Category: Elevator Constructor

Brothers and Sisters:

Over the last several months, my YouTube feed has been suggesting job-oriented videos. The themes range from how to identify a toxic work environment, bad bosses, five signs you should quit your job right now, negotiating a salary… Hmmm.

Is the cosmos trying to tell me something?

After clicking on several of these videos a common theme seemed to emerge that is appropriate for the trades — career planning.

Career planning is not something limited to the corporate world, it has a direct application to what we in the field do everyday. We all started in this trade as probationaries with a skill set brought from our previous work experience. As we progressed in the trade, we identified areas where our skills directly applied and we could be an asset to our job and also identified areas we needed assistance.

For me, I was stronger in mechanical systems where I could see the interactions of parts and the result of their work. I also knew enough about electricity to know that I did not know enough. I knew this was an area I would need to concentrate on if I was going to be successful in this business.

I tackled Basic Electricity and finally understood exactly what was going on in AC and DC motors, came to grips with inductance and capacitance, tried to stay awake through transformers and reveled in circuit tracing. I developed skills I applied to my daily work experience. Work was easier and fun.

Along the way I had opportunities to interact with guys from other companies and saw through their stories how different offices worked, or didn’t. I also saw several of my peers take the plunge into management or jobs with different aspects of field support. For someone focusing on the day-to-day tasks at hand, it was very expansive. I knew enough about myself to know that being a superintendent was not for me but, there might be other jobs I could do that would make a difference.

In November of 2006 I was going to my truck to get my phone prior to a union meeting when Mike Moennich asked if I would be interested in running for the correspondent to the Journal. Mike knew from our time working together I had a background in journalism. I agreed and was elected at the December meeting. That put my feet on the path I am today.

As a newly elected officer, it did not take long for me to realize that union meetings are a conversation and in order to understand what was going on it took many months to see how the conversation progressed. I did my best to keep the Journal readers up to date on happenings and eventually found my voice within the Local.

In 2010 the sixth issue of Lift Magazine showed up in my mailbox. I read through the issue and the back issues I had saved and thought it was interesting. They contained a lot of good information and background on a variety of subject written by people who spent at least part of their careers working in the field. On one of the pages was a box asking those interested in writing for Lift to email NEIEP and I did. A few months later I received an email and it opened up a new opportunity to apply my editorial skills to a project where I could make a positive impact on the trade. That lead to becoming an instructor and meeting some of the best people from around the country. All of them dedicated to making the trade a little bit better.

It’s strange how life puts you where you are supposed to be. I never thought that initial short conversation in the parking lot would lead me to where I am today. I don’t know where the rest of my time in the trade will take me but I just have two things to say: thank you Mike Moennich and enjoy your retirement. You’ve earned it.

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

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

On June 12, Local 17 held its golf outing at Hickory Nut Golf Course in Columbia Station.  This is the only event we were able to hold last year due to Covid and the first this year given the relaxation of restrictions due to the pandemic.  Taking home the Green Jacket is the team of Brother Rob Hansen and his son Robbie, Brother Mike Wickham and Chris Peterson who carded a 12-under par 60 for the 18-hole event.

For more photos of the event go to the Local 17’s website, iueclocal17.org.

After the Spring semester finals, Brothers Brandyn Alley, James Hirz, Deven Shields and Jason Tischler are eligible to take the mechanics exam.  Congratulations and good luck in the home stretch.

Apprentices will be back in the classroom again August 9th for an orientation meeting with NEIEP Area Coordinator Wally Wuelling in our new classroom building at 5145 Engle Road in Brookpark.  Apprentices will be taking 100 and 300 classes as well as having the opportunity to take the 500 Pipe and Wire Lab and the Hydraulic Controller Lab.  These are not mandatory but highly encouraged.

The work situation in Cleveland is strong.  Within the previous two months, Schindler picked up at least eight probationary apprentices.  The company currently has the lion’s share of the work but other signatory companies are picking up as well.

As of right now, Local 17 recruitment will be held after the first of the year.  Please watch this space as well as the Local’s website for updates and links as they become available.

