Author: IUEC Local 17 Website Administrator

September ’16 Labor Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

On Saturday, August 20th, 30 IUEC Local 17 members and their guests participated in the Local golf outing once again held at Emerald Woods Golf Course in Columbia Station. The 18-hole affair featured a shot gun start on the challenging St. Andrew’s and Pine Valley courses. These holes do not give up many birdie opportunities but several teams split the skins pot.

At the end of the day, the big winners were once again the team of Rob Hansen and Mike Wickham carding a 1-under par effort. Team Hoistech featuring Ray Mack and Chris Peterson took second at even par 72 and Business Manager Tim Moennich and Local Vice-president Robin Eaton were third at one-over for the day.

Photos of the event are available on the IUEC Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org.

By the time this article sees print the three Year Four apprentices will be nearing the end of the Mechanics Review course in preparation for sitting for the Mechanics Exam. The thing to remember about the exam is that it is the one unbiased measure of your knowledge of the trade you will ever have. Best of luck to all.

Tim would like to send a few reminders to the general membership. First, remember to call in to the hall whenever you will be on a job that will last for more than two days. Also, if you work out of town, call into the business agent for the local in which you are working. If you need phone numbers, the International website (iuec.org) will be able to help.

If you recently had a change of address or marital status now is a good time to update your contact and beneficiary information with the hall.

Local 17 members and all the building trades are encouraged to call the hall whenever they see a non-signatory company working on or near their job. Occasionally an out of town company will work in the Local 17 jurisdiction and they are required to call the hall prior to starting work. If you are unsure, a list of Local 17 signatories is at the end of this and every article. You can contact Tim at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

 

September ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

There is a lot going on so lets get to it…

Another attempt is being made to turn Ohio in to a Right-to-Work-For-Less state. Ohio House Republican John Becker introduced HB 583 which provides pubic-sector workers the choice to opt out of union representation and paying dues. The introduction of this legislation came after the departure of Governor John Kasich from the presidential race and before the Republican National Convention held in Cleveland.

Business Manager Tim Moennich has sign up sheets for three continuing education opportunities: CPR, scaffolding and welding. The CPR class contains all the necessary training to receive your CPR card. This is a valuable skill that is good to have but, you hope you never have to use. The scaffolding class teaches the constructor all aspects of the SAIA curriculum needed to be considered a competent person when erecting frame scaffolding. The card is good for three years. Finally, Local 17 is once again offering the welding class through Lincoln Electric at their world headquarters in Euclid, Ohio. The class is 40 hours long over two weeks and offers the student the opportunity to earn a 3G or 4G welding certification. If you are interested in any of these offerings contact Tim at 216-431-8088 or TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

Schindler has exercised their right to hire a temporary helper in the company management training program. According to the contract, the company can hire no more than one temporary helper for a total of three to eighteen month duration with no more than one working per local per year. The company pays both the local and International $180 per month. The helper is currently working on the Erieview Tower modernization.

On September 3, the North Shore Federation of Labor will hold its 4th Annual Labor Day Festival at James Day (Nike) Park in Parma. The event is free and open to the public with events for children and adults and the cost is free.

Where are they working?

Dave Gnagy, John Brunner, Matt Carlton and Brian Seither installing three cars at Crocker Park for Schindler,

John Logue and Brian Bond doing service work at the Ritz-Carlton for Otis,

Shawn Yatsko and Ryan Todd doing a mod on the freight car at the Leader Building for Schindler,

Joe Sumph and Ryan Harger doing a mod at the Wyndham Hotel for Schindler,

Bill Yuhas and Kevin Driscoll doing a mod at Bohn Tower for Thyssen,

Matt Pinchot and Jason Saunders doing a two-car mod at Lamp Light Inn for Otis,

Bob Meyers and Chris DeJesus doing a mod at 25th Street Lofts for Kone,

Todd Ross and Heath Kramer doing escalator clean downs at Browns Stadium for Kone,

Ken Jung and Tim Gibbons doing a jack at Richmond Park Apartments for Schindler,

Don Kaiser and John Smith doing service work for Schindler,

Jeff Lindell and Chris Sipos doing escalator work at Tower City for Kone,

Tom Peska and Dan Varga installing cars at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center for Schindler,

Greg Miller and Jim Sinclair doing a mod at 1330 River Road for Maximum Elevator,

Jim Ehrbar and Rod Zadravec doing a two-car mod at 645 Prospect Parking Garage for Thyssen,

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the families of retired Brother Joseph Faber who passed away June 17th and Brother Rob Hansen whose mother passed away June 28th.

