Category: Cleveland Citizen

Brothers and Sisters:

Happy New Year to everyone in the trades.  We have all been working through an extraordinary time in our collective history and all have stories to tell.  The trades in Cleveland have been fortunate versus those in other areas or states.  Our jobs were considered essential and many of us lost no or very little time during this year.  Keep in mind those of your friends, family, Brothers and Sisters who lost loved ones and were denied the opportunity to hold them before they passed.  The voids left in their souls are hard to fill but, the passage of time will eventually give comfort and dull the sharp ache of loss.  Peace comes in time.

Congratulations to Brothers and Sister  Brian Bond, Matt Carlton, Bob Connelly, Felix DeJesus, Matt Herbold, Dave Horner, Pat Kelly, Andrea Rodriguez, Ernie Rodriguez, John Smith, and Dan Varga on passing the Mechanics Exam and receiving their journeyman card..  There are an additional eight apprentices eligible for the exam once they pass their last finals.

IUEC Local 17 has 20 apprentices still engaged in the educational program.  Those apprentices who finished 700 will advance to 800 and those from 600 will now be in 200.

The December mandatory meeting featured voting for the Local delegates to the International convention scheduled for August in San Diego.  Brothers Bill Lynsky, Tim Narowitz and John Patton with accompany Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. as delegates.  Due to COVID, it is unclear at this time whether the convention will be in person, virtual or some mixture of the two.

The Cleveland City Planning Commission  gave approval to several projects that will keep constructors working for a long time.  One is an eleven-story, 207 unit apartment building above the Cleveland Library MLK branch that is called Library lofts.  The second is a 24-story, 250 foot tall apartment building planned with 289 units.  The building will sit at the corner of East 106th and Chester and will dwarf One University Circle by fifteen feet.

If you are on a job that requires a flu shot prior to entry, know that receiving one is a personal preference.  The situation falls under the same requirements as background checks or mandatory drug testing.  The company has to first look for volunteers with no discharge, disciple or layoff due to refusal.  The company may, however, layoff an employee if there is insufficient work.  Check with your doctor about possible reactions to the shot if you are being asked to take one.

Those who were hired into the trade in 2015 will be receiving an increase in their vacation checks from six percent to eight percent on their industry hire date.  If you have a question about this or what your amount should be contact Business manger John Driscoll Jr at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

As of this writing there are two mechanics and one apprentice on the bench.

Brothers and Sisters:

Congratulations go out to Brothers Matt Carlton and Felix DeJesus and Sister Andrea Rodriguez for passing their Mechanics Exam.  Good luck to the remaining eight apprentices awaiting the exam.

December 11 is the final day apprentices will have access to their unit exams through NEIEP’s distance learning portal.  Those who do not complete their exams with a passing grade will not be eligible to take their final exam the following week.  Apprentices must also have all their OJT hours submitted on time to continue to remain eligible to continue in the program.

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 has been cancelled due to COVID-19.  

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.

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.  IUEC Local 17 is slated to march if the event is held. 

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.

Brothers and Sisters:

As you read this in the second week of November, the IUEC Local 17 apprentices are nearing the end of the fall semester.  Since NEIEP has instituted distance learning, it is even more important to keep up on their studies.  The Joint Apprenticeship Committee receives regular reports on the status of apprentices advancement through the program.  If an apprentice falls behind the average of one unit per week, they run the risk of being asked to attend a JAC meeting.  

NEIEP has been receiving requests to hold a forklift class.  Since there is no face-to-face instruction, NEIEP will pay for an online course.  If you are interested in finding a  class, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr. at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org or call 216-431-8088.

Local 17 has placed Bluestone Apartments, 25450 Euclid Avenue on its list of two-man callbacks.  Bluestone is currently serviced by Thyssen-Krupp.  This list is compiled by the Local and distributed to signatories to represent jobs that may pose a safety risk to our members.

The trustees of the IUEC 401(k) and annuity plan have extended the COVID-19 related distribution eligibility to December 15.  This is the third extension of the program.

In the November issue of the Elevator Constructor, the IUEC monthly journal, the International Safety Committee used its space to discuss the topic of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.  This is an especially timely subject given the stresses placed on society by the pandemic and a time of year known to intensify depression and loneliness.  To counter this trend the IUEC offers the Members Assistance Program through Beacon Health.  It is covered by the Benefits Plan as are most mental health services.  If you know someone who is in crisis or you are yourself, you can call 800-331-4824.  The number is manned 24/7 and can give help on a number of topics.  There is also a link on the IUEC Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org. 

The December 13, 2020 and January 8, 2021 meetings are mandatory meetings for the election and installation of officers.  Fines will be levied for non-attendance.

