Category: Articles

Current Constructor and Citizen articles

February ’23 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and Sisters:

The Spring semester started the last week of January and will run for the next 18 weeks through June.  Those apprentices enrolled in RC500 will be doing a Practical Exam which is part of your Mechanics Exam score.  Treat the Practical with the same seriousness you would your Exam.  

The welding class started February 2 and will run on Thursdays for 10 weeks at the headquarters of Lincoln Electric.  The probationaries and apprentices in the welding class will be in school two days per week for the first ten weeks of the semester.  

As part of the new contract, mechanics passing the Exam after July 9, 2022 must complete eight hours of Continuing Education credits through NEIEP every year in order to receive their January 1 raise.  Any mechanic taking the education will be paid eight hours through NEIEP after completion.  This includes any grandfathered mechanic.  The portal is on the NEIEP homepage, neiep.org.

Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill making elevator licensing in Ohio a reality.  This has been a multisession effort by signatory companies and the International to make this a reality.  The nine-member Elevator Safety Review Board will be appointed by the Governor and is about nine months from taking effect.  This places elevator constructors  on the same level as other trades and professionals in the eyes of the State.

Local 17 members will be able to pay second quarter dues by credit card through Unionly, a payment processor.  There will be a 4 percent surcharge on top of your dues payment to use the service.  Dues will still be payable through traditional methods.  Expect more information on the Locals website, iueclocal17.org, as the service rolls out.

Payroll still is an issue with the major companies.  12 Otis employees did not get their January 1 raise.  The issue was apparently resolved and the employees made whole.  

Business Manager John Driscoll Jr has advised members who do not receive their pay on time to contact him so each instance can be resolved in a timely and appropriate manner.  This has happened a few times over the past year and the member has been paid every time.  If you have any questions about your pay contact John at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the families of retired Brother Carl Metzger and City of Cleveland Inspector Andy Valek.

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

February ’23 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and Sisters:

The first week of spring semester is underway with Jerry Reitz teaching RC300, Tim Narowitz teaching and RC500 and Don Knapik teaching RC800.  

NEIEP Area Coordinator Jordan Miller is trying to organize a welding class at Lincoln Electric.  The main push is due to the Sherwin Williams headquarters project coming out of the ground and Schindler wanting as many certified welders as possible on the job.  Watch your email for updates from Business Manager John Driscoll Jr.

The Local 17 Executive Board voted to renew the Accidental Death and Dismemberment Policy with American Income Life.  A letter will be sent out on Local 17 letterhead offering this to members of the Local.  This is a voluntary offering and no member is required to respond in order to be covered by the ADD policy.  Returning the enclosed card will result in a call made by a representative of AIL to offer additional insurance products.  If you have any questions, contact John at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

Work is slow right now with Otis and Schindler having material delivery problems.  TKElevator, Kone and 3Phase appear to be steady but not busy enough to pick up anyone.  Otis and 3Phase have Akron mechanics finishing jobs and will be asked to return to Local 45 after they are completed.

Where are they working:

DJ Spring  and Deven Shields doing a one-car mod at Eton on Chagrin Boulevard,

Jim Thompson and Matt Dinko at Metro Critical Care Pavilion doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Shane Huff and Luke Schnitzler doing a one-car mod at Crestmont North Nursing Home for Otis,

Ken Bowles and John Ranney doing a two-car mod at Fairview Hospital for Otis, 

Nick Ward and Pat McHough at CCF Mentor installing four cars for Otis,

Pat Kelly and Cory Oldham installing a car at Lubrizol for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Brendan Teets at Meridian doing a three-car mod for Otis,

Bill Sellers and Joe Walter changing out a machine at Schofield for Schindler,

Tom Peska and Matt Ramser installing a car at Battery Park on West 70th for Schindler,

Shawn Yatsko and Brandon Light at Euclid Beach Club doing a two-car mod for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Brian Seither at Winton Manor doing a three-car mod for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing door mods at Cleveland Clinic Beachwood for Schindler,

Matt Weingart, Lucas Janke, Joe Sumph, Aaron Reed, Mike Bowles and Tito Mike doing mods at UH for Schindler,

Dave Gnagy and Jay Carlson installing a car at Fairmount Condos for Schindler,

Dan Varga and Jarrett Adams at Euclid 3 doing a two-car mod for Schindler,

Joe Gauker and Eric Schaffran installing twelve cars at Ahuja for Kone,

Brendan Hyland, James Hirz, Russell Barrows, Jake Driscoll and Mark Thomason at Artisan installing three 23-stop cars for Kone, 