As of this writing the Local is at full employment.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

2016 Local 17 Golf Outing!

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On August 20th, 30 members and their guests played the St. Andrew’s and Pine Valley courses at Emerald Wood Golf Course in Columbia Station.  The winning team of Rob Hansen and Mike Wickham carded a one-under par 71 to take bragging rights for another year.  They were followed by Team Hoistech at even and Brothers Robin Eaton and Tim Moennich and one-over par.

August ’16 Labor Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

The fall Semester for our Local 17 NEIEP students begins August 10th and 11th. All the apprentices should have their class dates. If for some reason you have not heard from NEIEP contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

Local 17 is offering a number of continuing education opportunities. First is the CPR class which gives the student hands-on experience with this life saving skill. It is a great tool to have in your bag that you hope you never have to use. Second is the scaffolding class offered in cooperation with the Scaffold Access Industry Association (SAIA) and NEIEP. The successful completion of the class qualifies the person as a Competent Person for the erection of frame scaffolding. The certification is good for three years. Finally, Local 17 is looking to schedule another welding class at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric In Euclid, Ohio. The class is 40 hours of training over two weeks and offers the opportunity to achieve a 3G or 4G certification. The class is expected to start after the first of the year.

If you would like to take advantage of any of these opportunities or would like to see any other class offered, contact Tim at the Hall.

On September 3, the North Shore Federation Labor will hold its 4th Annual Labor Day Festival at James Day (Nike) Park from 10 am to 3 pm. The Celebration of Labor event is free and open to the public with things to do for kids and adults.

Schindler Elevator in Cleveland has exercised their right under the contract to hire a Temporary Helper for their management training program. The company has the right to work the Helper for a three to 18 month duration with no more than one working per local per year. The company also pays $180 to both the Local and International. The Temporary Helper is working on the modernization job at Erieview Tower.

Since 2004 IUEC Local 17 has had an agreement with American Income Life Insurance to offer insurance products to members of the local. As a member of Local 17 you have an automatic $3500 accidental death and dismemberment benefit. AIL offers a variety of disability and other life insurance products. If you send in the yellow card that comes with the Local 17 letter an AIL salesman will call on you.

In the Ohio House of Representatives, Republican John Becker introduced HB 583 which would provide for public sector workers to opt-out of union representation and dues. In other words, turn Ohio into yet another Right-To-Work-For-Less state. The bill was introduced after Governor John Kasich left the Republican presidential race and before the RNC held their convention here in Cleveland. There are currently 26 states with RTWFL legislation including Michigan, Indiana and West Virginia.

The IUEC Local 17 Golf outing is Saturday, August 20th at Emerald Woods Golf Course, 12501 North Boone Rd., Columbia Station. Tee times start at 9 am and the cost is $90 per person. There will be a variety of prizes and food and drink at the turn and afterward. This is always a “must attend” event for members, retirees and their friends and family.

 

August ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

As this copy of the Elevator Constructor goes to press, the IUEC is preparing for the 31st General Convention in Chicago. No one really knows what the outcome of the Convention will be on the issues that will be brought to the table for the next contract negotiation. I am sure that chief among them will be worker safety and resolutions brought by the locals to try and keep that in the forefront.

The only thing I hope for is that the collected wisdom of the 76 locals is embodied in the delegates chosen to attend and they lay a solid foundation for the work yet to come.

If all goes well, Local 17 will have three apprentices eligible for the mechanics test. It is by far the most nerve wracking and humbling experience you endure. It is also the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge of the trade you will ever have. Good luck to everyone.

For everyone else enrolled in class, your vacation ends on August 10.

American Income Life Insurance will be sending a letter attempting to solicit business from members of Local 17. Returning the card expressing interest in sitting down with a representative is not necessary to receive the benefits already assured to members of the local and their families. If you are interested in reviewing their offerings or are looking for supplemental insurance not available through your regular agent, then you may want to keep them in mind. It is your choice.