The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the families of Brother Greg Seaman who lost his son Anthony and retired Brother John Lopiccolo Sr. who passed away.

As of this writing there are two mechanics on the bench.

Brothers and Sisters:

Laborers Local 310, in compliance with all safety recommendations in force since the March announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic, restricted access to the meeting hall out of concern for social distancing and possible transmission risks.  While the pandemic has limited the ability of IUEC Local 17 to hold regular member meetings, the officers met to conduct the normal business of the Local.  The first regular member meeting since March will be held October 13 at the hall.  All members are encouraged to attend and to keep in mind the need for masking and distance at the event.  This will be true for all meetings for the foreseeable future.

The November 13, 2020, December 11, 2020 and January 8, 2021 Local 17 meetings are mandatory for the nomination, election and installation of officers.  Fines will be levied by the Executive Board for non-attendance.

Apprentices started back to a virtual class experience on August 31.  Since NEIEP would not allow face-to-face instruction, Brothers Jerry Reitz and Tim Narowitz are available on Monday and Tuesday to answer questions about material.  NEIEP has also made available mentoring sessions with instructors around the country.  Students are reminded that they are required to keep on pace to be completed with their classwork by December 11 with finals week beginning December 14.

There are eleven apprentices eligible to take the Mechanics Exam.  Rick Myers is running a review class over Webex using the material he has accumulated over the years.  

Congratulations go out to Brother Joel Reyes on the accomplishment of passing the Mechanics Exam.

When this article reaches your door, there will be less than 30 days left before election day.  Whether you have chosen to vote by mail or will be going to the polls in person, you will be letting your voice be heard above the cacophony we have endured.  Be proud of your vote and remember those who fight in the trenches and the courts to maintain this obligation that is so fragile when practiced individually and so strong when practiced together.

As of this writing there are two mechanics and one probationary apprentice on the bench.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety

Don

Dknapik@windsttream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

The National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) has decided that all apprentice classes will be held virtually for the Fall 2020 semester with no in-person instruction.  

All apprentices should have received notification through Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. and their NEIEP email on which classes they are enrolled in as well as instructions on how to access educational material.

Starting September 8, Brothers Jerry Reitz and Tim Narowitz are available Mondays and Tuesdays through Microsoft Teams to answer questions on course material.  Apprentices are expected to have read and reviewed the material prior to accessing Teams.  These sessions are encouraged but not required.

If you have any questions regarding your class assignment, you can contact John at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org or 216-431-8088.  For questions on technical issues with class laptops, software or access to material email NEIEP at support@neiep.org.

The International in conjunction with the North American Building Trades Union (NABTU) have established a voting information website for IUEC members.  The site, elevatorconstructorsvote.org, has tabs to allow the user to check their registration, register to vote and request a mail-in ballot.  This one-stop shop is designed to make the voting experience as easy as possible given the procedural uncertainties presented by the continued Covid-19 pandemic.  Look for this and other voter registration links on the IUEC Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org.  

The deadline to register for the November 3rd general election is October 5.

The next scheduled membership meeting is Friday, September 11. This is dependent on the availability of the hall by Laborers Local 310.  

Brothers and Sisters:

IUEC Local 17 is moving its school from the Superior Avenue address to Engle Road between Brookpark and Snow. The move increases the space available for classes and labs as well as giving an option to comfortably hold multiple classes on the same night. A large thank you to all the members who gave the time to make the move a reality.

After the spring semester finals, there are 11 apprentices eligible for the mechanics exam. Congratulations to those 11 apprentices and good luck on your review and exam. The important takeaway is that even though this represents the end of your formal training, education in our trade is an ongoing affair. Take every advantage of those opportunities and you will see a long and prosperous career.

Apprentices advancing to their next pay level will have the new rates effective in the pay cycle after September 1. Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. sent a letter to the signatories listing their apprentices and the appropriate pay scale as of that date. Vacation checks were due July 15. If there was a problem with your check, or a question on your status, contact John at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the International and signatory companies represented by NEBA and ECA lapsed July 1. As a result, those that were furloughed are now on the out of work list.

While work remains strong in many areas, there is evidence that a slow down may be on the horizon. Otis asked for volunteers to go to Pittsburgh to work on a project for Amazon while Kone picked up an apprentice and probationary off the bench and Schindler Cleveland is booked with work through the fall of 2021. ThyssenKrupp corporate completed their sale of the elevator division to an equity group July 31.

The next meeting is scheduled for September 11. If the hall is not available, John will notify the membership through email.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Brothers Walter and Brandyn Alley on the passing of their mother and grandmother respectively.
As of this writing there are four mechanics and two probationary apprentices on the bench.

Until next month…
Work safe, work smart and slow down for safety.