Tim Narowitz, Vince Smrdel, Chris Sipos and John Smith at Bratenhal II doing a four-car mod for TK,

Anthony Metcalf and Christian Thompson doing a one-car mod at UH Geauga for TK,

Bill Dudas and Chad Nestor doing a one-car mod at Randall Park Apartments for TK,

Jason Fredrick and Brad Skotko doing a one-car mod at Marine Tower West for TK,

Kevin Thomas and Sean Canning installing one car at Parma Self Storage for TK

Mitch Klemp and Brian Owens at Shaker Court Condos doing a mod for 3Phase,

Marc Carollo and Dan Quigley at River Park Apartments doing a two-car mod for 3Phase,

Wing Lui and Justin Kavedzic at Cellular Technology doing a mod for 3Phase and,

Jim Ehrbar and Tino Chaibai doing a two-car mod at Chelsea Apartments for 3Phase.

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

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

Dknapik@windstream.net

January ’23 Labor-Citizen

Photos from the 2022 IUEC Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party are available on the Local’s website, iueclocal17.org.  This was the first party since Covid and was enjoyed by all.

The first week of the spring semester is Monday, January 30th.  There will be a mandatory orientation meeting the week prior for all students, instructors and members of the JATC in attendance.  Jerry Reitz will be teaching RC300 on Monday and Tuesday, Tim Narowitz RC500 on Tuesday and Wednesday with Don Knapik teaching RC800 on Thursday.

NEIEP Area Coordinator Jordan Miller is trying to set up a welding class at Lincoln Electric one night per week class for eight weeks for participants to gain G3 and G4 certification.  Watch you email inbox for more information from Business Manager John Driscoll Jr.  If you have any questions, you can contact him at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

HB107, the state elevator licensing bill, was voted 8-0 out of committee and headed to the Senate floor.  The bill would require licensing of all elevator technicians in the state of Ohio and that everyone working on elevator and escalators be licensed to do so.  This is a similar requirement as other trades and professionals have to comply in order to work. 

The Local 17 Executive Board voted to renew the Accidental Death and Dismemberment Policy with American Income Life.  A letter will be sent out on Local 17 letterhead offering this to members of the Local.  This is a voluntary offering and no member is required to respond in order to be covered by the ADD policy.  Returning the enclosed card will result in a call made by a representative of AIL to offer additional insurance products.  

Work is slow right now with Otis and Schindler having material delivery problems.  TKElevator, Kone and 3Phase appear to be steady but not busy enough to pick up anyone.  Otis and 3Phase have Akron mechanics finishing jobs and will be asked to return to Local 45 after they are completed.

All 2022 vacation days must be reported to the Hall no later than January 31st.  Probationaries and all new members sworn in this year are exempt.

Congratulations to Brothers Dave Ford, Pat Kelly, Todd Kemp and Ernie Rodriguez who are taking over the Local offices of Conductor, Vice-President, Entertainment Chairman and Warden respectively.  They were sworn in at the January 13th mandatory meeting.

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

January ’23 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and Sisters:

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

Photos from the 2022 Children’s Christmas Party held December 10th at the hall are now available on the Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org.  This is the first party since the pandemic and, as always, was a great time for parents and children.  

There will be 40 apprentices in the spring semester NEIEP classes.  Jerry Reitz will be teaching RC300 on Monday and Tuesday, Tim Narowitz will teach RC500 on Tuesday and Wednesday and Don Knapik will teach RC800 on Thursday.

All enrolled apprentices should have received their class assignments.  Also, all new apprentices to the program will be receiving a laptop to use in class.  If you have any questions about your class assignment, day or have not received your laptop, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

Local 17 is planning a welding class between the fall and spring semesters at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric in Euclid.  Any mechanic or apprentice interested must first complete an online prep course on the NEIEP website, neiep.org.  If you have any questions, contact John at the hall.

The January 13, 2023 meeting is a mandatory meeting for the installation of officers.  Those without a valid reason for not attending will be fined.