The Elevator Licensing Bill (HB 107) passed the Ohio House 81-9 and is currently sitting in the Senate awaiting a vote.  The Bill as introduced, would establish licensing requirements for elevator constructors in Ohio.  This puts constructors on par with other skilled trades, medical and dental professionals as well as other licensed professionals doing business in the state.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Brother Kevin Driscoll whose father passed away.

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

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net  

Brothers and Sisters,

Many months ago I encouraged readers of this space to take the time during the pandemic to evaluate their perspective on life looking forward rather than backward.  As we move to the end of this period of reflection, what have you learned?  Have you learned a new skill, made a new Zoom friend or taken up a hobby?  What about your relationships?  Are they better for this time or are some fractured?  

Once again this is a time to see where you stand.  What changes has this time of reflection made in your perspective on all facets of life and relationships.  What changes will you maintain and what will you jettison?

Moving forward is never easy, remaining static is a poor option.  The future favors the bold.

NEIEP has announced that apprentice training classes will resume in-person instruction for the Fall semester starting in August.  This is the first time since March of 2020 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that face-to-face teaching will take place.  In response, this has given Local 17 the time to complete the renovation of our new school building on Engle Road across from the Ford plant.  Plans are to have the building ready for the start of classes.

Congratulations to Brothers Sean Canning, Brian Chambers, Shane Huff, Cory Ptak, Brian Seither and Rob Timko on passing the Mechanics Exam.  This is the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge of the trade you will ever have.  Make the most of your time in the trade to make things better for you having been here.  Another large thank you to Rick Myers for assisting the new mechanics in their review of the material.  

There are four test-eligible apprentices and 18 in the program.  The plan is to have those apprentices in 100 and 300 classes.

Where are they working…

DJ Spring and Deven Shields doing a mod at Carnegie Towers for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Dan Koprowski at Eastland Heights installing a car for Otis,

Jim Thompson and Matt Dinko at the Carlyle in Lakewood doing a three-car mod for Otis,

John Logue and Pat Pollock at CFC Main Campus doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Ken Bowles working in Akron on AMHA modernization jobs,

Jerry Szmerekovsky, Pat Kelly and two Akron apprentices at Lordstown installing a freight for Otis,

Bob Meyer, Dion Yatsko, Matt Ramser, Ernie Rodriguez, Joel Reyes, Chris Boggess and four Houston mechanics installing 14 cars at MetroHealth for Schindler,

Gary Thompson, Dan Varga, Rob Timko and Andy Mesko doing a mod at Erieview for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Jason Mays doing a mod at Terrace Towers for Schindler,

Matt Carlton and Dave Gnagy doing a three-car mod at CSU for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing a door mod at UH Main Campus for Schindler,

Matt Wiegart, Lucas Janke, Shawn Yatsko, and Brandon Light at Skylight Office Tower doing a mod for Schindler,

Joe Sumph and Brian Bond doing a mod at Euclid Hill Villa for Schindler,

Ryan Todd and Brian Seither doing a four-car mod at Winton Place for Schindler,

Joe Simcic and Jay Schaffer at Brooks Bio installing one car for Schindler,

Drew Williams and Russell Barrows at Rockside Park doing a mod for Kone,

Todd Ross and Morgan Armstrong installing one car at Cedar Road Parking Garage for Kone,

Anthony Metcalf and Sean Canning doing a mod at CMHA Stokes for Thyssen,

Bill Dudas and Andrew Daniels doing a mod at CMHA Wilson Towers for Thyssen,

Tim Narowitz and Dave Ford At Baldwin House in Berea doing a two-car mod for Thyssen,

Jason Fredericks and Chris Sipos doing a mod at Case 49 Building for Thyssen,

Chris Scholle and Brian Owens doing a one-car mod at 75 Public Square for Thyssen,

Kevin Thomas and Sebastian Ricco installing a freight car at 75 Public Square for Thyssen,

Scott Hicks and Marc Carollo at J&M Advisors doing a mod for Gable,

Jim Ehrbar and Wing Lui doing a mod at Citiview Nursing for Gable. 

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to Brother Pat Zubal whose father passed away.