Brothers and Sisters:

As this issue is ready to go to press, the Memorandum of Understanding between the IUEC and NEBA, the negotiating body for the major elevator contractors, will have expired.  The MOU gave companies latitude during the COVID-19 pandemic to change certain work rules with the intent of keeping as many IUEC members working as possible.  The provisions expired at midnight July 1 which means all the provisions of the Standard Agreement are back in force.

Congratulations go out to brothers Marc Carollo, Chris Cook, Jacob Mullett, Chris Sipos and Rob Zadravec for passing the mechanics exam. Brothers, keep in mind this is the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge as an elevator constructor.  The challenge now is to move forward and make the trade a little better for you having been here.

Finals for the current group of apprentices were held the week of June 29 to July 3 through the NEIEP website.  results from the exam are expected to be posted to the site Friday, July 10.  Pending those final results, Local 17 may have as many as eleven apprentices eligible for the next exam.

A large thank you goes out to Brother Rick Myers for going above and beyond with the mechanics exam review and for the five who passed.  He continued to answer texts and emails as well as holding Webex meetings during the quarantine.

Apprentices should be looking for their class assignments for fall semester during July.  It is unclear right now what steps will be necessary for in-class instruction.  This continues to be a fluid situation so watch your NEIEP mail for further updates.

If you are on lay-off or furlough your employer should be giving you your accrued vacation check with your last paystub.  If you have not received the payment, contact Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

Everyone can appreciate that between the pandemic, a new civil rights movement and the election this is a pivotal time in American history.  The next six months will set the nation on a course from which there will be no return. 

Things will change. 

What sets America apart, what has always set America apart is its ability to be the light when the darkness of hopelessness casts a pall over all.  It doesn’t take much, it only takes a little. 

Do what you as an individual can to be the America we all hope we are and together we will be that America we know we are once again. 

As of this writing there are two mechanics on voluntary furlough, two mechanics laid off, one apprentice and three probationary apprentices furloughed.

 

Brothers and Sisters:

On April 28 the IUEC recognized a Safety Stand Down Day to emphasize the need for on the job safety for the members. There was a safety video and call-in for a safety message from the General Officers. Unfortunately, there was an on the job fatality in Oklahoma City the day before, April 27, which made the Safety Stand Down even more timely.

The Cleveland Building and Construction Trades offered masks to its member unions. Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. passed out the masks IUEC Local 17 was given to various construction and modernization jobs around the Cleveland area. As a result of various CDC, government and customer requirements, masks are becoming a standard PPE item for many members to gain access to worksites. It is advised to use masks and social distancing, when required, to limit exposure to infection. If you have a question or concern about PPE or worksite requirements contact John at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

By the time you read this, the NEIEP spring semester will be in the books with all apprentices turning in their unit exams by May 29 to be eligible for their finals. All students must pass the unit exams with a seventy percent.

There are eleven apprentices that if they pass their unit finals, will be eligible to take the mechanics exam. This is the largest class of apprentices eligible for the exam in many years. Good luck to all those looking to raise themselves to journeyman status in the best trade in the trades.

Congratulations to Rob Zadravec on passing the Mechanics Exam. There are currently five more members waiting to take the exam.

The International has extended its Memorandum of Understanding with NEBA, the bargaining unit for the major elevator contractors. As of this writing the MOU terminates on June 30 with no changes in language. This gives the companies latitude in furloughs, layoffs and hours during the COVID-19 pandemic regardless of local conditions.

Work conditions for Local 17 remain strong with companies keeping as many members working as possible. Kone and Thyssen have reduced hours for different disciplines and Otis has moved two maintenance men to a door modernization to keep them working. Schindler has not cut hours.

The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the families of retired Brothers Joe Chaykosky who passed away April 22 and honorary retiree Kenny Jung who passed away May 2. The Brothers and Sisters also send condolences to Brothers Rich and Todd Kemp whose mother Bonnie Sinclair passed away.

As of this writing there are three mechanics on voluntary furlough, two mechanics on layoff and one probationary apprentice on furlough.

Brothers and Sisters:

As of this writing the State of Ohio is taking small steps to reopen but, the majority of businesses remain closed or open providing limited service.  Here are the major highlights that effect the IUEC and its members.

School has been effectively closed since March 10 and the rest of the semester will be completed on distance learning.  Moving forward, decisions on how finals and the fall semester will be conducted will be transmitted on appropriate channels.  

Apprentices are still required to enter their OJL hours in the NEIEP portal.  If you do not enter your hours you will be sent a letter to appear in front of the board.

Prometrics, the facility used by the IUEC to administer the Mechanics Exam, is closed through May 1 and possibly longer.  There are currently six Local 17 members waiting to take their exam through the service but will have to wait until the restrictions are lifted.