Where are they working:

DJ Spring and Deven Shields doing a one-car mod at Eton on Chagrin for Otis

Jim Thompson and Matt Dinko at Metro Critical Care Pavilion doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Shane Huff and Luke Schnitzler doing a one-car mod at Crestmont North Nursing Home for Otis,

Ken Bowles and John Ranney doing a two-car mod at Fairview Hospital for Otis,

Nick Ward and Pat McHugh at CCF Mentor installing four cars for Otis,

Pat Kelly and Cory Oldham installing a car at Lubrizol for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Brendan Teets at Meridian doing a three-car mod for Otis,

Bill Sellers and Joe Walter changing out a machine at Schofield for Schindler,

Tom Peska and Matt Ramser installing a car at Battery Park on West 70th for Schindler,

Shawn Yatsko and Brandon Light at Euclid Beach Club doing a two-car mod for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Brian Seither at Winton Manor doing a three-car mod for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing door mods at Cleveland Clinic Beachwood for Schindler,

Matt Weingart, Lucas Janke, Joe Sumph, Aaron Reed, Mike Bowles and Tito Mike doing mods at UH for Schindler,

Dave Gnagy and Jarrett Adams installing one car at Fairmount Condos for Schindler,

Joe Gauker and Eric Schaffran installing 12 cars at Ahuja for Kone,

James Hirz, Russell Barrows, Brendan Hyland and Jake Driscoll at The Artisan on East 106th and Chester installing three 23-stop cars for Kone,

Tim Narowitz, Vince Smrdel, Chris Sipos and John Smith at Bratenhal II doing a four-car mod for TKElevator,

Anthony Metcalf and Christian Thompson doing a one-car mod at UH Geauga for TKElevator,

Bill Dudas and Chad Nestor doing a one-car mod at Randall Park Apartments for TKElevator,

Jason Fredrick and Brad Skotko doing a one-car mod at Marine Tower West for TKElevator,

Kevin Thomas and Sean Canning installing one car at Parma Self Storage for TKElevator,

Mitch Klemp and Brian Owens at Shaker Professional doing a mod for 3Phase,

Marc Carollo and Dan Quigley at Center for Pastoral Care doing a mod for 3Phase,

Wing Lui and Justen Kavedzic at 20521 Chagrin Boulevard doing a mod for 3Phase,

Jim Ehrbar and Tino Chaibai doing a two-car mod at Chelsea Apartments for 3Phase.

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

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

December ’22 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and Sisters:

At the November meeting, Sister Andrea Rodriguez reported on her and her husband Ernesto’s attendance at the Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference held in Las Vegas October 28 through 30.  Sister Rodriguez talked about the common themes of union involvement, encouraging women to enter the trades and the challenges they face once there.  Speakers included North American Building Trade Unions President Sean McGarvey, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and AFL-CIO President Liz Schuler, a former IBEW electrician.   

When IUEC Sisters in attendance started discussing forming a women’s group within the International, the IBEW’s Affinity Program, which offers a variety of services to all members not just women, became a better option.  “Learning about the IBEW’s success with such a group was enlightening and encouraging” said Rodriguez.  “Anything that helps the IUEC at any level makes it worth attending.”

IUEC Local 17 hosted the 2022 Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, December 10 at 1 PM.  While members and their families brought baked goods, soft drinks and entertainment featuring a magician as well as a visit from everyones favorite elf were supplied by the Local.  This is the first party since the pandemic and, as always, will be a great time for parents and children.  Photos from the event are available on the Local’s website, iueclocal17.org.

Local 17 has the largest apprentice class in years this spring with 40 students enrolled.   Jerry Reitz will be teaching RC300 on Monday and Tuesday, Tim Narowitz will teach RC500 on Tuesday and Wednesday and Don Knapik will teach RC800 on Thursday.  Classes are scheduled to begin the first week of February with an orientation class the last week of January.  

If you have any questions about your class assignment, day or if you are new to the program and have not received your laptop, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

Local 17 is planning a welding class between the fall and spring semesters at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric in Euclid.  This is a two-week, 40 hour class which gives the participant the opportunity to earn a 3G or 4G welding certification.  If you are working construction or repair and do not have this certification, regardless of your mechanic or apprentice status, you are encouraged to take this class.

Any mechanic or apprentice interested must first complete an online prep course on the NEIEP website, neiep.org, and select their size of welding gear.  If you have any questions, contact John at the hall.

The December 9, 2022 and January 13, 2023 meetings are mandatory meetings for the election and installation of officers.  Those without a valid reason for not attending will be fined.

