Category: Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:
Everyone thinks about the less fortunate in the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas but, those in need are in need all year, not just in these six weeks. We in the elevator trade are insanely blessed with a wage and benefit package that is the envy of the trades and the gold standard to which all packages are measured. I encourage all of us to take a few minutes and think about which charities resonate within our hearts and support these groups all year.

You may or may not see the immediate benefit of your donation of time, treasure or talent but those on the receiving end will thank you. We have no idea when the charities we support will become our lifelines when we are in trouble.

Think about it.

IUEC General President Frank Christensen will be the honored guest at the December 11 mandatory meeting for the election of officers. The December meeting will also feature the nomination of delegates to the 31st General Convention in Chicago, Illinois starting July 11, 2016. Election of delegates will be at the January 8, 2016 mandatory meeting. The January meeting will also feature a special meeting for the discussion of a dues increase.

The annual Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party will be held December 12 at 1 pm at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue. There will be gifts for children up to 12 years old and will be attended by Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is always a well attended event and a special time for all family members. Please make it a point to attend.

The Local 17 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee notified NEIEP that it will opening up its recruitment list as soon as possible. Currently Local 17 has 15 probationaries working in the local. The largest class in years. We are also up to number 35 on the recruitment list. Watch this space and the local’s website, iueclocal17.org, for updates.

Brother John Taylor will be teaching a class in microprocessor-based control followed by a solid state motor control class. The microprocessor control class will be six nights and the motor control class will be five nights. You can take one or both classes. For more information contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or through email at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

Watch your mailbox for the latest update of the National Elevator Industry Health Benefits Plan summary. This publication is the simplest explanation of the benefits we have available through the plan and features bullet point examples of our coverage. If you have any questions about a specific part of the plan, this is your first stop for answers.

Where are they working?

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

Bill Yuhas and Ken Eaton doing a mod at Shaker Condos for Thyssen,

Tom Gombar and John Patton doing a jack at the Atrium Apartments for Kone,

Dave Francis and Matt Carlton installing a hydro at Painesville Historical Society for Schindler,

Scott Hicks and Mack Carollo installing two three-stop elevators at Oberlin Inn for Schindler,

Don Knapik and Don Kaiser replacing the car opening panel on the service car at One Cleveland Center for Schindler,

John Brunner and Jim Rogers installing an elevator at Croker Park for Schindler,

Gary Thompson, Joe Sumph, Ryan Todd and Robin Eaton doing a mod at Erieview Tower for Schindler,

Matt Pinchot ad Al Ward doing a mod at Fairview Village Apartments for Otis,

Shawn Yatsko and Felix DeJesus doing a mod a t Sherry Park Apartments for Shielder,

Craig Nolty and Dave Adrian installing a hydro at the Dury Building for Otis,

Greg Seaman and Tim Gibbons back a the airport for the escalator mod for Schindler.
The Brothers of Local 17 send their condolences to Brother Clint Williams who lost his mother September 16th.
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

Brothers and sisters:

On September 12, I was honored to once again be the father of the bride.

For years Katie and I spent countless Sundays walking in the park with her dog Angel. On these walks she would tell me about the drama happening in her little world. I would listen knowing the transitory nature of schoolgirl pettiness and the permanence of the moments we shared together walking all those miles. Her talking, me listening.

Katie and Andrew were married at Squires Castle. A fitting backdrop for a father’s princess to become a husband’s queen. And, for this father and daughter, one last walk together in the park.

For this father of the bride, the longest short walk of his life.

The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 18 has been in a jurisdictional dispute with LIUNA Local 310 over the construction of the Engineer’s new headquarters and training facilities. The Operating Engineers claimed Laborers work, hired a notoriously anti-union general contractor and non-union contractors for the job and refused to sign PLAs which eroded good relations with contractors and building owners.

After many months of talks, the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades petitioned the national Building Trades to expel Local 18. On August 28th the request was granted.

The November 13, December 11 and January 8 meetings are required meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers. Members not attending are subject to fines and discipline by the Executive Board. The meetings start at 6pm at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue. If you have any questions, please call Business Manger Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088.

If you are working as an assistant mechanic, please be sure that you keep your agreement with your employer current. Local 17 currently has 19 assistant mechanics on the books.

