Elevator Constructor – Page 14 – International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17

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 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 29^th 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 13^th 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 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

First off, a large congratulations has to go to the International’s Labor Committee and the new contract they hammered out with NEBA. Our give backs were minimal and the new agreement eliminates the most onerous aspect of the previous contract, namely the three-strikes clause of Article X paragraph 6, and incorporates the Assistant Mechanic classification into the language. Benefits are bolstered throughout the term, particularly health and welfare, and we get raises every year.

Last month I talked about unions and companies working together for the betterment of their industry. In my humble opinion the IUEC and NEBA looked beyond their own interests, viewed the broad landscape of the industry and came to the conclusion that they both can coexist and prosper.

From one grateful member, on behalf of many others, thank you.

Not much has been heard of from the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law and their effort to turn Ohio into a Right-to-Work state since they announced the effort back in November. Now the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a trade group of non-union builders and contractors, is paying circulators for signatures to the RTW petitions.

The incentives for an individual range from 25 cents to $1.50 per signature and those for a group go from $1000 for 1200 signatures to $1350 for 2700 signatures. While the use of paid circulators is not unheard of in political campaigns, how many people were paid circulators for the repeal of SB 5? My guess is none.

While polls currently favor Ohio to go RTW, the numbers are not that much different than when SB 5 went before legislators in Columbus. It was a concerted effort by public and private-sector unions that sent SB 5 to the legislative dung heap.

Keep vigilant my friends… the next real storm is just over the horizon.

July 13^th is Local 17’s first Classic Car and Bike Night at the monthly union meeting. We are planning a cookout and refreshments after the meeting and of course spending time sharing stories about our rides. The meeting starts at 6 pm and anyone can bring their car or bike. I know there are members with modern classics like Challengers, Chargers, Mustangs and Corvettes as well as Harleys, Indians and Hondas of all description. They are all welcome as well as those muscle cars and classic rides from the sixties and seventies. I will be there with my LBC, Bridget, taking pictures to share on the website, iueclocal17.org, and in the Constructor.

Where are they working?

Ken Bowles, Gerard Szemerkovsky, Ric Supinski and Jason Sohayda installing a freight car that the Museum of Contemporary Art for Otis,

Scott Hicks, Dave Lehotan, Jim Rogers and Ron Wittwage installing two cars at the casino parking garage for Schindler,

Bernie Sickle and Ed Gimmel doing a jack and cab at Cleveland Sight Center for Schindler,

Ken Hasek, John Logue, Craig Haller, Scott Villanueva and Jason Saunders doing a mod at Key Tower for Otis,

Mark Carollo and Steve Kemp replacing doors and operators at Perry for Schindler,

John Bruner and Taurus Ogletree doing a tear out at the Union Building for Schindler,

DJ Springs, Greg Seaman, Tony Karovich, Ken Eaton, Tom Peska and Scott Erison working at the Eaton Headquarters for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Jeff Ward doing a mod at the Cleveland Clinic Parking Garage for Otis,

Tom Gombar and Paul Schutzow doing a jack at the Salvation Army for Kone,

Don Kaiser and Tim Moore clearing up violations at 45 Erieview for Schindler,

Bob Garman and Robin Eaton doing a mod at Halle’s for Thyssen,

Jason Faber and Joe Broz Jr. doing a jack at Granada Garden apartments for Thyssen.

At this writing there are 16 mechanics and one apprentice out of work.

Till next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

dknapik@windstream.net

April 2012 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

There seems to be a disconnect between business and labor over the value of each. I once heard it put that “you cannot love the employer and hate the employee” and its logical extension “you cannot love the employee and hate the employer.”

The Right demonizes labor, organized labor in particular, in its quest to maximize the profits of its corporate patrons. They champion Right-to-Work legislation, limitations on public-sector union negotiating, the perpetuation of the view of union leadership as dues collecting, racketeering, do-nothings and the minimization of the skilled workforce that produces the returns for their shareholders.