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

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

There is a lot going on so I’ll get right to it:

As reported last month, there was a joint safety committee meeting held via Zoom with the International, Local and company supervisors.  There was a moment of silence for the most recent on-the-job fatalities.  IUEC Safety Director Mike Langer went over the accidents and explained the causes determined from the investigations. The video of the Memorial Wall was shown as well as a roundtable discussion of close-call reporting.  All went well and another is being scheduled for June.

Congratulations to Rob Timko, Brian Seither and Cory Ptak for passing the Mechanics Exam.  Currently there are four other eligible apprentices waiting to take the test.

NEIEP has not officially announced we will have in-person classes for the fall, although it is looking more likely as time goes on.  If everyone passes their current classes, there will be 18 apprentices in the NEIEP program in the fall.

Area Coordinator Wally Wuelling has informed Local 17 that he has to hold recruitments for locals whose lists are the oldest first.  This means pushing Local 17’s recruitment out possibly another year.  

There has been a run of Covid and Covid-related infections and quarantines.  As of this writing we have eight members affected.

Where are they working?

DJ Spring and Devan Shields doing a mod at Carnegie Towers for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Dan Koprowski at Eastland Heights installing a car for Otis,

Jim Thompson and Matt Dinko at The Carlyle in Lakewood doing a mod for Otis,

John Logue and Pat Pollock at Fairview Village Apartments doing a mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Ken Bowles are working in Akron on AMHA mod jobs for Otis,

Jerry Szmerekovsy, Pat Kelly and two Akron apprentices in Lordstown installing a freight for Otis,

Bob Meyer, Dion Yatsko, Matt Ramser, Ernie Rodriguez, Joel Reyes, Chris Boggess and four Houston mechanics installing 14 cars at Metro General Hospital for Schindler,

Gary Thompson, Dan Varga, Rob Timko and Andy Mesko doing a mod at Erieview for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Jason Mays doing a mod at Terrace Towers for Schindler,

Matt Carlton and Dave Gnagy doing a three-car mod at CSU for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing a door mod at UH main campus for Schindler,

Matt Wiegart, Lucas Janke, Shawn Yatsko and Brandon Light at Skylight Office Tower doing a mod for Schindler,

Joe Sumph and Lem Hurd doing a mod at Euclid Hill Villa for Schindler,

Ryan Todd and Brian Seither doing a four-car mod at Winton Place for Schindler,

Joe Simcic and Jay Schafer at Brooks Bio installing one car for Schindler,

Don Yoho and Andrea Rodriguez installing one car at Larchmere Apartments for Schindler,

Drew Williams and Russell Barrows at Richmond Park doing a mod for Kone,

Todd Ross and Morgan Armstrong installing one car at Cedar Road Parking Garage for Kone,

Anthony Metcalf and Sean Canning doing a mod at CMHA Stokes for Thyssen,

Bill Dudas and Andrew Daniels doing a mod at CMHA Wilson Towers for Thyssen,

Tim Narowitz and Dave Ford at Baldwin House in Berea doing a two-car mod for Thyssen,

Jason Frederick and Chris Sipos doing a mod at Orangewood Place for Thyssen,

Chris Scholle and Brian Owens installing one car at Fribley Hall at Case for Thyssen,

Kevin Thomas and Sebastian Ricco working in Indiana for Thyssen,

Scott Hicks and Kyle Meyer tearing out and installing four cars at K&L Buildings by NASA for Gable,

Jim Ehrbar and Wing Lui doing a mod at Cityview Nursing for Gable.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Tom Carey who passed away.

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

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

There has been an increase in the apprentices utilizing opportunities for online mentoring with instructors Jerry Reitz and Tim Narowitz.  The JATC knows that the instructional challenges with COVID-19 have been a strain on the entire program.  Taking advantage of all educational opportunities will only help when we are able to again instruct face to face.

Work on the new school is continuing and the hope is that Local 17 will be able to hold classes again this fall.

If you hear about a company called Phoenix Elevator operating in the Local 17 jurisdiction, please call Business Manager John Driscoll Jr. at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

The IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing will again be held Saturday, June 12th at Hickory Nut Golf Course, 23601 Royalton Rd, Columbia Station.  Time and cost is yet to be announced.  Watch this space and the local website, iueclocal17.org, for additional information.

