Category: Articles

Current Constructor and Citizen articles

November ’16 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and Sisters:

At the October 14th union meeting, IUEC Local 17 was proud to swear in its largest class of apprentices in many years. In total, nine probationaries made the transition to full apprentice status. Congratulations to Brian Bond, Matt Carlton, Felix DeJesus, David Horner, Pat Kelly, Andrea Rodriguez, Chris Sipos, Dan Varga and Robert Zadravec. Welcome to the best trade in the trades.

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 grand children. As in past years, Santa Claus will make a special guest appearance and pass out gifts to children 12 and under. Watch your mail for the letter to reserve your spot in this special event.

The November 11th, December 9th and January 13th union meetings are mandatory meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers. Those not attending or reporting to the hall prior to the meeting will be fined $20. You can contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

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.

Just a reminder that if you have recently moved, changed your marital status or added a child to your family, please take a few minutes to call Tim and update your information with the Local. This goes a long way to keep you up to date on important events in and around the local. It is equally important to call the hall when you are working on a job that will last for three days or more.

Otis asked its employees to sign a form saying that Otis would limit the access to the Social Security numbers of our members. After forwarding the letter to the International Tim called the local Otis office to inform them that we would not be signing the letter until given the OK by the International.

In a letter to International Assistant General President Jim Bender, Thyssen-Krupp explained that during the pay week of October 14 through the 20th employees would need to submit time early because of a planned upgrade to their payroll system. If you where adversely affected by the change, please contact Tim.

The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC 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.

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 Labor-Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

The following meetings of IUEC Local 17 are Mandatory Special Meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers: November 11, December 9 and January 13, 2017. Special Meetings are mandatory. There is a $20 fine for not attending. No excuses will be accepted unless you call the Hall prior to each meeting.

Addresses and meeting times are on the website, iueclocal17.org, or at the bottom of this article. You can contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or by email at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

Apprentices are currently studying RC 300, electrical fundamentals, in the NEIEP apprentice class. Current apprentices must be sure to turn in their OJT forms on time or risk being called in front of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee to explain why they cannot turn them in.

Local 17 is again offering three continuing educational opportunities for its members: a two-night CPR class, a scaffolding class and the welding class taught at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric in Euclid. All three of these learning opportunities give you the confidence to handle an emergency and extra credentials to make yourself more important to your employer. To sign up or get more information, contact Tim at the Hall.

Everyone knows about the election November 8th. If you have changed your residence since the last election or need to register, take a few minutes to contact your county Board of Elections or you can stop by the hall and see Business Manager Tim Moennich. Do not let this very important election pass without letting the world know where you stand.

At the September general meeting, Business Manager Tim Moennich shared numbers from National Elevator Industry Benefits Plan which shows an overall increase in membership, hours worked and a small net increase in retirees. Comparing the March numbers from 2015 to 2016 the International added 1,030 members to the rolls, increased hours worked by 2.7 million hours and had only a net increase of 108 retirees. This bodes well for the future solvency of the pension plan as well as the other benefits of being in the best trade in the trades.

With less than one year until the end of the current contract, now is a good time to plan for the possibility of a work stoppage in July. Take an evening or two and evaluate your financial situation (savings, insurance policies, total living expenses, etc.) to ensure that you and your family are secure and find ways to buttress the areas where you are weak. It is smart planning for the future.

Local 17 received a letter from the lawyer reprinting Clayco, the contractor for Cleveland State University at the building going up at East 17th and Euclid Avenue informing the local that since there are both represented and non-signatory companies working on the job that there are two gates for entrance to the site. Because of NLRB rules, pickets will only be at one gate. Iron Workers Local 17 picketed the site a month ago. If you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities when any trade is picketing a site, please refer to the National Labor Relations Board rules available at nlrb.gov.

A big thank you to all the trade members who take the time to call the Local 17 Hall when they find non-signatory companies working in the area. Your efforts are making a difference.

On July 15th Brother Chris Lane, Local 11 (Cincinnati) was killed on the job. He was a 22-year member of the IUEC and worked for Kone for 20 of those years. He was 42 years old and leaves a wife and two sons behind. The Brothers and Sisters of the trade union movement entered this line of work for a better life, not a shorter one. Please work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother Ralph Sitko who passed away August 11.

