Category: Elevator Constructor

Current article from the Elevator Constructor

January ’17 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

I received this email from Brother Terry Horner and thought I would share it with our readers:

Don,

It is with bitter sweet emotions that I sent a letter to Tim Moennich today taking my withdrawal card as of 12/31/2016.

This being said I would like to thank the Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 for the best twenty-one year career, in the greatest trade in the world.

To the young guns, listen to that gruff old codger mechanic of yours. For he has the keys to your knowledge and safety. To the guy in the middle, good luck, work hard and prosper. For you are truly the back bone of our industry and hold our future in your capable hands. To the old guard (and you know who you are) be teachers and mentors to these young apprentices and mechanics for you’re the keepers of the knowledge and disciplines that separate us from the fray.

Also, work safely. Everyone should get to enjoy the retirement that you have worked so hard to accumulate.

In closing, I would like to hope it has been as big a pleasure working with me, my brother and sisters, as it has been for me to work with you.

Remember as one our voice is small, as a fraternity our voice rings out above the din.

Fraternally yours,

And as always SAFETY FIRST!!!

Terrence Lee Horner

The January meeting will be a Special Called Meeting to vote on raising the dues to cover the increased per capita to the International for the purpose of organizing non-signatory companies and individuals as well as a Mandatory Meeting for the installation of officers. There is a $20 fine for not calling the hall to report your absence prior to the meeting. The dues increase, if passed, would take effect the second quarter of 2017.
Where are they working?

Drew Williams and Mark Carollo at Indian Hills doing a two car mod for Thyssen,

Mike Miller and Lucas Jenke rebelting at the Cleveland Clinic for Otis,

Dave Gnagy and Brian Seither installing three cars at North Ridgeville Middle School for Schindler,

Tim Moore and Matt Carlton working on two cars at Cedar Extension for Schindler,

Ken Bowles and Shane Huff doing a mod at the Radisson for Otis,

John Brunner and Jason Tischler installing an elevator at Heritage Place for Schindler,

Steve Kemp and Erie Rodriguez doing a jack at Bloom of Lakewood for Schindler,

Bill Yuhas and Robert Connelly doing a mod at Bohn Tower for Thyssen,

John Goggin and Brian Chambers doing motor work at AT&T Lakewood for Schindler,

Gary Thompson and Robert Timko doing a mod at Erieview Tower for Schindler,

Joe Sumph and Dion Yatsko doing a mod at the Wyndham Hotel for Schindler and,

John Logue and Al Ward doing a mod at Chestnut Apartments for Otis.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the families of Brother Joel Reyes who lost his 10 year-old daughter and Brother Ken Eaton whose father passed away.
As of this writing there are three mechanics and three apprentices on the bench.

Until next moth,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

December ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

By the time you read this, Thanksgiving will be over, Black Friday and Cyber Monday will be history and everyone will be looking forward to the end of the year holidays. As you go through the season, please remember those that are less fortunate than yourself. Whether you give of your time, talent or treasure, small kindnesses, like throwing a stone into a pond, have large effects.

With the contract ending in July, this is a great time to do some planning in the event of a work stoppage. As you prepare for the coming tax season look at the status of your retirement, 401(k), cash-on-hand savings as well as your long term and short term secured and unsecured debts. How much do you owe on your credit cards? Are there any you can pay off? What is the balance on your mortgage? How much are you really paying toward your principal every month? Are you able to afford that vanity purchase in the event things slow down? What about internet access and cable/satellite TV service fees on subscriptions like Apple Music or Netflix? Don’t forget about insurance policies and annuities you are paying into for future income. All these have an effect on your bottom line and ability to save towards retirement. A little pre-planning and review now will reap large rewards tomorrow.

The annual Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party will start at 1 pm on Saturday, December 10th at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue. This is a great event for everyone regardless if you have children or not. As in past years, Santa Claus will make a special guest appearance and pass out gifts to children 12 and under.

The December 9th and January 13th union meetings are mandatory meetings for the election and installation of officers. Those not attending or reporting to the hall prior to the meeting will be fined $20.

The January meeting will be a Special Called Meeting for the approval of a dues increase to offset the per capita increase to the International approved at the 31st General Convention in July. The increase is slated to fund the ongoing organizing efforts of the International in the United States and Canada.