The Building Trades met with Washington Capital who are financing union-built projects.  They are financing the Artisan Circle Square Apartment project at the corner of East 105th and Stokes.  The building will be 24 floors with 298 units and is expected to be entirely built with union labor.s

Where are They Working

DJ Spring and Deven Shields doing a mod at Western Reserve for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Dan Koprowski at Asia Plaza installing one car for Oris,

Jim Thompson and Jack Finucan at the Carlyle in Lakewood doing a mod for Otis,

John Logue and Pat Pollock at Fairview Village Apartments doing a mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot is working in Akron at an AMHA job for Otis,

Ken Bowles is working in Akron at an AMHA job for Otis,

Jerry Szmerekovsy and an Akron apprentice in Lordstown installing one car for Otis,

Bob Meyer, Dion Yatsko, Matt Ramser, Ernie Rodriguez and four mechanics from Houston installing fourteen cars at MetroGeneral for Schindler,

Gary Thompson, Dań Varga, Rob Timko and Andy Męsko doing a mod at ERieview for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Jason Mays doing a mod at Terrace Towers for Schindler,

Matt Carlton and Dave Gnagy at Cleveland State doing a three-car mod for Schindler,

Chris Cook and Mike Ross installing UV lights on escalators at the Justice Center for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski at University Hospital Main Campus doing a door mod for Schindler,

Matt Weingart, Lucas Janke, Shawn yatsko and Brandon Light at Skylight Office Tower doing a mod for Schindler,

Ryan Todd and Brian Seither doing a four-car mod at Winton Place for Schindler,

Joe Simcic and Jay Schaffer at Brooks Bio installing one car for Schindler,

Don Yoho and Andrea Rodriguez installing one 3300 at Nickolai Apartments for Schindler,

Drew Williams and Russell Barrows at Richmond Park Apartments doing a mod for Kone,

Todd Ross and Morgan Armstrong installing one 5-stop at Cedar Road Parking Garage for Kone,

Anthony Metcalf and Sean Canning doing a mod at Huntington House for Thyssen,

Bill Dudas and Andrew Daniels doing a mod at CMHA Wilson Towers for Thyssen,

Tim Narowitz and Dave Ford at CMHA Stokes doing a mod for Thyssen,

Jason Frederick and Jason Saunders doing a mod at Orangewood Place for Thyssen,

Chris Scholle and Brian Owens installing one car at Electric Garden Apartments for Thyssen,

Kevin Thomas and Sebastian Ricco installing one car at UH Avon for Thyssen,

Scott Hicks and John Smith tearing out four and installing four cars at K&L Buildings by NASA for Gable,

Marc Carollo and Kyle Loza at J&M Advisor doing a mod for gable,

Jim Ehrbar and Wing Lui doing a mod at 5565 Erieview for Gable.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the families of retired Brothers Ken Hilpert, Dan Sziriski and Dennis Samad.

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

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

The February Local 17 meeting was an officers only event held in the main hall for social distancing purposes.  Due to the general membership being unable to attend, the Business Agent report normally read at the meeting will be posted on the Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org, by the Monday following the meeting.

The officers also voted to upgrade the Local’s website.  This allows for greater content and options for updating the ten-year old endeavor.  There will be no immediate changes but rather a planned phase-in of the upgrades which will take place over the next six months.  If you have any ideas on what features you would like to see initiated in the upgrade, email them to webadmin@iueclocal17.org.

The IUEC International Convention planned for San Diego will be held virtually due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.  Any member wishing to offer a resolution to be brought to the convention can submit them to the Local which will format them for presentation.  Deadline for submission of resolutions to the International is May 3, 2021.   Resolutions can be emailed to Business Manager John Driscoll Jr. at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org or dropped off at the hall. 