The National Elevator Industry Benefits Plan recently initiated a Members Assistance Program to help with marital, work, alcohol, emotional legal and financial issues faced by its union family. If you have any questions about how the plan works or would like more information about services offered call 1-800-523-4702. Many of the services are free or at a reduced cost and can make a difference in your life or that of a loved one.

Where are they working?
DJ Spring and Joe Simcic installing four cars at the Holiday Inn Cleveland Clinic for Otis,

Mark Byram and Chris Wyatt doing a three-car mod at Westbury Apartments for Schindler,

Bill Uhas and Ken Eaton at Lorain County Rehabilitation installing two hydros for Thyssen,

Bill Sellers and Eric Crossgrove installing door sills at UH Adelbert Parking Garage for Schindler,

Joe Broz Jr. and Lemroy Hurd doing machine work at the Superior Building for Thyssen,

John Patton and Tom Gombar doing escalator inspections at South Park Mall for Kone,

Mike Miller and Matt Page starting the American Greetings job at Crocker Park for Otis,

Gerard Szmerkovsky and Lucas Jenke starting the Lorain Historical Society job for Otis,

Greg Seaman and Tim Gibbons doing escalator mod work at the airport for Schindler,

Niel Beechuk and Kevin Driscoll installing a car at Aquamarine for Thyssen,

Don Knapik and Ken Jung installing travel cords at UH Adelbert Road Garage for Schindler,

Matt Pinchot and Jeff Ward doing a one car mod at Fairview Village Apartments for Otis,

John Goggin and Mike Hogan doing service work at Youngstown City Hall for Schindler,

Scott Hicks and Mack Carollo installing three cars at the Scofield Building for Schindler,
The Brothers of Local 17 send their condolences to the families of retired Brothers Frank Yako who passed away July 16 and Ken Reihs who passed away August 10.
As of this writing there are six mechanics and one apprentice on the bench.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

Brothers and sisters:
In July I told the International about the bicycle trip I planned from Cleveland and Lake Erie to Cincinnati and the Ohio River. The sole mission: carry a bottle of water from lake to river, from CLE to CIN via US 42.

There were more than a few moments both prior to and in the midst of the adventure when I questioned the sanity of continuing what many believed was a quixotic folly.

My first stop on my way out of town was to see my Granny and tell her I was finally attempting the trip we had so meticulously planned in my very early youth. Her headstone marked her passing but, in that moment surrounded by silence I could hear her voice urging me forward.

The first two days were filled with hills and heat until south of Cardington, the terrain flattened and I found US 42 laid out as flat as possible all the way to Delaware. The heat took a physical toll that was difficult to overcome. My body drained of strength and fluids barely came out for day three to Xenia. From Delaware through Plain City, London, and South Charleston, the head wind checked my progress and the ubiquitous farmland taxed my spirit. Barely a soul to be seen. I kept my head down and willed the front wheel to move forward. Ever forward.

I understand the lure of farming. There is purity in the solitude of the practice that keeps a man grounded to what is important: his family, his land and his God. The crops slowly rustling in the precursor wind sang a melody that was not entirely unfamiliar to my suburban soul. Was that my Granny’s voice again urging me on?

Just out of South Charleston the clouds, which all day threatened rain, finally opened up and drenched me before I could don my poncho.

Oh well, it’s only water.

I found a rail trail paralleling 42 to Xenia just as a second front featuring thunder, lighting and high winds caught me out in the open. This is a very dangerous combination and situation. After checking into the Ramada, I showered, dried off and planned for my final assault.

The trail I found on my way in would serve as the starting point for my finish. I rode an easy and quick 18 miles through Spring Valley and Corwin before rejoining 42. I was forced off the road by a semi carrying stone and after putting myself back together decided that lunch in Lebanon was in order. The Golden Lamb is reputed to be one of the best restaurants in Ohio and I can tell you the spinach chicken salad is primo.

Weather reports said rain south of Lebanon was a given. After lunch, I put on the poncho and rode on. A few miles out of town, I crossed a railroad track and went down hard on the pavement. Skinned knee and bleeding elbow later, I once again righted myself and swore I’d be damned if I was going to fail.

