   You will be able to attend classes in your work Local and be reinserted into Local 17 upon return.

Work is still solid in the area even as the elevator work at Sherwin-Williams come to completion.  TKElevator is planning for mods at Rocket Arena and new construction at Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience and Cleveland Police Headquarters.  Otis is still moding the Cleveland Clinic but, the steel mill mod should help to keep members working.

Local 45 (Akron) Business Manager Ron Johnston along with Local 17 Business Manager John Driscoll Jr had a meeting with the owner of Columbus-based Moseley Elevator on their plans to expand into the Cleveland/Akron market.  This will give both Locals 17 and 45 another signatory company to place members.  

As when Gable became a signatory, the new office for Moseley will have portability between Cleveland and Akron jurisdictions until there are enough units to warrant full routes in either territory.  Any mod or construction work, though, will require Local members.  

Retired Brother John Taylor is teaching the Hydraulic Controller Lab continuing education course at the school.  Local 17 is planning to offer the hydraulic valve class after completing the controller class.  The expected start date is March 26.  If you are interested in this offering, contact John at the Hall.

As of this writing there are three mechanics and three apprentices on the bench.