Where are they working…

DJ Spring and Deven Shields doing a mod at Western Reserve for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Dan Koprowski at Lubrizol installing a four-stop for Otis,

Jim Thompson and Jack Finucan at the Carlyle in Lakewood doing a mod for Otis,

John Logue and Pat Pollock at Fairview Village Apartments doing a mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot working in Akron at AMHA  doing a mod for Otis,

Ken Bowles in Akron working a mod for Otis,

Jerry Szmerekovsy and Pat Kelly at Asia Plaza doing a one-car mod for Otis,

Bob Meyer, Dion Yatsko, Matt Ramser, Ernie Rodriguez and four Houston mechanics at MetroGeneral Hospital installing 14 cars for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Jason Mays doing a two-car mod at Terrace Towers for Schindler,

Matt Carlton and Rob Timko doing a three-car mod at Cleveland State University,

Chris Cook and Mike Ross installing UV lights on twelve escalators at the Justice Center for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing a door mod at University Hospital Main Campus for Schindler,

Matt Weingart, Lucas Janke, Shawn Yatsko and Brandon Light at Skylight Office Tower doing a mod for Schindler,

Ryan Todd and Brian Seither doing a four-car mod at Winton Place for Schindler,

Joe Simcic and Jay Schaffer at Brooks Brothers installing one car for Schindler,

Dave Gnagy and Joel Reyes in North Olmsted installing three cars for Schindler,

Don Yoho and Andrea Rodriguez installing one 3300 traction at Nikolai Apartments for Schindler,

John Patton and Jean LaFontaine doing QEI testing at the Celebreeze Federal Building for Kone,

Brendan Hyland and Russell Barrows doing a door mod at the Cleveland Public Library for Kone,

Todd Ross an Morgan Armstrong installing one five-stop at Cedar Road Parking Garage for Kone,

Anthony Metcalf and Sean Canning doing a mod at Our House in Westlake for Thyssen,

Bill Dudas and Andrew Daniels doing a mod at CMHA Wilson Towers for Thyssen,

Tim Narowitz and Dave Ford at CMHA Stokes doing a two-car most for Thyssen,

Jason Fredrick and Jason Saunders doing a mod at Orangewood Place for Thyssen,

Chris Scholle and Brian Owens installing one car at Electric Garden Apartments for Thyssen,

Kevin Thomas and Sebastian Ricco installing a car at UH Avon for Thyssen,

Scott Hicks and Nick Myer at the Hilliard Building doing a one-car mod for Gable,

Marc Carollo and John Smith at J&M Advisors doing a one-car mod for Gable,

Jim Ehrbar and Wing Lui doing a mod at 5565 Erieview for Gable,

Mitch Klemp and Kyle Loza at the Cleveland Port Authority doing a one-car mod for Gable.

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

Until next month….

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

By the time this reaches your mailbox, it will have been one year since the World Health Organization gave a name to the novel coronavirus and declared a pandemic.  The convolutions the world has been thrown into since then need no review.  On anniversaries of major personal or societal events, it is often helpful to take stock of where you were then and your position now.  

When we look to the past it often with an emotional magnifying glass.  The events are amplified by the emotions locked into that moment. 

Painful and joyous alike are recalled in how we felt at a particular moment and this becomes the prism with which we review those events.  

Perhaps this is why it is so easy to romanticize our personal or collective past.  Whether it is a season in our life like high school or event like a vacation, wedding, birth or death these events define us as individuals as surely as the Kennedy assassination, September 11, the Challenger and Columbia loses and the Capitol Insurrection define our collective identity.

These moments define us but even the good memories become destructive when we they restrain us from moving forward with our lives.  We become like a dog tied to a stake barking at cars running by us until we wear a path in the grass, a path to nowhere.

The problem with locking into these events, moments and seasons is we live our lives forward not backward.  You cannot drive a car forward by staring into the review mirror, you must look through the windshield.  The answers to where you are going are looking forward in the windshield, not the rear view mirror.  The mirrors give you a sense of where you were and what is coming up from behind and act as a touchstone but, will not warn you of the obstacles or allow the appreciation of the beauty lying ahead.

Live life looking forward.  It is a beautiful view.  Don’t miss it.

The Local 17 apprenticeship program is remaining virtual for the Spring Semester and all apprentices registered started their studies January 18. 