When I reached Sharonville the road became hilly again but, this time I rode my brakes down hill in the rain instead of working my shifters up hill in the heat to climb. The momentum continued until I arrived in downtown Cincinnati and, at the foot of the Roebling Suspension Bridge, poured the bottle of lake water into the river.

I sat on a swing, called my wife and told her I made it. I could feel my Granny sitting on one side and my seven year old self on the other and they both were smiling.

Four days and 260 miles later I can report to the International I made it.
Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and sisters:

International organizer Jim Lowery was in Cleveland for the July meeting to talk with the members about organizing efforts around the country and support the our current local Volunteer Organizing Committee efforts.

The video presentations of members Lowery and others have stripped form non-signatory companies and produced by NEIEP will be available shortly on line at iuec.org with a link on the Local 17 web page. The videos give actual members who made the choice to come over to the IUEC from non-signatories the chance to tell why they made the leap. For many it was a very emotional and difficult change because of what they were told to expect by their former employers. There were others who have strong ties to those still working at those non-signatories and are actively attempting to bring them into the IUEC family.

Lowery also talked about a failed election at Metro Elevator in his home district near Maryland. The employees were reportedly being shortchanged on their contributions to Social Security and both federal and state taxes by under reporting wages on their pay check and other practices. While everyone knew about the potential legal and tax implications of the practice, it was the IUEC that stepped in even after losing the election to support the workers in getting the proper credit for their time to Social Security. Metro is currently being investigated by the IRS and Department of Labor for these practices.

The Local 17 VOC hand billed two jobs in July. The first is the tear-out modernization being done by non-signatory Gable Elevator at the Board of Elections job. The response from everyone on both sides was very positive and the literature made it into the job. The second was an informational hand billing at CMHA’s Riverview Apartments on West 25th Street near Lutheran Hospital. This job, as of this writing has not been awarded but, the hand bill emphasized the questions that residents and visitors should be asking of the building manager about the skills of the elevator technicians working in their building.

Lowery also talked about some of the soft skills needed when approaching employees of non-signatories. “First off realize that these are men and women who are working just like you are to make a good lifer themselves and their families. They also may not know about everything that we have (benefits, 401k, annuity, vacation pay, etc.) or may have misconceptions about what it means to be a union members.” He went on to give examples from his experience of workers who did not understand all we had. His final words to us were “the one thing you have to remember is to treat them like you would want to be treated. No one wants to be part of a group were they feel unwelcome.”
Where are they working?

Mike Miller and Matt Page installing an elevator at Honda Motor Cars on Mayfield Road for Otis,

Neil Beechuck and Kevin Driscoll installing a hydro at Ohio Caterpillar for Thyssen,

Jeff Ward and Nick Meyer replacing cables at Beacon Place for Thyssen,

Don Knapik and Ken Jung doing safety tests and generator repairs at 55 Public Square for Schindler,

Gerard Szmerkovsky and Craig Nolty installing a hydro at Cleveland Heights Apartments for Otis,

John Patton and Tom Gombar replacing travel cables at Bushman Industries for Kone,

Bill Yuhas and Bill Dudas repairing water damage at Upper Chester for Thyssen,

Jason Norman from Local 45 (Akron), Brendan Hyland, Dave Gnagy, Matt Hausler, Tim Moore, Joe Gauker, Joe Reyes and Zach Lanum at the Hilton Hotel job for Kone.

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

Until net month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and sisters:
This has been another busy spring in the continuing eduction front. Rick Myers had 15 Brothers pass the scaffolding class and John Taylor completed an OSHA 30 class in late May. If you have not been to the NEIEP website recently, please take a minute and check out the some of the new offerings in the continuing education front.

One of the new offerings is called Financial Tools for the Trades and covers such topics as budgeting, savings, long term financial planning and understanding credit reports. This is another great tool to have in your bag to manage the uncertainties of the life in general.

Ron Larsen from the Cleveland Clinic spoke to the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades about a new class all tradesmen and their supervisors will have to take on infection control risk assessment. The class covers infection prevention, recognizing risks and preparing for safe entry and exit from potentially hazardous areas. According to Larsen, 1.7 million people every year come down with infections while hospitalized and 99,000 will die as a consequence. The training requirement begins May 1, 2016.