The Left views corporations as evil opportunist building their fortunes on the backs of the good and noble workers. They keep worker’s wages artificially low, attempting to drive a wedge between co-workers and caring more for their profit than the people that produce it.

The worst part is that if you know history you know they are both correct. There was a time when organized labor worked more like organized crime and men like Rockefeller, Carnegie, Ford and Edison defined greed. That was a century ago and the stereotypes are perpetuated and amplified today with our instant communication society.

For over a century unions have been the counter to the industrialists and we in the union movement have succeeded in building a society where fairness and safety in the workplace is paramount to the mutual success of the members and the companies that employ us.

The most important part for both to remember is that companies need to make a profit for their shareholders and employees need to be able to purchase goods and services that support their employers. This is true whether you work for a mom and pop shop or a global enterprise: each needs the other to exist. While it seems that this is stating the obvious, many men and women of good intention, in attempting to further the agenda of their organization, lose sight of this fundamental truth.

When management and labor work together there is nothing they cannot accomplish.

There are two upcoming events every member should circle on their calendar. First is April 20^th for the Annual Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner. It will be held at Frank Sterle’s Slovenian Restaurant, 1404 East 55^th Street. Doors open at 5:30 with refreshments and a family style dinner at 6:30. The cost at the door is $30 for active members and free for retirees.

The Annual Golf Outing will be June 2^nd at Mallard Creek Golf Club, 34500 Royalton Road, Columbia Station. Tee time is 10 am and includes golf, refreshments and dinner. The cost is $90 per person. To reserve your spot at both events, contact Mike Hogan at m.hogan67@yahoo.com or Business Agent Tim Moennich at 431-8808.

Where are they working?

Dave Lehotan and Kevin Driscoll doing a car station and call buttons at Margaret Wagner for Schindler,

Matt Weingart, Scott Hicks, Dave Bruner, Mark Byram, Ron Rittwage, Brian Owens, Cristino DeJesus and Chris Wyatt at the casino for Schindler,

Bob Myer and Tom Gombar installing a freight car at the art museum for Kone,

Bob Garman and Robin Eaton doing a mod at Breckenridge for Thyssen,

Dave Hess and Dave Adrian putting a car back in service at 1001 Euclid for Thyssen,

DJ Springs, Gregg Seaman, Joe Simcic, Ric Supinski, Ken Eaton and Tony Karovich at Eaton headquarters for Otis,

Charlie Donner and Randy Thompson installing a freight car at Bass Chemical for Thyssen,

Gerard Szemerkovsky and Ric Supinski at Warrensville YMCA installing a two-stop hydo for Otis,

Tom Kelly and Mark Mehnert doing a jack job at Hillcrest Hospital for Otis.

As of this writing there are 16 mechanics and two apprentices out of work.

Till next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety,

Don

dknapik@windstream.net

March 2012 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

Seeing as how March is now upon us and St. Patrick’s Day is a short two weeks away, that means three things: the Indians are deep into spring training, we are due at least one more arctic blast before spring sets in and I need to get cracking on finishing the winter upgrades to Bridget my 1973 MGB.

Yes, I was able to hang onto her after last year’s unpleasantness and she rewarded me with the best driving experience of my life. I’m not talking about 6000 rpm hole shots or wheel- screeching cornering. I’m talking about the moment when the machine becomes an extension of the man.

I left Elyria west on US 20 to Norwalk bound for East Harbor. The day was as crystal clear and cold. It didn’t matter. This was going to be the last ride of the year and I wanted to run her into a lather.

My deep cup of caffeinated heat kept me warm until I turned north on 250 and stopped for a refill. By now the sun was close to zenith and the 100 ponies under the bonnet were just getting going. They didn’t need extra coaxing. They were running on 93 octane double espresso.

On the stretch between Norwalk and Sandusky I let the horses run free. I don’t know what I topped out at but the way the mailboxes whizzed past it was close to 105. I felt like Michael Shumaker testing an F1 at Monaco. Every twist, every turn was anticipated and executed to perfection. Absolutely heart in your mouth thrilling. Route 2 and 58 were at a saner speed but the Edison Bridge made for a great open run.

