Category: Articles

Brothers and Sisters:

On January 29, new NEIEP Area Coordinator Wally Wuelling attended a mandatory meeting at the hall to introduce himself to the apprentices and instructors as well as answer questions about the program.  The biggest issue was the on going problems with the NEIEP servers and their ability to log the OJT hours required to be reported by the apprentices.  Wuelling’s message was that until the issues at NEIEP were resolved to use the paper tickets to report hours worked.  Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. added that once the system was running, apprentices should input their time unless the outage continued longer than expected in which case paper tickets would be accepted.

As reported last month, the six apprentices eligible for the Mechanics Exam are fully involved in the review course taught by Rick Myers.  Testing is done through Prometrics, a company specializing in administering standard tests, at their facility.  The review class is six weeks long and it is recommended that apprentices schedule their test as soon as possible after the review.

Retired Brother John Taylor is preparing to teach a class in AC motor starters.  The class covers the three methods of starting and running a motor (across the line, wye-delta and soft start).  While we are seeing the first two options decrease in scope and soft starts take over the industry, it is still very important to understand the underlying principles of their operation.  If you are interested in this or any other continuing education class, contact John at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

The IUEC Local 17 Volunteer Organizing Committee (VOC) held a meeting to discuss actions involving LMHA awarding a two-car modernization to Findlay-based non-signatory Davis-Newcomer Elevator.  A variety of options were discussed as well as a coordinated effort with Local 44 (Toledo) similar to the successful campaign with Local 45 (Akron) which brought Gable Elevator into the fold. 

Oracle Elevator, a Florida-based non-signatory, recent purchase of an automatic entrance company specializing in hotel and office building entrances brings them a step closer to Cleveland.  Their announced plan is to use their elevator technicians to install these entrances which gives them a possible toe-hold in markets outside where they currently service.

In the past, members of the Cleveland building trades have been highly cooperative in reporting to the elevator constructors any outside non-signatories seen on jobs.  The list of signatory companies is at the end of this article.  If you see a company that is not listed, please call Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. at the number above.

The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send condolences to Brothers Dan Varga and Tony Karovich who both lost their fathers in January.

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

Brothers and Sisters:

As in years past, Local 17 will be participating in the Cleveland Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.  

In Ohio, this is also primary election day.  I not only encourage all members and their families to attend the parade but, remind you that the basis of our democracy is built on participation in the process of electing our representatives.  This requires a sound knowledge of issues and candidates at all levels of government, not just those on the national level.  

It may be popular to look to bombastic characters and believe that is leadership.  We make our money from those that support the issues we believe in:  prevailing wages, right to organize and a strong pension plan.   These form a core that gives organized labor the ability to expand and families the ability to actually thrive.  I also caution you to watch for wedge issues:  abortion, gun rights, national security, immigration, patriotism, etcetera.  These are used to confuse issues and provide cover for those whose motives are not in our best interest.

In short… vote smart.

Congratulations to Brothers Marc Carollo, Chris Cook, Jacob Mullet, Joel Reyes, Chris Sipos and Rob Zadravec for completing their NEIEP apprenticeship and being eligible for the Mechanics Exam.  Rick Meyers is willing to teach the six-week mechanics review course. Please take advantage of this important opportunity.

On January 29th, new Local 17 NEIEP Area Coordinator Wally Wuelling held an all apprentice meeting at the hall to give an overview of the coming school year.  Wuelling talked about the changes to the curriculum and what is currently going on with the apprenticeship program.

Where are they working?

DJ Spring, Deven Shields, Al Ward, Pat Kelly, Brandyn Alley and Joe Simcic installing three cars at the Lumen for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Dan Koprowski at Tremont Animal Clinic installing one car for Otis,

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

John Logue and Pat Pollock at Lutheran Hospital doing a mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Andrea Rodriguez at Landmark parking garage doing a two car mod for Otis,

Jerry Szmerekovsky, Jack Finucan, Ken Bowles and Shane Huff at Chestnut Lake Apartments doing a mod for Otis,

Dave Gnagy and Matt Carlton at Kingspath doing a two-car mod for Schindler,

Joe Sumph and Brian Owens doing a mod at Four Seasons in Beachwood for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Rob Timko doing a mod at Erieview for Schindler,

Shaun Yatsko and Dan Varga at the Rose Building doing a mod for Schindler,

Mark Byram, Ryan Todd, Andrew Johnson, Matt Weingart, Gary Thompson and Brandon Light at Penton Media doing a mod for Schindler,

Cris DeJesus, Lucas Jenke and a team from Texas doing escalator mods at Progressive Field for Schindler,

Brian Bond and Brian Siether doing a three-car mod at the Commodore for Schindler,

Tom Peska and Jay Schaffer finishing a mod at Medical Mutual in Brooklyn for Schindler,

Drew Williams, Joel Reyes, Brendan Hyland and Russell Barrows at May Company doing a mod for Kone,

Bob Myer and James Hirz cabling at Tower City for Kone,

Todd Ross and Morgan Armstrong doing a mod at the Bowery Building in Akron for Kone,

Bill Dudas and Tony Kuhn doing a two car mod at Parkside Towers for Thyssen,

Anthony Metcalf, Sean Canning, Tim Narowitz and Matt Harden doing a mod at Columbus Park Apartments for Thyssen,

Json Fredricks and Chris Sipos doing a mod at Victoria Plaza for Thyssen,

Chris Scholle and Mike Ross at Villa San Bernardo installing a car for Thyssen,

Scott Hicks and Tin Chaibai at the Brantley Building installing a seven-stop traction for Gable and,

Matt Hausler and Kyle Meyer doing a mod at Lakewood Center North for Gable.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Earl Moriarty who passed away December 23rd.