Where are they working?

Jeff Lindell and Brendan Hyland doing a mod at Sach’s 5th Avenue Beachwood for Kone,

Jeff Ward and Nick Meyer doing a jack at Parkview Commons for Thyssen,

Mike Miller and Lucas Janke re-belting at Cleveland Clinic for Otis,

John Patton doing retrofit work at 1107 Prospect for Kone,

Tom Gombar and Matt Hausler doing door operator upgrades at Rockside Park Towers for Kone,

Joe Broz Jr. and Kevin Driscoll at Bingham Building doing machine work for Thyssen,

Pat McCann and Chris Scholle doing a mod at Bishop Park Apartments for Thyssen,

Tim Moore and Matt Carlton installing and elevator at Hampton Inn for Schindler,

Jim Ehrbar and Rob Zadravec doing a mod at 645 Prospect for Thyssen,

Heath Kramer and Todd Ross doing service work at Severance for Kone,

Greg Seaman and Cory Ptak doing mod work at Richmond Park Apartments for Schindler,

Joe Sumph and Ryan Harger doing a mod at Home 2 Suites for Schindler,

Dave Gnagy and Brian Siether installing an elevator at Home Suites Hotel for Schindler,

Jeff Ford and Jean LaFontaine replacing drives at Progressive offices for Kone,

Kevin Thomas an Ed Gimmel at Parma International School installing an elevator for Thyssen,

Anthony Metcalf and Ken Eaton doing a mod at Coppertree Apartments for Thyssen.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Pete Nuncio who passed away September 28th.

As of this writing there are three apprentices and one mechanic on the bench.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

November ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

November 8th is election day. If you have even been marginally paying attention to what has been going on in the national political scene you know how crucial this election is to the future of the United States.

I started paying real attention to the candidates prior to the final planned set of party debates in June. When I looked at the five candidates left standing (Cruz, Kasich and Trump on the Right and Bernie and Hillary on the Left) I was mystified at what the electorate was seeing. What I saw was a Pompous Pontificator, a Quiet Man, a Wild RINO, a DINO and a Stand Up Woman. What we have left is a choice between the Wild RINO and the Stand Up Woman.

I spend a lot of my time reading English language news sources from outside the US (BBC, UK Daily Mail, CBC) to get a perspective on how the rest of the world sees us. In short the rest of the world looks to the United States to set an example for stability in an increasingly unstable world. President Obama has given the world a measured response to world crises and a steady hand on the ship of State. Has he been perfect? No. Was he my first choice in 2008 or 2012? No. Have I agreed with everything he’s done and the way he’s done it? Again, no. In 2012 I searched through the Republican candidates and the main reason they gave to vote for them was that they were not Barack Obama. Sorry, not good enough.

More times than not America makes the correct choice to sit behind the Resolute Desk. I pray that we will choose stability over bombast. The rest of the world prays for that too.

Local 17 is offering members three continuing education opportunities. First is a two-night class in CPR. Second is a scaffolding class which certifies the card holder as a Competent Person for the erection of frame scaffolding. The certificate is good for three years and must be renewed after that date by repeating the class. The class is authorized by the Scaffold and Access Industry Association in conjunction with NEIEP. If you are working construction or service and erect scaffolding, this class is a must. Finally, Local 17 is once again offering the welding class taught at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric. The 40-hour class gives the student the opportunity to obtain a 3G or 4G welding certification.

If you are interested in any of these classes, please contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

The Mandatory Meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers will be November 11th, December 9th and January 13th. You must call the hall prior to the meeting if you are not going to be attending. There is a $20 fine for non-attendance.

Where are they working?
John Patton is working in Akron doing retrofits and surveys for Kone,

Tom Gombar and Matt Hausler doing a jack at Emerick Apartments for Kone,

Jeff Ward and Nick Meyer doing a repack at Columbus Park for Thyssen,

Greg Seaman and Dan Varga installing elevators at the Cleveland Clinic Caner Center for Schindler,

Ken Bowles and Shane Duff doing a jack at Hillcrest Hospital for Otis,

Ryan Harger and Joe Sumph installing one car at Home Place Suites for Schindler,

Bob Meyer and Matt Harden installing one car at Loft Apartments for Kone,

Joe Broz, Jr. and Brandon Alley doing service work at Bishop Park Apartments for Thyssen,

Dave Gnagy and Brian Seither installing a hydro in Gates Mills for Schindler.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Ralph Sitko who passed away August 11. Ralph was a long time employee and adjuster for Schindler. He very briefly worked in the office as east side superintendent prior to retiring.