For those apprentices in the NEIEP program, raises will be effective September 1st for those who have earned another year of credit.

Brother Tom Goggin will replace his father, Jim, on the Local 17 Joint Apprenticeship Committee.

The International has advised all members to not sign toolbox talks or safety meeting attendance forms.

Where are they working?

John Patton and Tom Gombar installing a Life Jacket at Knickerbocker Apartments for Kone,

Bill Yuhas and Bill Dudas installing a hydro at Cleveland Heights High School for Thyssen,

DJ Spring and Joe Simcic installing a Gen 2 at Case Western Reserve University for Otis,

Dave Francis, John Brunner, Matt Weingart, Taurus Ogletree and Jim Rogers installing escalators at the Hilton Hotel for Schindler,

Scott Hicks and Tom Peska installing two cars at the Scofield Building for Schindler,

Mike Miller and Matt Page installing two cars at Hyatt Place for Otis,

Gerard Szmerekovsky and Craig Nolty installing a hydro at Best Western for Otis,

Joe Broz, Jr. and Dave Adrian doing a mod at Pine Ridge for Thyssen,

Anthony Young and Keith Poskocil doing a two car mod at the Cleveland Administration Building for Kone,

The Brothers and sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to retired Brother Mel Chaps whose wife passed away May 28 and Brother Ken Chung whose mother, Bonita, passed away.

As of this writing there are seven mechanics out of work.
Until next month,

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

Brothers and sisters:

As you read this I will be readying for yet another bike trip. This one will take me from Cleveland to Cincinnati where I intend on dump a jar of Lake Erie water into the Ohio River.

I know this sounds really stupid. Why would you expend all that effort to dump a bottle of lake water into the river? Well, it’s not about the bottle of water, its about getting the bottle of water there.

My trips to Buffalo and South Bend where really very simple in the planning. There was no planning. I made the decision and just left without a real agenda and decided I’d just figure it out along the way. After all, I was only a few hours drive away from home. To Buffalo it worked out well, South Bend not so much.

When I rode from Boston to Portland, Maine I knew that rescue from home was not an option. So, I planned my route, my nightly stops, kept to the coast and let fate handle the rest. It was perfect. The weather, the people, the experience, the train travel there and back. Absolute perfection.

So, why the trip to Cincinnati on a bike?

When I was young I found maps magical. They have the capacity to illustrate where we are and give us options on how to get where we want to go. I remember sitting on the floor with my Granny tracing the route on a Sohio gas station folding map between lake and river with my finger, telling her how I would ride my bike across the state and trying to picture in my young mind all I would see.

The magic that is in the mind of a young child often becomes disillusionment in the eye of a middle aged man. As I sit here one month away from my departure my mind wanders as I trace my route on Mapquest. I can feel the magic of the seven-year-old come back for one last visit, eager to all the possibilities he can finally experience.

It will be good to have him along for the ride.

Local 17 filed two grievances in May. The first involved two mechanics from Local 45 (Akron) working at the new Hilton Hotel project. Kone was working one as a mechanic-in-charge and the second as a safety superintendent. The second grievance had another Local 45 member taking overtime call backs in the Cleveland jurisdiction. Stay tuned for further updates.

Steiner Elevator owner Gene Steiner has submitted a letter of intent to International Organizer Jim Lowery. The letter states his intention to not only maintain his International membership but to also become a signatory contractor. There was no firm timetable set for the signing.

Where are they working?

Gary Thompson and Ryan Todd starting a mod at Erieview Tower for Schindler,

Tim Narowitz and Tony Kuhn at CMHA Ambleside Apartments doing a two-car mod for Thyssen,

Gerard Szmerkovsky, Jason Sohayda, Craig Nolty, Lucas Jenke at the Residence Inn installing two cars for Otis,

Joe Broz Jr., Dave Adrian at Knickerbocker Apartments replacing oil lines for Thyssen,

Jeff Lindell and todd Ross at Kohl’s Westlake replacing an escalator motor for Kone,

John Goggin and Mike Hogan cabling at University Hospital for Schindler,

Greg Seaman and Don Kaiser at the airport doing an escalator mod for Schindler,

Jim Ehrbar ad Brian Owens at The 9 doing a mod for Thyssen,

Pat McCann and Chris Scholle at Pine Ridge Apartments doing a mod for Thyssen,

DJ Spring and Joe Simcic at Case installing two cars for Otis.
As of this writing there are eight mechanics out of work.