Seven Local 17 apprentices are eligible for the Mechanics Exam. The Prometrics window for taking the exam runs February 8 through May 9.  Rick Myers is willing to donate his time to assist apprentices preparing for the exam along with mentoring from Jerry Reitz and Tim Narowitz.  The mentoring is available after registering for the review class on the NEIEP website.

If you hold a scaffolding certificate card and are in need of renewal, the Scaffolding and Access Industry Association (SAIA) is allowing online renewals of current certificates.  This does not apply to new certificates or instructor renewals.  For more information on this or any other continuing education opportunities access the NEIEP website (neiep.org) or contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr. at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

Work in Local 17 has been strong through the past year as all companies have sought to keep those on their payrolls working.  There is talk that there may be a slowdown coming the near future.  There are four mechanics from Houston currently working for Schindler on the MetroHealth job and several Local 45 (Akron) members in the Cleveland jurisdiction.  If there is a slow down in work, Local 17 will have to make changes to keep as many members working as possible.  Article XXII of the Standard Agreement says mechanics can stay on a job until completion.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 extend their condolences to the family of retiree Bob Hess, Sr who passed away December 16.

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

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

At the December special meeting, all officers were elected on a white ballot including Brother Chris Sipos who takes over the Conductor post from Brother Lucas Janke.  An election was held for three delegates to the 2021 International Convention currently scheduled to be hosted in San Diego.  Brothers Bill Lynsky, Tim Narowitz and John Patton will join Business Manager John Driscoll Jr in representing Local 17 at the event. 

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

There are currently 20 apprentices in the Local 17 NEIEP program.  There will be two classes with those who passed 700 moving into 800 and those from 600 moving into 200.

With the start of the new year, this is a good time to reassess your personal and financial goals.  When doing these assessments do not overlook the beneficiary of your insurance policy through the Local.  This is an important designation in the event of your passing especially if you have not made one, are recently married, divorced or had a child.  You can contact John at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org for further information. 

Where are they working?

Al Ward and Deven Shields doing a mod a the Federal Reserve for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Dan Koprowski at Lubrizol installing a four-stop for Otis,

Jim Thompson and Jack Finucan at the Carlyle in Lakewood doing a mod for Otis,

John Logue and Pat Pollock at Fairview Village apartments doing a mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Andrea Rodriguez at the Federal Reserve doing a mod for Otis,

Ken Bowles and Shane Huff at Chestnut Lake Apartments doing a mod for Otis,

Jerry Szmerekovsy and Pat Kelly at Swagelock in Solon installing two cars for Otis,

Bob Meyer, Dion Yatsko, Matt Ramser and three Houston mechanics installing fourteen cars at Metro Hospital for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Jason Mays doing a mod at Terrace Towers for Schindler,

Matt Carlton and Chris Boggess at Metro installing two hydros for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing a door mod at UH main campus for Schindler,

Matt Weingart and Lucas Janke doing a mod at UH Bishop for Schindler,

Ryan Todd and Brian Seither doing a four-car mod at Winton Place for Schindler,

Joe Simcic and Jay Schaefer at the GreatLakes Cheese Shop in Hiram installing two cars for Schindler,

Tom Peska and Brian Seither installing a car at NASA for Schindler,

Brendan Hyland and Russell Barrows installing a five-stop at Grosevnor Place in Tremont for Kone,

Todd Ross and Morgan Armstrong installing three cars at Euclid Grand for Kone,

Joe Gauker and James Hirz at the Columbus Airport installing one car for Kone,

Anthony Metcalf and Sean Canning doing a mod at Our House in Westlake for Thyssen,

Bill Dudas and Andrew Daniels doing a mod at CMHA West Boulevard for Thyssen,

Tim Narowitz and Matt Harden doing a one car mod at Bedford Hospital for Thyssen,

Jason Fredrick and Sebastian Ricco doing a mod at Orangewood for Thyssen,

Kevin Thomas and Jason Saunders installing a car at Aqua Marine for Thyssen,

Scott Hicks and Marc Carollo at 310 Lakeside doing a mod for Gable,

Jim Ehrbar and Wing Lui doing a mod at 5565 Erieview for Gable.