As of this writing there is one mechanic and one apprentice on the bench.

Until next month,

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

October ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

As I was sitting down to prepare to write this article, the latest edition of the Elevator Constructor crossed my desk with “Family is the Heart of the IUEC” arching over the International logo behind the skyline of host city Chicago. This got me thinking about exactly what it means to be a family.

When we are young, someone tells us “you can pick your friends but you can’t pick your family.” When we are children, this is true. We have parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and these days an array of extended step-relatives that form the nucleus of our family experience. We look to these people to define what it means to be us and learn from their example.

As we age through our teens and into our twenties our world expands to encompass those we meet through school, extracurriculars, work and the social circles we form. Most of these people will only momentarily pass through our life. They are like a comet arching across the night sky, great to observe but gone in a whisk. Every now and then we come across a person that so impacts us that the thought of not having them around is heretical. These people become our closest confidants, those we turn to when the world turns against us. At this point our “family” is no longer those we have a blood connection with, it becomes those we would bleed for without a second thought.

In my time as correspondent to this magazine, I have written extensively about my family. I’ve told about the joy of walking my daughters down the aisle, the pride of seeing my son graduate from the same college I did twenty years previous and how my sister made the last wish of our dying father a reality.

Much to her chagrin, I’ve written about my wife. She is by her nature a private person and whenever I write about her I hope I get to the mailbox first. I’ve shared some of our highs and lows in order to let everyone know that life is never Facebook Perfect. She is the reason I will take that 2 AM callback and then turn around and pull cables or push weights all day. She is the reason I get up every morning even when I am so sore I can’t stand up.

She is the reason I am still alive.

We who are intimately involved in the operations of a local can be very passionate in expressing our views about issues we encounter everyday. Be it the latest edict from one of our signatories, an unjustified disciplinary act, arguing over the local’s long term financial stability or attempting to organize a non-signatory those passions can and often do come to a boil.
We expand our individual social circle to include those we work or serve with and their spouses and children. We see them at golf outings, Christmas parties, retiree’s dinners, funerals and the bar before and after (and sometimes during) the meeting. We become fixtures at weekend hideaways, birthday or holiday celebrations and watch the children go from first steps to first dates.

We quietly steal each others keys and give a sick brother a ride home. We give a heads up and tell each other when to duck. We stand shoulder to shoulder and face those that would do us wrong and put a hand on a shoulder in support when the pain is too great to bear alone.

We argue, we fight, we drink, we laugh and sometimes we cry together. Just like a family. We drape the Charter in crepe, say a prayer and together make a final walk, six carrying one.

We are family.
Until next month,

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

September ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

There is a lot going on so lets get to it…

Another attempt is being made to turn Ohio in to a Right-to-Work-For-Less state. Ohio House Republican John Becker introduced HB 583 which provides pubic-sector workers the choice to opt out of union representation and paying dues. The introduction of this legislation came after the departure of Governor John Kasich from the presidential race and before the Republican National Convention held in Cleveland.

Business Manager Tim Moennich has sign up sheets for three continuing education opportunities: CPR, scaffolding and welding. The CPR class contains all the necessary training to receive your CPR card. This is a valuable skill that is good to have but, you hope you never have to use. The scaffolding class teaches the constructor all aspects of the SAIA curriculum needed to be considered a competent person when erecting frame scaffolding. The card is good for three years. Finally, Local 17 is once again offering the welding class through Lincoln Electric at their world headquarters in Euclid, Ohio. The class is 40 hours long over two weeks and offers the student the opportunity to earn a 3G or 4G welding certification. If you are interested in any of these offerings contact Tim at 216-431-8088 or TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

Schindler has exercised their right to hire a temporary helper in the company management training program. According to the contract, the company can hire no more than one temporary helper for a total of three to eighteen month duration with no more than one working per local per year. The company pays both the local and International $180 per month. The helper is currently working on the Erieview Tower modernization.