I let the horses rest at East Harbor. They earned it. I walked up and down the deserted beach and felt invigorated by the warm sun, cold breeze and calm lake. Magical.

When the fully rested horses roared back to life and I pointed them east toward Cleveland, they never missed a beat. 58 back to 2 and then 6 west of The Point. The route was the old roadbed of the Lake Shore Electric Railway, a fact given away by its broad expanse. The gentle undulations and easy sweeps passed in an instant as Bridget kicked up fallen foliage in her wake.

Coffee, this time from Caribou in Rocky River. I met a guy who used to sell MGs for Fred Baker. We chatted for a few minutes and he told me how the cars run better with the parts we have now than they did from the factory. Maybe that’s why BL failed.

With the sun setting and temperature dropping, I opted for the parkway to Strongsville and Bridget’s winter home. I gunned her one last time through a series of tight turns and she never flinched.

Spring can’t come too soon.

Leave Friday, April 20^th open on your calendar for the 2012 Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner. It will be held at Frank Sterle’s Slovenian House at 1401 East 55^th Street. Cocktails will be served at 5:30 and dinner at 6:30 pm. The cost will be $30 for active members and free for retirees. This is a great opportunity to get together and hear the history of Local 17 from the men who made it.

As many of you know, UFCW Local 880 has settled their strike with Rite Aid. Their members are back to work under the terms of a new contract. Here is another example of union brothers and sisters standing together and winning for their brethren. Congratulations to UFCW.

As of this writing there are twenty-four mechanics out of work.

Until next month,

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

Don

dknapik@windstream.net

February ’12 Article to the Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

I’ve been thinking a lot about safety over the past few months. In part because of my return to the trade and comparing safety practices to the foundry industry I was fortunate to work in for three months prior to my return.

When working in the foundry hard hat, safety glasses, metatarsal-protecting shoes, flame retardant clothing and gloves appropriate for the task were the minimum required PPE for anyone outside the locker room or restroom. People working maintenance needed to be able to work in any part of the plant at any time. This meant extra gloving, harnesses for working on the cranes or in the man lifts and protection for cutting and welding, masks for certain buildings with high silicon dust and ear protection because no matter where you went it was loud. Because I was working as an electrician versus a millwright I had arc-rated leather and rubber gloves as well as a tinted full-face shield and jacket for working in high voltage disconnects. LOTO was mandatory for anything other than troubleshooting requiring the power engaged.

These were rules everyone lived by because everyone knew the dangers we shared and did not want to see a fellow foundry man hurt. We all looked out for each other. Unsafe practices were not tolerated.

When someone on the pour line was not wearing his safety glasses under his face shield and was reminded three times in ten minutes by a supervisor from another department his response was a less than courteous “I don’t work for you.” He was walked out the next day.

As elevator companies institute added layers of safety practices it begs the question: how much more refinement is needed to reach zero accidents? Do we really need another safety procedure or do we need reinforcement of a current procedure? Accessing pits and car tops are the two skills every probationary is taught immediately on their entry into the field. If you are lucky enough to have a mechanic that teaches and reinforces good habits, there is a good chance you will never have an accident. If you don’t, well you know where this is going.

Part of the problem is that safety is not personal until it affects you. Until it is you going to the ER because of a preventable fall, eye injury or laceration much of the training is just words we hear over and over until they lose their meaning. It is like a parent constantly screaming at a child until that child no longer responds because it is just background noise.

Recently I was part of a group that went through training that qualified us to work at First Energy nuclear plants. A very high percentage of the training centered on radioactivity and how to safely work around it. Since it is invisible except to special equipment, it requires a high degree of awareness of your surroundings to keep from becoming contaminated. The most valuable skill they discussed was the “Two Minute Drill.” This consisted of upon entering a work space, looking around and evaluating it for potential hazards and avoiding those hazards that are known and reporting those not enumerated prior to starting work. This was the same thing I did every day at the foundry. It kept me safe then and I continue to do it today,

One of my resolutions is to actively and consciously keep safe practices in the forefront. This means LOTO, safety glasses and gloves at the minimum. When I see one of my colleagues lacking or find a customer that has cut a lock, defeated a safety device or some other transgression, I will take the time to correct them.