Till next month,

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

International organizer Jim Lowery was in town the last week of April for a scheduled meeting with non-signatory Gable Elevator. At the last minute Gable declined to meet saying that they would pass on signing with the IUEC at this time.

While disappointing, it was not entirely unexpected. Being a big fish in a small pond is easy but, there comes a time in every businesses existence where the owner has to decide whether he has what it takes to play with the big boys.

Gable Elevator has a history of paying substandard wages and minimal, if any, benefits. Everything I heard about the company says they consider themselves a family. As the head of the family, it’s sad the owners decided to not give the other members the best possible wages, benefits and education for the very difficult and dangerous work they do. I know I want the best for my family and sacrifice everything I can to make it happen.

That is what being part of a real family, like the IUEC, is all about.

Did you know that your NEIEP apprenticeship graduation can help you get an associates or bachelors degree? It can. If you go to neiep.org, click on About and cursor down to College Options for NEIEP Graduates you can read about the over 100 colleges that will accept your NEIEP credentials for up to 38 credits. It’s a great opportunity for every constructor to advance their career by taking their education to the next level.

Local 17’s area coordinator Jeff Burns was in town to attend a job fair at the Polaris Career Center sponsored by the Cuyahoga Country Department of Job and Family Services. According to Burns the event was well attended and he had the opportunity to talk to people of all ages about joining the best trade in the trades.
Where are they working?

Bill Sellers and Eric Crossgrove doing a door mod at Kirby Manor for Schindler,

Shawn Yatsko and Fran Adams unloading a truck at Cherry Park for Schindler,

Neil Beechuck and Kevin Driscoll installing a three-stop holeless at John Marshall for Thyssen,

Jeff Ward and Dave Adrian doing repair work at Hanna Annex for Thyssen,

Jim Rogers running a car at CSU for Schindler,

Don Knapik and Lloyd Parks doing water damage repair at Willard Park Garage for Schindler,

John Logue, Ken Bowles, Jim Thompson, Matt Pinchot, Al Ward, Jason Saunders, John Larsen and Steve Keating doing a mod at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel for Otis,

Jim Archer and Joe Sumph installing an elevator at Westlake Condos for Schindler,

Jeff Lindell and Todd Ross opening up escalators at Progressive Field for Kone,

Scott Hicks and Tom Peska installing an elevator at Kemplin Bradley for Schindler,

Gerard Szmerekovsky and Craig Nolty doing a hydro retrofit at RTA for Otis,

Brendan Hyland, Tim Moore and Chris Wyant at the Hilton Hotel job for Kone,

Bob Myers and Matt Hardin doing a mod at Westerly for Kone,

Kevin Thomas and Ed Gimmel installing two hydros at Beachwood Commons for Thyssen,

Tom Gombar and Jean Lafontaine doing a jack at NASA for Kone and,

Joe Broz, Jr. and Nick Meyer doing a valve and jack at Columbus Park Apartments for Thyssen.
As of this writing there are eleven mechanics on the bench.

Till next month…

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

Brothers and sisters:

To everyone reading these words, please take a minute and thank the person responsible for helping you find a place in the best trade in the trades. If you are the loved one of an IUEC member, then thank them in some small way for all they do. This job is not always easy and it is always dangerous but, it provides all of our union family with a security that is the envy of the trades.

So, thank you Mike Syrowski. Happy May Day.

The Cleveland Building and Construction Trades have an agreement with the host committee of the Republican National Convention. The Committee agrees to use organized labor whenever possible and the trades agree to do all in their power to avoid work stoppages during the 2016 convention being held in Cleveland next July.