Whenever you are working on a job that will lat for more than two days, remember to call the hall at 216-431-8088.

It is time again for the IUEC Local 17 Annual Golf Outing. The event will be held at Emerald Woods Golf Course,12501 North Boone Road, Columbia Station on August 20th. Cost and tee times have not been announced. Watch this space and the local website, iueclocal17.org for more information.

Where are they working?

Dave Lehotan and Joel Reyes recabling at One Cleveland Center for Schindler,

Lloyd Parks and Josh Mitchell doing service work at the airport for Schindler,

Jim Rogers and Zack Lanum installing a car at the Hotel Indigo for Schindler,

Ken Jung and John Smith doing a jack at Richmond Park Apartments for Schindler,

Joe Broz, Jr. and Brandan Alley doing a mod at the Halle’s Parking Garage for Thyssen,

Tim Moore and Dion Yatsko installing two cars at Truth For Life for Schindler,

Matt Weingart and Sean Canning doing inspections at the Natural History Museum for Schindler,

Gary Thompson, Dave Craver, Ryan Todd and Robert Timko doing the mod at Erieview Tower for Schindler,

Jim Ehrbar and Chris DeJesus doing a mod at 648 Prospect Parking Garage for Thyssen,

Mike Miller and Patrick Kelly installing cars at American Greetings for Otis,

Jeff Lindell and Chris Sipos doing an escalator mod at Tower City for Kone,

Bill Yuhas and Kevin Driscoll doing a mod at Bohn Tower for Thyssen, and

Tom Gombar and John Patton replacing travel cords in Bowling Green for Kone,
As of this writing the bench is clear.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

July ’16 Labor Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

The IUEC Local 17 apprentices are done with the spring semester and enjoying the break until class resumes on August 10. If all goes well, there will be three apprentices eligible to take the Mechanics Exam this fall. For those who are preparing for the test remember this: it is the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge of the trade you will ever receive. Study hard and continue learning. It is the only way to guarantee you will remain valuable to your employer.

There is a sign up sheet for both CPR and welding classes. The CPR class is a valuable tool you hope you will never need use. Taking the class will give you the confidence you may need to remain calm in an emergency situation and it may save a life. The welding class is the some one offered through NEIEP and taught at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric in Euclid, Ohio. The class give you the opportunity to gain certification in 3G and 4G welding. If you are interested in either of these educational opportunities or would like see a particular continuing education class taught, contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

The major story at the June meeting was the presentation by IUEC International Organizer Steve Bruno on the state of organizing across the International. Bruno broke down the organizing efforts of the International by region and local.

The top of the list was Madison, Wisconsin with only one non-signatory accounting for only a handful of units giving the local almost 100% control. Cleveland was close to the national average of 84% but, Akron Local 45 did not fare as well and had a market share that put it in the red. The major source of the drop off was the increased aggressiveness of non-signatory Gable Elevator in the Akron market.

According to Bruno, the International is looking to add ten members to the organizing staff with six to eight additional organizers on the road. This is will allow the existing organizers to concentrate their efforts on key personnel or companies that can be signed. The remaining two to four positions would be support for the field organizers.

“The whole key to organizing and what we do at the International,” Bruno started “is to make things better for having been here.”

On June 29, the Local 17 Volunteer Organizing Committee hand billed the East Fourth Street entertainment area. While the crowd was light for a Wednesday, there was a good response from the residents of the district to our hand bill. We were joined in our efforts by four probationary members and one of our honored retirees. This is the first handbill the VOC has done this year and the first since our efforts at CMHA Riverview.

The VOC would like to thank all the tradesmen that have called the hall when finding a non-signatory on their job. Your efforts make our goal to bring these unorganized workers into the best trade in the trades possible. A list of IUEC Local 17 signatories is at the end of every article.

Members and their families can expect to see a letter from American Income Life Insurance arriving soon in their mail. AIL is an organized company that offers insurance products to union member households. You are under no obligation to speak with a representative unless you are interested in purchasing a policy or making changes to an existing policy.

The members of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the families of retired Brother Eddy Ference who passed away May 25th and retired Brother Tom Carey who lost his wife the first week of June.

As of this writing the bench is clear.

July ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

Over the last couple of years, the members of Local 17 have stepped up to the challenges involved in the safety programs initialed by the signatories and emphasized by the International. These programs have emphasized the use of proper PPE and prework planning to minimize the opportunity for accidents to occur.

Processes borrowed from the nuclear industry like STAR (Stop, Think, Act, Review) are embodied in the Job Hazard Analysis, Job Safety Analysis, Pre-Hoisting and Rigging Plan and Roping Absolutes that must be completed prior to starting a task. These processes require all those on the job to be on the same page during all phases of the job and spell out the dangers as well as the controls to eliminate or minimize those dangers.

This is the culture of safety that every member must adhere too.

Over the past month Local 17 had three accidents that put members in the hospital. One fell eight feet into a pit when a ladder broke at a weld, another lost part of a finger when a load shifted and the third only hurt his ankle when rigging failed during a rope shortening. From some reports the last incident could have been far, far worse.

I am not here to lecture anyone about safety. We all know what we have to do.

I am also not here to write obituaries for active members of Local 17. This is why I sign off every article with “work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.”

Local 17 recently opened up the apprenticeship list for the first time in almost two years and 253 people requested applications. After the aptitude test and no shows the Joint Apprenticeship Committee did over 130 interviews. By the time this sees print, all the applicants who completed the process should know their slot on the list. Good luck to all those looking to get into the best trade in the trades.

Rick Myers will again be teaching the First Aid and CPR class offered through NEIEP and Local 17. This is a valuable class that can give you the confidence to react appropriately in an emergency situation.

NEIEP is also offering a new Certified Signal Person and Rigger Level 1 and 2 course online at neiep.org. Anyone interested in this ANSI certified class can contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org or go to the NEIEP student gateway on their website.

Local 17 is also looking for anyone interested in becoming a NEIEP instructor. For more information contact Tim.

It is time again for the IUEC Local 17 Annual Golf Outing. The event will be held at Emerald Woods Golf Course,12501 North Boone Road, Columbia Station on August 20th. Cost and tee times have not been announced. Watch this space and the local website, iueclocal17.org for more information.

Where are they working?

John Patton and Tom Gombar doing escalator work at the IX Center for Kone,

Shawn Yatsko and Bill Sellers doing a mod at Hillroc Condos for Schindler,

Ken Bowles and Steve Keating installing new cabs at the Ritz Carlton for Otis,

Dave Lehotan and John Smith doing a mod at Falling Waters Apartments in Strongsville for Schindler,

Dave Francis and Matt Carlton installing cars at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center for Schindler,

Jeff Lindell and Chris Sipos doing escalator work at Tower City for Kone,

Mike Miller and Patrick Kelly installing elevators at American Greetings at Crocker Park for Otis,

Jim Ehrbar and Rob Zadravec doing a mod at 645 Prospect Parking Garage for Thyssen,

Mark Byram and Felix DeJesus doing a mod at Westbury Apartments for Schindler,

DJ Spring and Devin Shields installing four elevators at East 105th Parking for Otis,

Al Ward and Andrea Rodriquez working at the Avon CVS for Otis,

Jim rogers and Zach Lanham working at University Hospitals for Schindler.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 extend their condolences to the families of retired Brothers Bernie Pfriem and Ed Ference who passed away.

As of this writing the bench is clear.

Until next month…

Remember to always work smart, work safe and please slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

June ’16 Labor Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

IUEC Local 17 recently completed the application process for the new apprenticeship list. 253 people requested applications and the Joint Apprenticeship Committee did over 130 interviews. All those who went through the process should be receiving their slotting letters shortly.

In comparison, Local 2 (Chicago) set a limit of 1000 applicants for its most recent apprenticeship list and received 1014 requests in only an hour and a half. Local 2 has 1261 members and twelve mechanics on the bench at this time.

NEIEP has a new Certified Signal Person and Rigger Level 1 and 2 course available online at neiep,org for all journeyman constructors. The prep course is eight to ten hours online and NEIEP recommends that students also enroll in the 20 hour classroom course in practical rigging. The certification test is a multiple choice exam that takes approximately an hour and a half to complete. In the practical exam, the student has to demonstrate 21 different hand signals in a variety of rigging scenarios that will take about two and a half hours to complete. This is an ANSI approved course and the certification card is good for three years.