After all, we are all in this together.

Till next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

dknapik@windstream.net

January ’12 Constructor Article

Brothers and sisters:

I hope that everyone reading this had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year filled with all the joy of the season.

Starting January 1, there will be a $1.15 increase in the mechanics pay scale. Each classification will receive an increase at their percentage of mechanics rate.

There was a very important mailing about a potential identity theft issue involving the Benefits office and Value Options, the network provider of mental health and substance abuse treatment. According to the letter sent out to every participant, a computer tape containing personal information was lost in transit from Value Options back to the Plan office. The information was provided to Value Options in order to qualify participants when they sought services. Since neither the Plan office, Value Options or the carrier used for the shipment have located the tape, they arranged for identity theft protection through Debix for all plan participants at no cost for one year. This includes members and their covered dependents.

Identity theft is nothing to be taken lightly. If you have received the letter and not acted on it, I implore you to contact the Benefits office and take advantage of this opportunity to protect yourself and your dependents. A link to the Benefits office is available through iueclocal17.org under the Union Links button.

I would like everyone reading this to take a few minute and go the Local 17 web site, iueclocal17.org, and read the local’s article for the December issue of the Cleveland Citizen. It highlights the efforts of the 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, a Columbus-based “non-profit, non-partisan legal center dedicated to protecting the constitutional rights of Ohioans from government abuse” and their efforts to turn Ohio into the 23^rd right-to-work-for-less state.

This is the same group that fronted state Issue 3, the amendment to the Ohio Constitution opting out the Health Care Reform Act passed by the previous Congress. The amendment passed by a 66 percent to 34 percent margin.

As you might guess, I have a multitude of thoughts on this subject and I will be bringing them to you as the campaign to defeat this next attack on unionism rolls forward. I’ll repeat here one of the highlights of the Citizen article:

“Being a union member does not guarantee success and it does not shelter failure.

Being a union member, being productive at your job, and having the opportunity to make a better life through better wages, benefits and working conditions is something worth fighting for. Now is the time to clean your guns, stock up on ammo and be prepared. The conservatives are coming.”

Where are they working?

John Goggin and Joe Sumph replacing step chains at One Cleveland Center for Schindler,

Keith Poscocil and Ken Eaton installing a three-stop traction at Lorain Community College for Kone,

Jeff Lindell and Ken Jung installing escalators at the Art Museum for Kone,

Mike Miller, Greg Seaman, Gerard Szemerkovsky and Tony Karovich installing two tractions and two hydros at Marymount Hospital for Otis,

Dave Brunner, John Brunner, Mark Byram, Dave Lehotan, Chris Wyatt and Brian Owens installing escalators at the Casino for Schindler,

DJ Springs and Joe Simcic starting the Eaton job for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Scott Villanueva at the Cleveland Clinic Parking Garage doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Scott Hicks and Jim Rogers installing an elevator at the Casino for Schindler,

Local 17 would like to extend its congratulations to Brother Ryan Foley and his wife on the birth of their baby girl. A large welcome home goes to the brother of Jeff Ford and stepson of honored retiree Bob Pudimat, Captain Joe Ford, on his return from Iraq.

As of this writing there are 18 mechanics and one apprentice out of work.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

Dknapik@windstream.net

December ’11 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

The annual Children’s Christmas party will be held Saturday, December 3^rd at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue. The party starts at 1pm and mothers are asked to bring baked goods. Beverages will be provided. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Hogan at mhogan67@yahoo.com.

The Cleveland Building and Construction Trades as well as Local 17 are supporting our brothers and sisters of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 880 in their labor dispute with Rite Aid. While Rite Aid’s profits are at record levels, they refuse to bargain in good faith with the UFCW on a contract that retains the current level of benefits coverage. As a response the North Shore Federation of Labor is boycotting Rite Aid and asking that all members of the building trades move their prescriptions to another UFCW represented pharmacy. If you want information on the state of the boycott and which pharmacies are union represented then go to ufcwlocal880.org.