On September 3, the North Shore Federation of Labor will hold its 4th Annual Labor Day Festival at James Day (Nike) Park in Parma. The event is free and open to the public with events for children and adults and the cost is free.

Where are they working?

Dave Gnagy, John Brunner, Matt Carlton and Brian Seither installing three cars at Crocker Park for Schindler,

John Logue and Brian Bond doing service work at the Ritz-Carlton for Otis,

Shawn Yatsko and Ryan Todd doing a mod on the freight car at the Leader Building for Schindler,

Joe Sumph and Ryan Harger doing a mod at the Wyndham Hotel for Schindler,

Bill Yuhas and Kevin Driscoll doing a mod at Bohn Tower for Thyssen,

Matt Pinchot and Jason Saunders doing a two-car mod at Lamp Light Inn for Otis,

Bob Meyers and Chris DeJesus doing a mod at 25th Street Lofts for Kone,

Todd Ross and Heath Kramer doing escalator clean downs at Browns Stadium for Kone,

Ken Jung and Tim Gibbons doing a jack at Richmond Park Apartments for Schindler,

Don Kaiser and John Smith doing service work for Schindler,

Jeff Lindell and Chris Sipos doing escalator work at Tower City for Kone,

Tom Peska and Dan Varga installing cars at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center for Schindler,

Greg Miller and Jim Sinclair doing a mod at 1330 River Road for Maximum Elevator,

Jim Ehrbar and Rod Zadravec doing a two-car mod at 645 Prospect Parking Garage for Thyssen,

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the families of retired Brother Joseph Faber who passed away June 17th and Brother Rob Hansen whose mother passed away June 28th.

As of this writing the Local is at full employment.

Until next month,

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

August ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

As this copy of the Elevator Constructor goes to press, the IUEC is preparing for the 31st General Convention in Chicago. No one really knows what the outcome of the Convention will be on the issues that will be brought to the table for the next contract negotiation. I am sure that chief among them will be worker safety and resolutions brought by the locals to try and keep that in the forefront.

The only thing I hope for is that the collected wisdom of the 76 locals is embodied in the delegates chosen to attend and they lay a solid foundation for the work yet to come.

If all goes well, Local 17 will have three apprentices eligible for the mechanics test. It is by far the most nerve wracking and humbling experience you endure. It is also the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge of the trade you will ever have. Good luck to everyone.

For everyone else enrolled in class, your vacation ends on August 10.

American Income Life Insurance will be sending a letter attempting to solicit business from members of Local 17. Returning the card expressing interest in sitting down with a representative is not necessary to receive the benefits already assured to members of the local and their families. If you are interested in reviewing their offerings or are looking for supplemental insurance not available through your regular agent, then you may want to keep them in mind. It is your choice.

Whenever you are working on a job that will lat for more than two days, remember to call the hall at 216-431-8088.

It is time again for the IUEC Local 17 Annual Golf Outing. The event will be held at Emerald Woods Golf Course,12501 North Boone Road, Columbia Station on August 20th. Cost and tee times have not been announced. Watch this space and the local website, iueclocal17.org for more information.

Where are they working?

Dave Lehotan and Joel Reyes recabling at One Cleveland Center for Schindler,

Lloyd Parks and Josh Mitchell doing service work at the airport for Schindler,

Jim Rogers and Zack Lanum installing a car at the Hotel Indigo for Schindler,

Ken Jung and John Smith doing a jack at Richmond Park Apartments for Schindler,

Joe Broz, Jr. and Brandan Alley doing a mod at the Halle’s Parking Garage for Thyssen,

Tim Moore and Dion Yatsko installing two cars at Truth For Life for Schindler,

Matt Weingart and Sean Canning doing inspections at the Natural History Museum for Schindler,

Gary Thompson, Dave Craver, Ryan Todd and Robert Timko doing the mod at Erieview Tower for Schindler,

Jim Ehrbar and Chris DeJesus doing a mod at 648 Prospect Parking Garage for Thyssen,

Mike Miller and Patrick Kelly installing cars at American Greetings for Otis,

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

Bill Yuhas and Kevin Driscoll doing a mod at Bohn Tower for Thyssen, and

Tom Gombar and John Patton replacing travel cords in Bowling Green for Kone,
As of this writing the bench is clear.