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

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

On January 29th, NEIEP Area Coordinator Wally Wuelling did a short presentation to all of the apprentices on the changes for the upcoming semester.  NEIEP has gone to a fully online system of submitting on the job training hours.  As of the meeting there was a system issue with the submissions but, NEIEP IT is working on solving the issue.  Until then, all apprentices will need to submit paper tickets for their OJT time.

Brothers Lucas Jenke, Tim Narowitz and Jerry Reitz are teaching RC500, RC600, RC700 and RC800 for the spring semester.  We also had a 100 percent pass rate for the apprentices for the fall semester.

Congratulations to Brothers Marc Carollo, Chris Cook, Jacob Mullet, Joel Reyes, Chris Sipos and Rob Zadravec for completing their NEIEP Apprenticeship.  They are now eligible for the mechanics review course again being taught by Rick Meyers.  This is a great opportunity to ask questions of one of the best instructors in the trade.  Take full advantage of the opportunity.

Retired Brother John Taylor is willing to teach the AC Motor and Starter class.  This continuing education offering covers across the line, wye-delta and soft start applications.  It is a very important class for all who work in repair or maintenance and need to service these starting options.  If you are interested in this offering, contact Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

Recently there have been issues with zone pay and the call back lists.  With zone pay, there has been an expense agreement in force in Cleveland for 40 years.  While many field personnel may interpret it differently, if you turn in expenses you are entitled to, the company will pay it.  If you have any questions, call John at the hall.  On the issue of the callback list, companies have the right to put all employees in Contract Service as defined by the contract on the list.  This includes repair mechanics as well as the normal maintenance route personnel.  The key factor is that each company has to come up with a system that works for them and their customers.  While this may cause some issues, if you find yourself with an issue, talk to your superintendent and John to find a solution. 

IUEC Local 17 sends condolences to the family of retired Brother Earl Moriarty who passed away December 23rd.

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

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Brothers and Sisters:

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

Brother Mike Miller is a member of Otis’ Local 17 Field Associate Safety Team (FAST), a committee of field members who discuss safety concerns.  Miller recently attended the first national FAST Council meeting in Atlanta with field employees from across the country, Otis managers and Mike Langer from the IUEC safety Committee.  The group discussed near-miss situations, considered a system to track hazards and resolution of those hazards.

By now apprentices will have their spring class assignments and should be ready to settle into their studies.  For those who are closing in on their Mechanics Exam, it is never too soon to start preparing for the test.  One piece of advice is to begin with the RC class you found the most challenging, go over the material until you feel comfortable and then move on through the curriculum.  Ask questions about the material, seek out the answers and think about how it applies to the work you and your coworkers do every day.  This will help cement the concepts in your mind and make applying them to your work and the exam easier.

Local 17 held its annual Children’s Christmas Party December 14th at the hall.  This is always a well attended event and this year was no exception.  There was a magician, music by a string trio and, of course, a visit from Santa.  For more photos of the event, go to the Local’s website, iueclocal17.org.

Where are they working?

DJ Spring, Deven Shields, Al Ward, Pat Kelly, Brandyn Alley and Joe Simcic installing three cars at the Lumen for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Dan Koprowski at Tremont Animal Clinic installing one car for Otis,

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

John Logue and Pat Pollock at Lutheran Hospital doing a mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Andrea Rodriguez at Landmark Parking Garage doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Dave Gnagy and Matt Carlton at Kingspath doing a two-car mod for Schindler,

Joe Sumph and Brian Owens doing a mod at Castlewood Apartments for Schindler,

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

Shawn Yatsko and Dan Varga at the Rose Building doing a mod for Schindler,

Mark Byram, Andy Mesko, Ryan Todd, Andrew Johnson, Matt Weingart and Aaron Reed at AECOM doing a 15-car mod for Schindler,

Cris DeJesus, Lucas Janke and a team from Texas doing the escalator mod at Progressive Field for Schindler,

Brian Bond and Brian Siether doing a three-car mod at The Commodore for Schindler,

Tom Peska and Jay Schaffer finishing the Medical Mutual job in Brooklyn for Schindler,

Drew Williams, Joel Reyes, Bob Meyer, James Hirz, Brendan Hyland and Russel Barrows at May Company doing a mod for Kone,

John Patton and Tim Moore doing escalator clean downs at Rocket Mortgage Field House for Kone,

John Goggin and Chris Cook changing a bearing at PNC for Schindler,

Todd Ross and Morgan Armstrong doing a mod at the Bowery Building in Akron for Kone,

Bill Dudas and Tony Kuhn doing a two-car mod at Parkside Towers for Thyssen,

Tim Narowitz and Matt Harden doing  a mod at Enterprise Place for Thyssen,

Jason Fredrick and Chris Sipos doing a mod at Victoria Plaza for Thyssen,

Kevin Thomas and Sean Canning installing a car at The Drury Hotel for Thyssen,

Chris Scholle and Mike Ross at CMSD West Side High School installing a car for Thyssen,

Scott Hicks and Tin Chaibai at Arial on Broadway doing a two-car mod for Gable and

Matt Hausler and Kyle Meyer doing a mod at Lakewood Center North for Gable.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to Brother Bill Lynsky whose mother passed away December 13.

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

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net