There were three fatalities reported at the October meeting. The first was from Local 24, Birmingham, Alabama the second happened in New York City, Local 1, and the third was from Local 96, Ottawa, Canada. Ours is a tough and unforgiving trade. There are many ways to die and even more ways to become disabled. This has to serve as a reminder to never take safety for granted because as soon as you do we may be draping the charter and holding a moment of silence at the next meeting for you. Safety is no accident.

A member recently took a callback at a Parma apartment complex. When checking out the pit, the car did not stop when he popped the bottom door lock. When he examined the lock he found the wires jumped together on the same stud. After correcting that issue, he decided to check the rest of the door locks. When running the car down from the top landing, he found the same situation with the top lock. He also discovered furniture on the car top. When he informed the building management and the Parma Police, they arrested one the residents on a number of charges. Again, safety is no accident.

Local 17 won an arbitration hearing with Schindler on their giving away the flooring work at the new University Hospital Cancer Center. This was Article IV work and because the company did not follow the contract they had to pay $2000 to the Local’s Contingency Fund. This is in addition to the money paid on the same job for allowing another trade to block cable holes. Know what is covered by Article IV of the contract and be sure the companies are not giving it away. Your unemployed union brothers are counting on you.

Where are they working?

Kevin Thomas and Bill Dudas at Breckenridge Village installing a three-stop hydraulic for Thyssen,

Jeff Webber and Tom Gombar at JC Penny Strongsville doing escalator clean downs for Kone,

Paul Scheutzow doing stand by at the Juvenile Justice Center for Kone,

Matt Weingart and Chris DeJesus working at the Rockwell Building for Schindler,

Jason Faber and Joe Broz, Jr. cabling at Bridgeview for Thyssen,

Ken Bowles and Jason Sohayda doing a modernization at Kaiser for Otis,

Bernie Sickle and Steve Kemp doing a jack at UH for Schindler,

John Brunner and Taurus Ogletree doing a modernization at Euclid Commodore for Schindler,

Local 17 sends condolences to brothers Jim, John and Tom Goggin on the passing of their father and grandfather respectively in early October. The Local also send condolences to Brother Harold Norsic on the passing of his mother and Brother John Sapochak who lost his father-in-law.

As of this writing there are 22 mechanics out of work.

Till next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety,

Don

Dknapik@windstream.net

November ’11 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

There is a lot going on. So let’s get into it…

In a few days we will be going to the ballot box and deciding the future of public-sector unionization and to a greater extent the future of organized labor in Ohio. The effort of the GOP lead executive office and statehouse to turn our once great state into a right-to-work-for-less state is a slap in the face to every public and private employee unionized or not. While I try to be as fair as possible to each side in an argument, it is difficult to understand the motivations of the state leaders to create a place where the standard of living would free fall to the lowest level it can achieve.

Senate Bill 5, from the beginning, was an effort to legislate what government could not negotiate. As we all know, there are two signatures on every contract and if a governmental entity did not and could not agree with an item on a contract they had the perfect right to walk away from the table. To limit the scope of contract negotiations screams of the type of extreme socialism that conservatives try to leverage against organized labor.

A NO vote on Issue 2, the initiative signed onto by almost 1.3 million Ohioans, would restore the balance to the contract process and let it play out where it is supposed to… at the negotiating table.

At the September meeting our convention delegates (Dennis Dixon, John Driscoll, Jr. and Brian McTaggart) lead by Business Agent Tim Moennich gave a comprehensive report on their activities at the 30^th General Convention and discussed in detail the resolutions that came out of their committees. Tim worked on the health committee, John on the pension, Brian sat on the resolutions and Denny heard trials and appeals. If you wanted to know the details, you should have been at the meeting. The meetings leading up to the contact in July are going to be very important for everyone who cares about their job. Take an interest and be active.