Business Manager Tim Moennich wants to remind everyone that it is the responsibility of the membership to report to the hall anytime they are on a job that will last more than two days. This applies to construction, modernization and repair teams and is important to keeping track of the level of work in the Cleveland area. You can contact Tim at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

At the March meeting Tim reminded the membership that a supervisor must notify you when changing your time and that you must report the correct amount of expenses (zone, travel, milage, cartage, purchased items, etc.) per the contract and local expense agreement negotiated with the employers on your behalf. It only takes a few minutes before submitting your time for the week to check over your expenses and receipts to ensure they are charged correctly. If you are not, then reserve a date for an Executive Board meeting. They meet two weeks before the regular meeting at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue. If you have problem with a supervisor not paying the correct amount of expenses, then contact Tim at the number above and he will handle it for you.

The 2015 Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner is scheduled for May 15 at Frank Sterle’s Slovenian House Restaurant, 1401 East 55th Street Cleveland, Ohio. Letters will be coming soon so you can reserve your place at this well attended annual event to honor those who worked so hard to make IUEC Local 17 the best local in the best trade in the trades.

Where are they working?

Greg Miller and Jim Sinclair are doing a mod at 1330 Old River Rd. in the Flats for Maximum,

Bill Sellers and Tim Gibbons installing a pump unit at the Cathedral Parking Garage for Schindler,

Anthony Metcalf and Ken Eaton doing a two-car mod at the Drake Apartments for Thyssen,

Jim Archer and Mark Byram doing a two-car mod at Westlake Condos for Schindler,

Dave Francis and John Brunner installing two hydros at Cedar Point for Schindler,

Kevin Thomas and Pat McCann installing two hydros at Beachwood Commons for Thyssen,

Jeff Ward and Dave Adrian doing a jack at the Health Pavilion in Fairlawn for Thyssen,

Tom Gombar and Clint Williams doing a door mod at Presidential Apartments for Kone,

Mike Miller, Jason Sohayda, Matt Page and Lucas Jenke starting the Flats East Bank project for Otis,

Matt Weingart and Taurus Ogletree installing a three-stop elevator at CSU for Schindler,

Neil Beechuck and Kevin Driscoll installing a hydro at Avon Middle School for Schindler,

Scott Hicks and Tom Peska installing a car at the Crocker Park Parking Garage for Schindler,

Gerard Szmerekovsky and Craig Nolty installing two cars at RTA-Lee Road for Otis.
The brothers and sisters of Local 17 extend their condolences to brother Brian Semanco whose father passed away March 18th.

As of this writing there are 17 mechanics and two apprentices on the bench.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety,

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and sisters:

Local 17 has a lot to be proud of this year on the continuing education front. There were ten brothers taking the hydraulic controller class, 13 in the welding class and a whopping 20 members signed up for the scaffolding class.

If none of those offerings appealed to you then just a reminder that NEIEP offers several online courses through their website neiep.org. These offerings were developed so the student can study at their own pace and in their own time. As a constructor, it is important to stay on top of your game by being smarter than what you are working on. We pay for it so use it.

The new certified signal person and rigger class has been accredited by ANSI. This adds more value to your employer for anyone taking this class.

For those looking to add an OSHA 30 certification, John Taylor will be teaching an upcoming class. If you are interested, call Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

On the organizing front, Regional Organizer Jim Lowery is set to meet with the owners of Gable Elevator about becoming a signatory and the West Virginia-based Emar Elevator is reportedly ready to sign on as a represented company. Emar did modernization work for Millennium Properties in 2010 and 2011 at Lourexis Senior Housing and Abington Arms both in Cleveland.

A Handel and Sons truck was spotted at the Truman Building on Euclid. Handel is a non-signatory company out of Kent, Ohio that specializes in home and material lifts. They are also known to a lesser extent to do standard commercial elevator work. The general contractor on the job is Pride One, a notoriously anti-union contractor. All the trades on the job were non-signatories and the Cleveland Building Trades decided to have the business agents handbill the job. No news on how that was received at the job site.