Until next month,

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

June ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:
There is a lot going on so here we go…

On March 24th the application process for Local 17’s apprenticeship list closed with 253 people requesting applications. By the time this sees print, the interview and testing process should be complete and all those looking to become part of the best trade in the trades waiting for their slotting letter.

NEIEP is getting set to release a virtual hydraulic controller lab similar to the first person games available on gaming consoles. The purpose is to immerse the student in as close to an actual troubleshooting experience as possible. Students will be greeted by a virtual character that will explain the problem and leave it up to the students to troubleshoot the problem. The student will be able to move freely through the environment, use a meter and remove wires just as they would in a real life experience.

This virtual lab will be introduced in three phases. First as a classroom version that instructors can use as part of their classroom experience. The second will be a stand alone course that students can take at home and finally a version will be used as part of the practical assessment toward qualifying for the mechanics exam.

Please take a minute on your next work day to check that all the components of your personal fall arrest system are compatible and rated for the proper capacity. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor to obtain the proper equipment. It might just save your life.

With the 31st General Convention coming up in July and the current contract a little over a year away from negotiations, the International would like to remind everyone to start to save your money in the event there is a job action. You can never be too prepared.
Where are they working?

Drew Williams and Mark Carollo doing a two-car mod at Abbot Manor for Thyssen,

Mark Byram and Bill Sellers doing a three-car mod at Westbury Apartments for Schindler,

Jason Faber and Nick Meyer doing a door mod at Pleasant Lake Apartments for Thyssen,

Tom Kelly and Dave Adrian doing a jack at North Church Towers for Otis,

Jeff Ward and Brian Owens recabling at One Independence Place for Thyssen,

Don Knapik and Eric Crossgrove doing a door mod at National Terminal Warehouse for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Chris Scholle doing a six-car mod at Bishop Park Apartments for Thyssen,

Kevin Thomas and Ed Gimmel installing a car at Halle’s Warehouse for Thyssen,

Dave Lehotan and Ernesto Rodriguez doing a five-car mod at the Towers at Falling Waters for Schindler,

Joe Broz Jr. and Robert Connelly doing a mod at the Halle’s Parking Garage for Thyssen,

Matt Weingart and Jason Tischler working on escalators at the Hilton Hotel for Schindler,

Chris Wyatt and Robert Timko doing a two-car mod at Hill Rock Apartments for Schindler,

John Logue and Shane Huff doing a four-car mod at Metro General Hospital for Otis,

Darrell Scislo and Bob Brady doing cab work at the Drury Hotel for Otis,

Anthony Metcalf and Brandyn Alley doing a two-car mod at Lake West for Thyssen,

Gerard Szmerkovsky and Brian Horner installing an elevator at the Cleveland Clinic Avon for Otis,

Greg Seaman and John Smith doing repair work at the airport for Schindler,

John Patton and Tom Gombar dong repairs at Progressive Field for Kone,

Joe Sumph and Ryan Harger doing a two-car mod at Westerly Apartments for Schindler and,

Shawn Yatsko and Felix DeJesus working on a mod at Sherry Apartments for Schindler.
The Brothers and sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Larry Jarrett, Sr. who passed away March 10.

As of this writing the local is at full employment.

Until next month,

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

May ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

Happy May Day!

For years I’ve started the May article with this greeting and for years I’ve retold the stories of Germanic May Poles and the socialist coopting of the day. Even more important to labor is May 4,1886 and the events in Chicago’s Haymarket Square.

On Saturday, May 1, 60,000 Chicago area workers walked off the job in solidarity over an eight-hour work day. The event was so successful that the general strike continued on into Monday the 3rd. That afternoon Chicago police fired into the crowd of strikers in front of the McCormick Reaper Works killing several and wounding many more. That night a group of local anarchists printed leaflets calling for a rally the next afternoon in Haymarket Square to protest the massacre of the unarmed strikers.

The Haymarket rally was peaceful until the end when a bomb was tossed into the phalanx of police by “persons unknown.” In the confusion, police shot into the crowd killing and wounding many protesters including shooting other police officers.