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

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

Happy New Year!  Raise your hand if you’re sad to see 2020 go?  I didn’t think so.  Here’s what’s going on in Local 17…

As of this writing work in Cleveland is strong with Schindler holding the lions share of new construction and modernization.  The other majors are holding their own and keeping as many employed as possible.  

Congratulations go out to Brothers Matt Carlton and Felix DeJesus and Sister Andrea Rodriguez for passing their Mechanics Exam.  This is that only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge as an elevator constructor you will every have.  Congratulations on your achievement and good luck to the remaining eight apprentices awaiting the exam.  

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 was cancelled due to COVID-19.  

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

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.

At the November nominations meeting, five members were nominated to attend the IUEC International Convention in San Diego this August.  The election will be held at the December meeting but, as of this writing it is questionable whether an in person gathering will be allowed by Laborers 310 whose hall we use for meetings.  All other officers were nominated without opposition except Conductor where Brother Al Jerson stepped aside in favor of Brother Chris Sipos.  

The 2021 wage rate sheets are out and available from Business Manager John Driscoll Jr by contacting him at the hall at 216-431-8088 or emailing him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.  A mechanic will see a $1.76 raise in the check which is a 3.28% increase in our total package.

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.

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

There’s a lot going on so let’s get to it…

For the first time since the announcement of the pandemic by the World Health Organization, Local 17 held a members meeting at the hall October 9.  Seating was spread out in accordance with CDC recommendations and face masks were mandatory.    This was also the first opportunity to swear in probationary apprentices and five new brothers took advantage of it.  Four of them had been previously sworn in at Executive Board meetings.

By the time the reaches your mailbox at the beginning of December the fall semester will be drawing to a close.  All apprentices should be working on the last few units of their modules and preparing for the final exams.  Do not fall behind on this work.  

Advancement in the trade depends on the timely completion of school work.  Given the special nature of the pandemic restrictions, this may be especially hard on those who learn best from in-person or hands-on instruction.  Keep working hard and ask questions of your mechanic and instructors.  There are many in the trade who are more than willing to share their knowledge.

If you are interested in taking a forklift class, NEIEP is willing to pay for online instruction since there are no plans for face-to-face instruction.  For information of how this works, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr. at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org or calling the hall at 216-431-8088.

For those taking callbacks at Thyssen, Local 17 has placed Bluestone Apartments, 25450 Euclid Ave on their list of two-man calls. 

The Trustees of the Elevator Constructors 401(k) and annuity plan have extended the COVID-19 distributions through December 15.

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 Children’s Christmas Party has been cancelled due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Where are they working?

Al Ward and Deven Shields doing a mod at the Federal Reserve for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Dan Koprowski at Astrup installing a four-stop for Otis,

John Logue and Pat Pollock at Fairview Village Apartments doing a mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Andrea Rodriguez at the Federal Reserve doing a mod for Otis,

Bob Meyer, Dion Yatsko, Matt Ramser and three mechanics from Houston installing 14 cars at MetroGeneral Hospital for Schindler,

Shaun Yatsko and Chris Boggess at St. Clair Place doing a mod for Schindler,

Gary Thompson and Jason Mays at Penton Media finishing a 15-car mod for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing a door mod at UH Bishop for Schindler,

Ryan Todd And Brian Seither doing a four-car mod at Winton Place for Schindler,

Matt Weingart and Lucas Janke doing a mod at UH Bishop for Schindler,

Joe Simcic and Jay Schaffer at Great Lakes Cheese Shop in Hiram installing two two-stops for Schindler,

Tom Peska and Brian Seither installing one car at NASA for Schindler,

Brendan Hyland and Russell Barrows installing a five-stop at Grosvenor Place in Tremont for Kone,

Drew Williams and Jakob Mullett doing escalator clean downs at Browns Stadium for Kone,

Joe Gauker and James Hirz at the Quarter on Detroit installing two five-stop cars for Kone,

Kevin Thomas and Sebastian Ricco installing one car for Thyssen,

Jim Ehrbar and Wing Lui doing a mod at 5565 Erieview for Gable,

Brian Owens and Herb Fouts at 7007 Pleasant Valley Road installing a four-stop for Schindler.

The Brothers and Sisters of 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.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net