Rick Myers is again teaching the First Aid and CPR class. If you are interested or missed the class before, contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclcal17.org.

Local 17 is also looking for NEIEP instructors for the apprenticeship program. If you are interested, contact Tim.

The Annual IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing will be held on August 20th at Emerald Woods Golf Course,12501 North Boone Road, Columbia Station. This is always a well attended event and is a great time for active and retired members and their guests. Expect a 9 AM tee time. Cost and other details will follow as soon as they are available.

Work has been strong for Local 17 and many of our neighboring Locals share that wealth. Local 10 (Washington DC) has 1169 members with 34 mechanics and four apprentices on the bench with 42 probationaries working. Local 34 (Indianapolis) has only one member out of work. Locals 44 (Toledo), 45 (Akron), 37 (Columbus) and 11 (Cincinnati) all report full employment. Local 36 (Detroit) is at full employment and recently signed Great Lakes Elevator. Great Lakes is currently at the Bradley Building in downtown Cleveland doing a one car modernization.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retires Brother Bernie Pfriem who recently passed away.

As of this writing the bench is clear.

June ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:
There is a lot going on so here we go…

On March 24th the application process for Local 17’s apprenticeship list closed with 253 people requesting applications. By the time this sees print, the interview and testing process should be complete and all those looking to become part of the best trade in the trades waiting for their slotting letter.

NEIEP is getting set to release a virtual hydraulic controller lab similar to the first person games available on gaming consoles. The purpose is to immerse the student in as close to an actual troubleshooting experience as possible. Students will be greeted by a virtual character that will explain the problem and leave it up to the students to troubleshoot the problem. The student will be able to move freely through the environment, use a meter and remove wires just as they would in a real life experience.

This virtual lab will be introduced in three phases. First as a classroom version that instructors can use as part of their classroom experience. The second will be a stand alone course that students can take at home and finally a version will be used as part of the practical assessment toward qualifying for the mechanics exam.

Please take a minute on your next work day to check that all the components of your personal fall arrest system are compatible and rated for the proper capacity. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor to obtain the proper equipment. It might just save your life.

With the 31st General Convention coming up in July and the current contract a little over a year away from negotiations, the International would like to remind everyone to start to save your money in the event there is a job action. You can never be too prepared.
Where are they working?

Drew Williams and Mark Carollo doing a two-car mod at Abbot Manor for Thyssen,

Mark Byram and Bill Sellers doing a three-car mod at Westbury Apartments for Schindler,

Jason Faber and Nick Meyer doing a door mod at Pleasant Lake Apartments for Thyssen,

Tom Kelly and Dave Adrian doing a jack at North Church Towers for Otis,

Jeff Ward and Brian Owens recabling at One Independence Place for Thyssen,

Don Knapik and Eric Crossgrove doing a door mod at National Terminal Warehouse for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Chris Scholle doing a six-car mod at Bishop Park Apartments for Thyssen,

Kevin Thomas and Ed Gimmel installing a car at Halle’s Warehouse for Thyssen,

Dave Lehotan and Ernesto Rodriguez doing a five-car mod at the Towers at Falling Waters for Schindler,

Joe Broz Jr. and Robert Connelly doing a mod at the Halle’s Parking Garage for Thyssen,

Matt Weingart and Jason Tischler working on escalators at the Hilton Hotel for Schindler,

Chris Wyatt and Robert Timko doing a two-car mod at Hill Rock Apartments for Schindler,

John Logue and Shane Huff doing a four-car mod at Metro General Hospital for Otis,

Darrell Scislo and Bob Brady doing cab work at the Drury Hotel for Otis,

Anthony Metcalf and Brandyn Alley doing a two-car mod at Lake West for Thyssen,

Gerard Szmerkovsky and Brian Horner installing an elevator at the Cleveland Clinic Avon for Otis,

Greg Seaman and John Smith doing repair work at the airport for Schindler,

John Patton and Tom Gombar dong repairs at Progressive Field for Kone,

Joe Sumph and Ryan Harger doing a two-car mod at Westerly Apartments for Schindler and,

Shawn Yatsko and Felix DeJesus working on a mod at Sherry Apartments for Schindler.
The Brothers and sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Larry Jarrett, Sr. who passed away March 10.

As of this writing the local is at full employment.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net