After the police riot, the city was under martial law. Anarchist and labor halls were closed, hundreds rounded up, interrogated and held without charge and the city’s labor newspaper shut down by the Mayor. The mainstream press blamed the eight-hour movement for the bloodshed. As a result the eight-hour day did not become law until the enactment of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

Eight of the organizers were arrested and convicted of the resulting riot and bloodshed even though their indictment acknowledged that the bomb had been “thrown by an unknown person” but alleged that the thrower had been “aided, abetted and encouraged” by the anarchists. Seven were sentenced to death and one to 15 years in prison. Two later had their sentence commuted to life in prison. One died on the eve of his execution by either his own hand or was assassinated by police. The final four were hanged using ropes that were too short for the task assuring they would be slowly and excruciatingly suffocated to death.

So… all this over an eight hour work day. The next time one of your anti-labor friends spews corporate babble ask them if they like their eight hour day. Then remind them of the organized men whose blood ran the streets red.

This is our heritage. These are our heroes.

There is still time to get your reservation in for the Annual Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner to be held on May 20th at Frank Sterle’s Slovenian House Restaurant, 1401 East 55th Street. Festivities start at 5:30 with food served at 6:30. All members, active and retired, are invited to attend. The cost at the door is $30 for active members and retirees are free. Contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

Where are they working?

Joe Broz Jr. and John Connelly doing a mod at the Halle’s Parking Garage for Thyssen,

Tom Peska, Matt Weingart, Jason Tischler and Daniel Varga doing escalator work at the Hilton Hotel for Schindler,

Leon Oullette and Tim Gibbons repairing water damage at CSU for Schindler,

Greg Seaman and John Smith doing a door mod at Playhouse Square Parking for Schindler,

Kevin Thomas and Ed Gimmel installing an elevator at Halle’s Warehouse for Thyssen,

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

Bill Yuhas and Ken Eaton installing a traction car at Bohn Tower for Thyssen,

Bob Meyer and Matt Harden installing an elevator at Case Western Reserve for Kone,

Jeff Ward and Eric Radanovich doing a jack at Columbus Park for Thyssen.
As of this writing the bench is clear and Local 17 has 24 probationary apprentices working.

Until next month,

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

April ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

Work is great here in Cleveland with almost all employers bringing on probationaries to help out with the flush of work before the Republicans arrive in July. There is also a backlog of work that will carry most of the companies deep into the winter. Needless to say, this is not a good time to be an elevator constructor… it is a GREAT time to be an elevator constructor.

As the year progresses to the November general election, pay very close attention to what the candidates you are following say about their commitment to organized labor and issues like PLA’s, right-to-work-for-less legislation and public employee bargaining rights. This is not a Democrat versus Republican argument, it is a pro-organized labor versus anti-organized labor argument. The historical context of the changing stances of both major parties would take a significant amount of space to fully explain. Suffice it to say, that many legislators at every level identify themselves as a D or R simply to be electable in the districts where they live.

If your legislator has a different party affiliation but votes pro-labor, why not support them? Conversely, if your candidate speaks in favor of anti-labor initiatives, why support someone that is going to do you and your family economic harm? I personally know that sometimes it is very hard to pull the lever for an opposing parties candidate but, given the choice between someone that will advance or retard the labor movement, I will always choose pro-labor.

On Friday, May 20th, Local 17 is honoring its retired members at Frank Sterle’s Slovenian Restaurant, 1401 East 55th Street, Cleveland at the Annual Retirees Dinner. Refreshments start at 5:30 pm and dinner is served at 6:30 pm. The cost remains at $30 per person and will include a family style dinner. For more information, please contact Entertainment Chairman Bill Yuhas or Business Manager Tim Moennich no later than May 1st to secure your spot at this always well attended event.

Any Local 17 member wishing to submit a resolution to the 31st General Convention in July must have their resolution submitted to Tim as soon as possible. The deadline for resolutions to be submitted to the International is Tuesday, April 12, 2016. You can email your resolution to Tim at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 880 is asking the support of all Local 17 and Cleveland area union members to not shop at non-signatory companies such as Marc’s, Walgreen’s, BJ’s, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Save-A-Lot and Aldi’s. UFCW Local 880 recommends supporting organized brothers and sisters by shopping at Giant Eagle, Heinen’s, Dave’s, Acme, Zagara’s and CVS. For a list of all signatories email UFCW@ufcwlocal880.org.
Where are they working?

