Author: IUEC Local 17 Website Administrator

July Constructor Aritcle

Brothers and sisters:

When my children were young I told them three things. First, when they are out in the world, their actions reflect on themselves, their family and everyone they associate with.  Second, if at dinner they had to tell me everything they did and there was something they would not tell, then they should not have done it.  Lastly, even though I might not like what they may have done, I would always love them.

When we adults need to be reminded of these three simple rules of personal conduct the ramifications can be much deeper than a simple scolding.  It can lead to the loss of the respect of our family, friends, co-workers and those outside our circle that will judge us and our associates by our actions.

Being a union member adds a whole new level of responsibility to the equation.

In our oath of obligation, we pledged to “…never commit any act or offense that will bring the International, the Local Union or the Trade Union Movement in general, into disrepute.”  This is a very heavy pledge.  These days there are so many eyes on every member and officer from the company GPS to the Department of Labor that every little movement is recorded, parsed and reinterpreted to the Nth degree so maintaining a positive reputation is more difficult than ever.

There are too many people that run away from or deny their responsibilities.  We all know them.  We might even be them. When everything is right they can’t stop telling you about how they made things great.  When things go south, they conjure plausible deniability.  This is unacceptable from your children and even more so from adults.

One of the greatest things about being a union brother or sisters is when you are down there are people that are willing to give you a hand up.  The key to successfully repairing a cracked reputation is to accept aid from those that offer it in the spirit in which it is given.  There also has to be a genuine desire, outside of the prodding of others, to make the needed positive changes.

This is the learning and healing process in action.

As we celebrate our independence from England, remember all those that have stood up for liberty.  Freedom is never free, that is why it is so precious.

Tim wants me to remind everyone that is working on a job that lasts more than two days that they are required by the by-laws to report where they are working to the hall.  By doing this you help the local and International gauge the amount of work and possibly help some out of work brothers return from the bench.

Local 17 extends its most sincere condolences to the families of brothers Mike Schaffer and Jerry Reed.

Where are they working?

Todd Ross and Terry Keating dong a jack job at Severance Center for Kone,

Dave Francis and Kevin Driscoll working on a buck hoist at Ernst and Young for Metro Elevator,

Mike Hogan and Bill Sellers doing full-load safety tests downtown for Schindler,

Bob Garman and Robin Eaton at Upton Elementary School installing a two-stop hydro for Thyssen,

Jeff Lindell and Brendan Hyland working on the freight elevator at the Art Museum for Kone,

Joe Broz, Jr. and Dave Adrian doing door work at Day-Glo for Thyssen,

Dave Brunner, Mark Byram, Ron Rittwage and Chris Wyatt starting the Medical Mart job for Schindler,

Jason Costa and Ryan Foley installing door controllers at 700 Huron for Schindler.

 

As of this writing there are 14 mechanics out of work.

Till next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

 

Don

dknapik@windstream.net

June ’12 Cleveland Citizen

 

Business Agent Tim Moennich and trustee John Driscoll, Jr. were recently in Washington DC talking with our area congressional delegation.  Most of the conversation centered around project labor agreements (PLA’s), Davis-Bacon Act and prevailing wage laws and their impact on the region.

According to Wikipedia a PLA is “…a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project.  Before any workers are hired on the project, construction unions have bargaining rights to determine the wage rates and benefits of all employees working on the particular project and to agree the provisions of the agreement.”  The Davis-Bacon Act set the requirement on any federally funded public works project over $2000 that the prevailing wage in the area be paid to the workers on the job.  This prevents unscrupulous contractors from driving down wages in a region.

It is even more important now that we support labor-friendly candidates at all levels of government.

Everyone that took the hydraulic controller, scaffolding, signaling and rigging and the welding classes offered through NEIEP should have received the results of their final exams.  Continuing education is the most important aspect of our trade and it sets us apart from our non-union rivals.  The classes offered through NEIEP are your best bet to keeping your job.

Take full advantage of the opportunity that is available.