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

December ’22 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and Sisters:

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

The 2022 Children’s Christmas Party will be held Saturday, December 10 at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue.  The event starts at 1 pm and the highlight is, as always, a visit from Santa Claus to pass out gifts to all the children 12 and younger.  

The spring school semester looks to be a packed house as Local 17 will have 37 apprentices in class.  The RC courses have yet to be determined for the group but, orientation will be the last week of January while classes start the first week of February.

John Taylor will be teaching the AC motor class and the hydraulic valve course after the first of the year.  These are two Continuing Education classes that do a deep dive into subjects that are touched upon in the regular NEIEP curriculum.  The motor class covers how an AC motor works, both across the line and wye-delta starting along with a section on soft starts.  The JATC is also looking at doing another welding class between the fall and spring semesters at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric in Euclid, Ohio.  If you are interested in any of these offerings contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

All quarterly work cards are to be picked up from the hall by the first day of the quarter.  If you want your card to be mailed to you, include an SASE with your dues payment.  

The 36 story, one million square foot Sherwin-Williams headquarters project going up on Public Square will be done with a Project Labor Agreement ensuring that the 4000 construction jobs on the project will all be union labor.  

Otis has picked up a considerable amount of work recently and has three out of town teams working construction.  Schindler laid off a mechanic and is threatening layoffs in the future while TK Elevator and KONE are keeping their crews working steady.  KONE has said they expect the first quarter of 2023 to be the start of a very busy time for them.  3Phase has a good amount of work on the books with one team from Akron working in the Cleveland jurisdiction. 

Schindler has been having problems processing pay checks in Cleveland and the region.  AGP Bender sent emails to the affected areas and the issue was corrected in a short time.  If you were shorted or have continuing issues with your pay, contact your administrator and superintendent but also let John know an issue exists.

The six probationaries in Group 1 all should have received raises to 55%.  Also, all the Local 17 apprentices should have received their raises as long as they completed and passed two semesters of school.

The Members Assistance Plan is a benefit for IUEC members and their families that cover a variety of issues from weight management, financial planning assistance, smoking cessation, and counseling for a variety of issues.  The phone call is confidential.  Information is available from John at the hall or through the link on the Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org.

Congratulations to Brad Skotko on being sworn in at the October meeting.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Brother Chris Boggess who passed away October 7.

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

November ’22 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and Sisters:

The IUEC Local 17 Annual Children’s Christmas Party will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 1 pm a the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue.  Children up to and including 12 years old will receive gifts.  Members are asked to bring baked goods to the event.  Beverages will be provided. 

Local 17 will hold mandatory meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers November 18 and December 9, 2022 and January 13, 2023 at the hall starting at 6 pm.  Those not in attendance without a valid excuse will be fined by the Executive Board.  Please note the normal meeting date of November 11 has been changed to November 18 due to the Veterans Day holiday.

Spring semester will have 37 apprentices attending class, one of the largest classes in many years.  Orientation will the the last week of January 2023 with classes starting the first week of February.  Business Manager John Driscoll Jr will be mailing class assignments to each apprentice after the final make up of those classes is determined.  

John Taylor will be teaching the AC motor class as well as the hydraulic valve course after the first of the year. Each class goes in-depth to the subject and are good for new and experienced mechanics to refresh their knowledge or add new perspectives to those areas of knowledge.  

In order to facilitate the apprentices, Local 17 is looking into planning a welding class at Lincoln Electric between the fall and spring semester.  The course offers the opportunity to test for a 3G vertical and 4G overhead welding certification and is offered in partnership between NEIEP and Lincoln Electric.

If you are interested in these or any other offerings, contact John at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org. 

If you are an apprentice in line for a pay increase and did not receive it or have questions about when you are eligible for a raise, contact John at the hall.  

Otis currently has the most steady work in our area with three out-of-town teams doing construction.  Schindler is leveling off after laying off one mechanic while TK and KONE are holding steady at the moment.  3Phase has a good amount of work on the books and one Akron team working in our Local. 

Congratulations to Brad Skotko on being sworn in at the October meeting.

The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Brother Chris Boggess who passed away October 4.