John Goggin and Mike Hogan cabling at the Akron Center for Schindler,

Joe Sumph and Ryan Harger doing a mod at Westerly Apartments for Schindler,

Bill Yuhas and Ken Eaton installing a hydro at NGD Warehouse for Thyssen,

Don Knapik and Leon Oullette at 820 Superior doing water damage repair for Schindler,

Bob Myer and Matt Harden at Case Western Reserve University dong a one-car dos for Thyssen,

Dave Francis and Matt Carlton installing a car at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Building for Schindler,

Todd Kemp and Lemroy Hurd removing escalators at Halle’s for Thyssen,

John Larson and Greg Seaman doing a door mod at Playhouse Square Parking Garage for Schindler,

Matt Weingart and Jayson Tischler working on escalators at the Hyatt Hotel for Schindler,

Shawn Yatsko and Felix DeJesus doing a mod at Sherry Park Apartments for Schindler,

John Patton and Tom Gombar doing escalator clean downs for Kone,

Gary Thompson and Ryan Todd at the State Theater doing a one-car mod for Schindler,

Matt Pinchot and Brian Bond doing a two-car mod at Willis Arena for Otis,

Steve Kemp and Tim Gibbons doing pit structure repair for Schindler.
Until next month,

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

March ’16 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

In northeast Ohio, we have been very fortunate this winter. The weather has been unusually mild and, with the exception of a two week span, our temperatures have stayed above freezing. This offered those on construction or those of us exposed to the elements a welcome respite from the potential problems brought on by the bone-chilling cold.

I’ve been working a lot of jobs in downtown Cleveland lately and those men, women and children who call the alleys, dumpsters, parking garages and public spaces home do not have the luxury of a nightly respite in the way of a hot shower, cup of coffee or heaping plate of comfort food to warm them. Whether they are there by choice, accident or confluence of unfortunate fate, their presence is a constant reminder of the fragility of existence.

There are services available to those in need. The county offers resources through the Cuyahoga County Homeless Services. Their coordinated intake center on Lakeside Avenue is the front door to a safe place to sleep or placement in a shelter. Secondly, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless offers outreach and volunteer opportunities for those needing assistance or those offering that assistance. If neither of these resonate with you, a quick search can come up with other options.

We are very blessed to be doing what we do. It does not take a lot to make a small corner of our world just a little bit better.

The International has advised employees of signatory companies in general and ThyssenKrupp in particular to not “activate, test or use wireless remote runs stations for any employer” due to safety concerns with interference from other sources. If there are any questions or concerns about this, please contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org for clarification.

If you know of anyone that is interested in applying for a spot on the apprenticeship list, please keep your eye on the local’s website, iueclocal17.org, for updates on when the application process will begin.

At the January meeting the members voted to increase the dues to $625 per quarter. With the exception of a few apprentices that were grandfathered into the old progressive dues system, all members will be paying the same amount.

The new IRS milage rate for business use of your personal car is 54 cents per mile. Please make sure your company is paying this correctly.

The Executive Board has instructed probationary apprentices to charge the company $2 per day for the business use of their personal phones. If the company will not pay, then leave them at home.

Where are they working? Here’s where…

Jeff Lindell, Brendan Hyland, Chris Sipso and Joel Reyes working on escalators at the Terminal Tower for Kone,

Mike Miller, Matt Page, Pat Kelly and Justin Craine at American Greetings for Otis,

Bill Sellers and Chris Wyant doing a two car dos at Hill Rock for Schindler,

Shawn Yatsko and Chris DeJesus doing a mod at Sherry Park for Schindler,

Bob Brady and Dave Adrian doing a jack at Polaris Vocational Center for Otis,

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

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

Joe Simcic and Craig Nolty at the Thistledown expansion for Otis,

Scott Hicks and Mac Carollo installing six cars at the Cleveland Clinic for Schindler,

Matt Weingart and Jason Tischler installing a car at Oberlin Inn for Schindler.
The Brothers of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Bob Lunt who passed away Christmas Day.

As of this writing the bench is clear.

Until next month

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net