I am currently working with NEIEP on the next issue of Lift Magazine.  The theme for the issue is safety and I am looking for your help to fill out this issue.  I am looking for safety related stories about close calls, problems found on jobs or incidences where you feel like the elevator gods were looking out for you.  All submissions will be anonymously included.  This means I will not identify you or your employer in any way, shape or form without your complete consent.  I will need your contact information to confirm your story with you prior to it being included.  You can email me at dknapik@windstream.net if you have a story you would like to include or have any questions.  This is an opportunity to share your experience with others in the International and make a positive contribution to the trade.

At a special meeting of the governing board of the Building and Construction Trades department, Sean McGarvey was elected president to replace Brother Mark Ayers who suddenly passed away on Easter Sunday.

The Benefits Office will be mailing the annual retiree’s certification to all of the retiree’s receiving benefits.  The purpose is to ensure that everyone is following the plan rules on disqualifying employment.  This is a mandatory form that all retiree’s need to fill out and return.

The IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing was held on June 2nd at Mallard Creek Golf Club.  There were 51 active and retired brothers and guests in attendance.  This year there were two teams tied at 1-under par for the outing championship and as in the past the winner was determined by a putt-off.  Besting the team of Rob Hanson and Mike Wickham were Mike Moennich and his son Sean.  Photos of the day are available on the local’s website, iueclocal17.org.

Do not forget to mark your calendar for the first IUEC Local 17 Classic Car and Bike Night to be held July 13th at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue.  The event will follow the regularly scheduled union meeting and food and refreshments will follow.  You are welcome to bring either your old classic or late model classic-to-be.  This is going to be a great time and opportunity to get together with the members and swap some stories about our favorite rides.

Tim wants me to remind everyone that is they are on a job that lasts for more than two days, they need to call the hall and report their location.  This is a requirement of the by-laws and it helps Tim and the International keep track of the amount of work in the local.

As of this writing there are 14 mechanics out of work.

 

 

 

June ’12 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

I am very fortunate to have this space every month to write about the issues I feel are important for the local, international and union movement in general.

I know people that have had, through various situations, negative experiences with unions.  It is not that hard to imagine…

A probationary gets let go through no fault of their own because of internal company issues.  When they turn to the BA he has to explain that since he is a probationary there is not much he can do to help.

A brother takes out his journeyman’s card and that becomes his last day in the trade.  His name is on the out of work list, he attends meetings religiously but keeps getting passed over as work picks up.  The business agent tries to keep his hopes up but the realities of being out of work for such an extended period takes its toll on him personally and professionally and he takes a withdrawal card.

An employer runs right up to the edge of the line drawn in the contract and as a result a seasoned veteran is sidelined in another role.  The International says that as long as the company is paying his wage and benefits there is not much it can do to help.

What do these three brothers have in common?  No matter what their status they are still part of our family.

What do you mean ‘still part of our family?’  Aren’t two of them out of the trade and the third in another role?

Let’s look at the brother in a different role.  Whatever the company’s reasoning for removing him from the field he is still part of our local and must be backed by our union brothers.  That is a no brainer.  The withdrawn journeyman and laid-off probationary require a little different consideration.  Is their status any reason to not acknowledge them in the street?  Is it any reason not to extend a helping hand by referring them to a career counselor or act as a reference?  Does it prohibit us from buying them a cup of coffee at a favorite diner?

We, as a union and more importantly as thinking, knowing and caring humans, must always remember that there but for the grace of God go I.  What kept us from being in their shoes could have been a phone call, friendly reminder of a procedure or just smiling to someone at the right time.  You never know what can make the difference.

On March 29th I celebrated my thirteenth year in the elevator trade.  During that time I have experienced the highest of highs the trade can offer as well as been as low as I could possibly be.  As I look back at my rollercoaster of a career I recognize where those I encountered showed me the meaning of true unionism is to always look out for your brother, no matter what their status.  They are still part of our family.

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen.  His current album, Wrecking Ball, has a song title that sums up everything…

We take care of our own.

Do not forget to mark on your calendar for July 13th and Local 17s first Car and Bike Night being held in conjunction with the union meeting.  No matter what you drive or ride:  pony cars, LBCs, classic or late-model Detroit muscle or Milwaukee’s rolling thunder all are welcome.  There will be food, refreshments and of course a lot of talk about our rides.