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

November ’22 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and Sisters:

At the September meeting, IUEC Organizer Steve Simpson gave an update on organizing efforts in Ohio on Florida-based Oracle Elevator and Davis-Newcomer.  Findlay-based non-signatory Davis-Newcomer has been spotted working in the area mostly on modernizations and is currently the most significant threat in the jurisdiction.  They are slated to be starting a modernization at CMHA Apthorp Tower next year.  This job will be a focus of the Volunteer Organizing Committee.

Organizing efforts have been successful in limiting and reversing Oracle’s growth in Ohio throughout the pandemic.  According to Simpson, Oracle has taken a severe beating and is down to only a handful of field and office personnel in its Ohio offices.  

If you spot or hear of a non-signatory working on a job, call Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org with the information.

The IUEC Local 17 Annual Children’s Christmas Party will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 1 pm a the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue.  Children up to and including 12 years old will receive gifts.  Members are asked to bring baked goods to the event.  Beverages will be provided.  Please reply to Entertainment Chairman Brian Chambers no later than December 1, 2022 to allow sufficient time to purchase gifts.

Local 17 will hold mandatory meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers November 18 and December 9, 2022 and January 13, 2023 at the hall starting at 6 pm.  Those not in attendance without a valid excuse will be fined by the Executive Board.  Please note the normal meeting date of November 11 has been changed to November 18 due to the Veterans Day holiday.

On September 24, Local 17 held its golf outing at Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station.  The big winner this year was the group led by Brother Rich Kemp along with Brad Skotko, Ricky Kemp, and Jacob Kemp came in at nine under and winning a long putt-off with last years wining group fronted by Brother Rob Hansen.  Kemp and company not only claimed bragging rights for the year but, possession of the Champion’s Green Jacket.  For pictures from this event and others, go the Local’s website, iueclocal17.org. 

In September Business Manager John Driscoll Jr was named a trustee of the International by General President Frank Christensen.  Trustees are responsible for examining the books of the International assuring they conform to all Federal regulations.

Of the 23 apprentices currently enrolled in the NEIEP program, one will be test -eligible at the end of the semester.  The spring semester will see 15 apprentices added to the class rolls raising our total to 37 apprentices, the largest class in decades.

Congratulations to Brother Zach Miller on passing the Mechanics Exam.

Apprentice raises go into effect the first pay period after September 1 provided the apprentice has passed two semesters of NEIEP instruction.  If you have not received your raise or believe there is an error, contact John at the hall.

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

October’22 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and Sisters:

The IUEC Local 17 Annual Children’s Christmas Party will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 1 pm a the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue.  Children up to and including 12 years old will receive gifts.  Members are asked to bring baked goods to the event.  Beverages will be provided.  Please reply to Entertainment Chairman Brian Chambers no later than December 1, 2022 to allow sufficient time to purchase gifts.

Local 17 will hold mandatory meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers November 18 and December 9, 2022 and January 13, 2023 at the hall starting at 6 pm.  Those not in attendance without a valid excuse will be fined by the Executive Board.  Please note the normal meeting date of November 11 has been changed to November 18 due to the Veterans Day holiday.

On September 24, Local 17 held its golf outing at Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station.  The big winner this year was the group led by Brother Rich Kemp along with  Brad Skotko, Ricky Kemp, and Jacob Kemp coming in at nine under and winning a long putt-off with last years wining group fronted by Brother Rob Hansen.  Kemp and company not only claimed bragging rights for the year but possession of the Champion’s Green Jacket.  For pictures from this event and others, go the Local’s website, iueclocal17.org. 

Findlay-based non-signatory Davis-Newcomer has been spotted working in the area mostly on modernizations.  They are also slated to be starting a modernization at CMHA Apthorp Tower next year.  At the bottom of this article is a list of signatory companies in the Local 17 jurisdiction.  If you know of a company or suspect a company that is not listed is working on a job, call Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at t 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org with the information.

In September Business Manager John Driscoll Jr was named a trustee of the International by General President Frank Christensen.  Trustees are responsible for examining the books of the International assuring they conform to all Federal regulations.

Of the 23 apprentices currently enrolled in the NEIEP program, one will be test-eligible at the end of the semester.  The spring semester will see 15 apprentices added to the class rolls raising our total to 37 apprentices, the largest class in decades.

Congratulations to Brother Zach Miller on passing the Mechanics Exam.

Apprentice raises go into effect the first pay period after September 1 provided the apprentice has passed two semesters of NEIEP instruction.  If you have not received your raise or believe there is an error, contact John at the hall.

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