Over the years Local 17 has been viewed as a bit of a renegade because of our vocal opposition to the leadership on several issues. In spite of this perception Tim made a bid for an International vice president position. Although he fell short in the final balloting, his efforts and the efforts of our delegates cleared these misperceptions and raised the overall profile of Local 17 in the eyes of the leadership and delegates from around North America.

Their work and the work of every other delegate should be applauded by all.

Also at the September meeting was the first reading of a proposed by-law change to increase the Special Meetings fine from $15 to $20.

Keep in mind that the November 18^th, December 9^th and January 13^th meetings are MANDATORY.

Congratulations to the following newly minted mechanics: Joseph Broz, David Brurke, Jason Costa, Cristino DeJesus, Kevin Driscoll, James Ehrbar, Craig Haller, Anthony Karovich, Thomas Kelly, Stephen Kemp, Jonathon Koch, Heath Kramer, Timothy Lieb, Timothy Narowitz, Don Page, Ronald Rittwage, Brian Semanco, Joseph Simcic, Jason Sohayda and Jeff Ward.

Because there will be only seven apprentices in the program for next year, Local 17 will be using distance learning for the first time. The apprentices in the program will meet with Jerry Reitz once a month at the school and otherwise will be responsible for their own work. This is the first time Local 17 will be using distance learning for the apprenticeship program.

As of this writing there are 24 mechanics and one apprentice out of work.

Till next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

Dknapik@windstream.net

October ’11 Article for the Constructor

Brothers and sisters,

As I write this at the beginning of September, the delegates of the 30^th General Convention are gathered in Orlando working on the framework for improvements to the International and setting the table for the contract negotiations which will surely be starting soon. These delegates have a difficult job to balance the long term interests of the International with the interests of the locals they represent and the unique economic situation each has at home.

Presently in Cleveland we are hovering at a membership of about 240 with 24 members on the bench. While 24 does not sound like a large number to locals like New York, Boston, Chicago or LA it represents ten percent of our membership and many of them qualify for dues relief because of the length of their unemployment. Many of these long-term unemployed have chosen to withdraw and find another career path.

The three large projects (Horseshoe Casino, Medical Mart and Flats East Bank) each represent opportunities for members to return to the trade and the fourth project, the permanent casino on Collision Bend, adds another chance to clear the bench. Because of different factors it is unlikely that these projects will have the desired bench clearing effects. It is also unlikely that new routes will be added by any of the NEBA companies at least during the rest of this contract.

This is the microcosm that the International finds itself in the months leading up to the contract.

As a result of my current situation highlighted in last month’s article, I have had the opportunity to speak with people in a number of different industries. They are, almost to a man, positive about their long term outlook and have more work than they know what to do with. So this begs the question: what are the NEBA companies doing wrong?

Part of the answer is the high vacancy rate in commercial real estate where property owners are reluctant to do anything when their buildings are only half occupied at best. The counter to that argument is that when the building is vacant it is the best time to reimagine the possibilities and position it for the eventual rebound. The one bright spot is that apartment buildings have high occupancy rates while homes are being foreclosed. People have to live somewhere. NEBA companies can capitalize on these trends by pushing modernizations and the “greening” of buildings with new technologies that decrease overall elevator operating costs and increase uptime.

The best time for sales is when the economy is down. The salesman’s presence in front of the customer, giving them solutions to their needs builds the necessary rapport that allows the customer to make the leap to improving their situation. Maybe the NEBA companies need to hire better salesmen?

I wish I had answers to the questions that are swirling around the trade. Unfortunately, even in my very modest position in the local, do not have the insight into the deepening complexities as contract time approaches. The one thing that I do know is that the leadership gathered in Orlando represents the best minds of the trade and where several hundred good minds are gathered great things can arise.

I am truly confident that the International will come out stronger from this convention than when it went in.

Even though this is October, I hope that everyone took an opportunity to do two things this past month; remember the 2995 that died on September 11^th and say thank you to someone that has been selflessly serving in the military. I know several members have family serving and I want to say thank you to all of them and let them know that everyone at home prays for their safe return.

Till next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

dknapik@windstream.net