Till next month…

Work safe, work smart and slow down for safety.

 

Don

dknapik@windstream.net

May ’12 Cleveland Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

The major news at the April union meeting was the unanimous passage of the upcoming contract between the IUEC and NEBA by the locals at the ratification meeting held April 12th in Baltimore.  Our delegates, Dennis Dixon, John Driscoll, Jr. and Brian McTaggart and led by Business Agent Tim Moennich, literally returned from the ratification meeting minutes before the local’s union meeting.

Unlike the last contract there were no major points of contention and our givebacks were minimal at best.  The companies also made concessions and eliminated the “three strikes” language which caused a flooding of mechanics to the International escalating the unemployment situation around the country.  As I said previously, the International and NEBA are to be commended for quickly coming to an agreement that allows everyone in the IUEC to do what we do best… provide the best elevator and escalator service to our customers.

June 2nd is the annual golf outing being held this year at Mallard Creek Golf Club, 34500 Royalton Road, Columbia Station.  Tee-off time is 9 am and the cost is $90.  This includes cart, 18 holes of golf with food and refreshments at the turn and afterword.  As always, it will be a two-man scramble format.  So find a partner and join in on what is always a very good time whether you play golf or not.

The July 13th union meeting, besides being our second one held this year on a Friday the 13th, is our first IUEC Local 17 Bike and Car Night.  After the regular meeting, there are refreshments and food planned for everyone that wants to bring their classic or new-classic car or bike and enjoy some great food, drink and swap gear-head stories.  I will be there with Bridget, my ’73 MGB, taking pictures for the Constructor and our local website, iueclocal17.org.  Everyone takes joy in their restoration project or preserving a small piece of transportation history.  Come and share the pride in your ride.

 

In Union There is Strength

A father had a family of sons who were perpetually quarrelling among themselves.  When he failed to heal their disputes by his exhortations, he determined to give them a practical illustration of the evils of disunion and for this purpose he told them to bring him a bundle of sticks.

When they had done so, he placed the bundle into the hands of each of them in succession and ordered them to break it into pieces.  They tried with all their strength and were unable to do it.  He then opened the bundle, took the sticks out separately, one by one, and again put them into his son’s hands upon which they broke each of them easily.

“My sons, if you are of one mind and unite to assist each other you will be like this bundle, uninjured by all attempts of your enemies, but if you are divided among yourselves, you will be broken as easily as these sticks.”

From Aesop’s Fables

 

With St. Patrick’s Day 2012 a memory, I want to write about a conversation I had with a family member of a union brother.  Her name is not important but her message is.

After the parade, we met at a traditional after-party at one of downtown Cleveland’s fine hotels.  From the 10th floor we could watch the end of the event with its marching units, floats and finally the cleanup crew.  She is a veteran of the day, being of Irish heritage and participating for several years as a child whose father worked in the trades.

I asked her about her impressions.

“You know what I saw down there?”  She paused for effect and said “families.”

“I saw families coming together and enjoying the day. I saw mothers and fathers creating memories for their children and do you know the best part?”  Her voice rose in anticipation of her next point.  “They were not all Irish!”  She went on to enumerate the races and ages and how everyone was laughing, singing and enjoying the day.

I somewhat cynically remarked about how alcohol can do that.  She retorted that it wasn’t all about alcohol, it was about family.  That reminded me about the Pulitzer Prize winning author of Angela’s Ashes, Frank McCourt, and his refusal to partake of St. Patrick’s Day commercialism by going about his normal day and attending church in the evening.  To paraphrase “that is how we celebrate in Ireland and that is how I will celebrate in America.”

When I reflected later on her words and thought about the families gathered together in that hotel room, I began to see the day in a different light.  While alcohol lubricates the wheels, family gives us direction long after we sober up.  It is our family that keeps us centered and cemented in reality.

There are times when we as good union brothers and sisters must keep what happens in the hall at the hall.  This is good business.  When we gather with our spouses, children, parents and the rest of our blood family with our working family, we not only spread the message of unions as inclusionary institutions, but add more sticks to the bundle to make us an even stronger assembly.

In union there is strength.  In union, with family, we are invincible.

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