The 2015 Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner is tentatively scheduled for May 15 at Frank Sterle’s Slovenian House Restaurant, 1401 East 55th Street Cleveland, Ohio. Letters will be coming soon so you can reserve your place at this well attended annual event to honor those who worked so hard to make Local 17 the best local in the best trade in the trades.
Where are they working?
Bill Sellers and Tim Gibbons doing a door mod at WO Walker for Schindler,

Joe Broz Jr. and Nick Meyer doing a jack at the Drake for Thyssen,

Local 11 mechanic Scott Davis is working with Brother Chris Wyatt installing buck hoists at the Hilton Hotel job for Tri-State Elevator,

Tom Gombar and Clint Williams doing valve conversions at RTA W 25th Street for KOne,

Heath Kramer and Jeff Lindell doing escalator clean downs at the Crate and Barrel for Kone,

Gerard Szmerkovsky and Craig Nolty starting the Flats East Bank project for Otis,

John Logue, Jim Thompson, John Larsen and Steve Keating doing a nine car mod at the Ritz Carlton for Otis,

Jason Sohayda and Jason Saunders working a The Gardens of Lyndhurst for Otis,

John Brunner and Joe Sumph installing two cars at CSU for Schindler,

Mark Byram, Dave Francis, Robin Eaton and Tom Peska working on the escalators at the Hilton Hotel job for Schindler.
The brothers and sisters of Local 17 sends their condolences to the family of retired Brother Richard Stumm who passed.

As of this writing there are 19 mechanics and one apprentice on the bench.

Till next month,

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

Brothers and sisters:

By the time this issue of the Constructor reaches your door, the grasp of winter will be ready to give way to the warm embrace and anticipation of Spring Training.

As I write this article, the northeast is digging out from four feet of snow and Cleveland is about to be buried under a predicted twenty inches of partly sunny. The Super Bowl hype is in full swing with Marshawn Lynch’s silent press conferences and Deflategate dominating the news.

Luckily we in Cleveland do not have to worry about the distractions of a winning football team. We have the Browns. What we do have to look forward to is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade which serves as the unofficial beginning of spring for all Greater Cleveland. The city turns green from the west side to the east and downtown is awash in Gaelic grace. I never bought into the hype of the day until I started to take part in the parade festivities. A friend commented to me that their vision of the day is not about getting drunk on green beer and Irish whiskey, it is about people of all walks of life putting aside their differences for and celebrating the joy of community.

When you look at the complexion of the crowd watching the largest St. Patrick’s parade in the country it is hard to disagree.

This has been a very busy time for education in Local 17. In the months of January and February, there’ll have been three continuing education classes either completed or in progress with approximately 35 local members taking part. First is the outstanding welding class held at Lincoln Electric’s world headquarters training facility in Euclid. Second is the hydraulic controller and troubleshooting class which gives mechanics the opportunity to solve problems in the suitcase size controller. Lastly is the scaffolding certification class which is a recertification to those who previously took the class.

All of these opportunities come through NEIEP and the hard working people who develop, coordinate and teach the programs. I highly encourage each and every member to take advantage of the best education in the trades. It only makes you more valuable to your employer and less likely to be laid off. As always, be sure and go to neiep.org for information on all courses available.

Where are they working?

Jason Sohayda and Jason Saunders installing a car in Chardon for Otis,
Gerard Szmerekovsky and Craig Nolty unloading a truck in Avon for Otis,
Drew Williams and Lemroy Hurd installing an elevator at Mt. Sinai Parking Garage for Thyssen,
Ken Bowles, Bob Brady, Al Ward and Lucas Jenke at the steel mill doing a mod on the BOF passenger car for Otis,
Jason Fredrick and Bob Garmin at Reserve Square for Thyssen,
Tom Gombar and Tim Moore doing a valve replacement at Kimberly Park for Kone,
Scott Hicks and Jim Rogers installing an elevator at CSA Industries for Schindler,
Dave Gnagy and Matt Harden doing a door mod at Parma Hospital for Ross Elevator,
Neil Beechuck and Kevin Driscoll installing two cars at the 3rd District Police Station for Schindler,
Bill Yuhas and Ken Eaton installing three cars at Upper Chester for Thyssen,
Bill Sellers and Tim Gibbons doing a door mod at Perry Nuclear Power Plant for Schindler,
Mark Byram, Dave Francis, Robin Eaton and Tom Peska starting work on the escalators at the Hilton Hotel for Schindler,
Brendan Hyland and Matt Hausler doing a mod at Moreland Courts for Kone,
John Patton and Clint Williams doing retrofit work in Sandusky for Kone.

The Brothers of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Brother Denny Dwyer who passed away December 31.

As of this writing there are 13 mechanics and two apprentices on the bench.

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

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net