Those who are on furlough or layoff due to the pandemic should have a number to use when filing for unemployment.  This number identifies you as being unemployed due to COVID-19.  You also should not need a letter of good standing to receive your benefits but if you do contact Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

If you are in a layoff or furlough situation there are a multitude of options available for you to receive some sort of aid.  If you have to self-quarantine, the Benefits office offers a 14-day weekly benefit.  Your best option is to contact John and he can explain the different programs available

The Memorandum of Understanding between the IUEC and NEBA, the bargaining unit for the employers, is in force until May 31.  This means that those temporary provisions are still in place until the end of the month and may be extended if the situation requires.  

Since the building and construction trades are exempted from the shutdown orders, members have been working through the crisis.  General contractors are still required to maintain a safe work environment including minimizing the exposure to the virus.  The CBT was able to stop GCs from using a Fluke heat meter to take temperatures on the work site but they are still allowed to use a questionnaire to determine access.  

The March and April meetings were held in the office with a quorum of officers in attendance.  The May meeting may be a virtual call-in available through a platform such as Webex.  

The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send condolences to the family of Honorary retiree Charlie Broscheid who passed away March 22.

As of this writing there are four mechanics on voluntary furlough, two mechanics on layoff and two probationary apprentices on furlough.

The officers of IUEC Local 17 are:  Business Manager:  John Driscoll, Jr., President:  John Patton, Vice President:  Fran Adams, Recording Secretary:  Joe Broz Jr., Financial Secretary:  Tim Narowitz, Treasurer:  Jason Fredrick, Executive Board:  Ken Bowles, Joe Broz Jr., Jason Fredrick, Tim Gibbons and Bill Lynsky, Trustees:  Tom Goggin, Matt Harden and Al Jerson, Entertainment Chairman:  Brian Chambers, Conductor:  Lucas Janke, Warden:  Steve Keating, Correspondent to the Labor Citizen and Elevator Constructor:  Don Knapik, Delegate to the CBT:  Bill Lynsky, Delegate to AFL-CIO:  John Patton, Local 17 Delegates to School Board:  Tom Goggin, Bill Lynsky and Jerry Reitz

IUEC Local 17 meets on the second Friday of every month except August at 6pm at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue.  

The Executive Board meets two weeks before the regular meeting and the Trustees meet the Wednesday before the regular monthly meeting.

The signatories to IUEC Local 17 are Gable Elevator, Kone Elevator, Maximum Elevator, Otis Elevator,  Ross Elevator, Schindler Elevator and ThyssenKrupp Elevator.

Brothers and Sisters:

Everyone reading this article is well aware of the extent of the COVID-19 epidemic and the effect the restrictions placed by the federal and state authorities on free movement and gatherings of any size or purpose.

On March 13, IUEC Local 17 cancelled the regular members meeting in compliance with CDC guidelines on gathering sizes and social distance. The officers met upstairs in the Local’s office to hold a meeting to discuss business and pay the bills. Most of the meeting was taken up by Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. reviewing the most recent information available on the work situation, the IUEC and NEBA response and protective measures being disseminated by the CDC. This information is available on the IUEC Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org.

As of this writing, these are the most relevant points:

President Trump extended the CDC guidelines on social distancing and gathering sizes until April 30. This currently means gatherings of more than ten people are prohibited and those venturing out in public are to keep a six foot distance from each other.

Governor Mike Dewine ordered a series of business closures with specific exemptions for those deemed as essential businesses. The building and construction trades fall under that exemption.

Schools, colleges and universities are closed and only those employees and contractors deemed essential to operations are allowed access.

At least two downtown buildings are being talked about as emergency health care facilities.

The IUEC and NEBA, the bargaining unit for large signatory companies, agreed on two important terms for represented members. First, members have a right to refuse calls or service to facilities where COVID-19 is present and employers must supply additional PPE as required for entrance to those facilities. Second, employers may furlough employees. These furloughed employees will be placed on a list to be called back by the furloughing company before the company may pick up a laid-off member.

Those who lose their jobs because of COVID-19 are eligible for relief from the $2 trillion bill passed by Congress and signed by the president. Those affected by a quarantine are entitled to additional benefits for the term of the quarantine.

Companies are distributing hand wipes, sanitizer, face shields and other PPE as they receive the supplies. There are also additional communications regarding the most recent ways to protect yourself and those you come in contact with from spreading coronavirus.

By the time this sees print, there will undoubtably be additions and changes to this list. All those reading this need to be present in their jobs to keep focused on their own safety as well as the safety of the public we may come in contact with. There are members working in building that are virtually empty and they need to take special care to work as safe as possible.

In any case,

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