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

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 Labor Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

On Saturday, August 20th, 30 IUEC Local 17 members and their guests participated in the Local golf outing once again held at Emerald Woods Golf Course in Columbia Station. The 18-hole affair featured a shot gun start on the challenging St. Andrew’s and Pine Valley courses. These holes do not give up many birdie opportunities but several teams split the skins pot.

At the end of the day, the big winners were once again the team of Rob Hansen and Mike Wickham carding a 1-under par effort. Team Hoistech featuring Ray Mack and Chris Peterson took second at even par 72 and Business Manager Tim Moennich and Local Vice-president Robin Eaton were third at one-over for the day.

Photos of the event are available on the IUEC Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org.

By the time this article sees print the three Year Four apprentices will be nearing the end of the Mechanics Review course in preparation for sitting for the Mechanics Exam. The thing to remember about the exam is that it is the one unbiased measure of your knowledge of the trade you will ever have. Best of luck to all.

Tim would like to send a few reminders to the general membership. First, remember to call in to the hall whenever you will be on a job that will last for more than two days. Also, if you work out of town, call into the business agent for the local in which you are working. If you need phone numbers, the International website (iuec.org) will be able to help.

If you recently had a change of address or marital status now is a good time to update your contact and beneficiary information with the hall.

Local 17 members and all the building trades are encouraged to call the hall whenever they see a non-signatory company working on or near their job. Occasionally an out of town company will work in the Local 17 jurisdiction and they are required to call the hall prior to starting work. If you are unsure, a list of Local 17 signatories is at the end of this and every article. You can contact Tim at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

 

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 Labor Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

The fall Semester for our Local 17 NEIEP students begins August 10th and 11th. All the apprentices should have their class dates. If for some reason you have not heard from NEIEP contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

Local 17 is offering a number of continuing education opportunities. First is the CPR class which gives the student hands-on experience with this life saving skill. It is a great tool to have in your bag that you hope you never have to use. Second is the scaffolding class offered in cooperation with the Scaffold Access Industry Association (SAIA) and NEIEP. The successful completion of the class qualifies the person as a Competent Person for the erection of frame scaffolding. The certification is good for three years. Finally, Local 17 is looking to schedule another welding class at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric In Euclid, Ohio. The class is 40 hours of training over two weeks and offers the opportunity to achieve a 3G or 4G certification. The class is expected to start after the first of the year.

If you would like to take advantage of any of these opportunities or would like to see any other class offered, contact Tim at the Hall.

On September 3, the North Shore Federation Labor will hold its 4th Annual Labor Day Festival at James Day (Nike) Park from 10 am to 3 pm. The Celebration of Labor event is free and open to the public with things to do for kids and adults.

Schindler Elevator in Cleveland has exercised their right under the contract to hire a Temporary Helper for their management training program. The company has the right to work the Helper for a three to 18 month duration with no more than one working per local per year. The company also pays $180 to both the Local and International. The Temporary Helper is working on the modernization job at Erieview Tower.

Since 2004 IUEC Local 17 has had an agreement with American Income Life Insurance to offer insurance products to members of the local. As a member of Local 17 you have an automatic $3500 accidental death and dismemberment benefit. AIL offers a variety of disability and other life insurance products. If you send in the yellow card that comes with the Local 17 letter an AIL salesman will call on you.

In the Ohio House of Representatives, Republican John Becker introduced HB 583 which would provide for public sector workers to opt-out of union representation and dues. In other words, turn Ohio into yet another Right-To-Work-For-Less state. The bill was introduced after Governor John Kasich left the Republican presidential race and before the RNC held their convention here in Cleveland. There are currently 26 states with RTWFL legislation including Michigan, Indiana and West Virginia.

The IUEC Local 17 Golf outing is Saturday, August 20th at Emerald Woods Golf Course, 12501 North Boone Rd., Columbia Station. Tee times start at 9 am and the cost is $90 per person. There will be a variety of prizes and food and drink at the turn and afterward. This is always a “must attend” event for members, retirees and their friends and family.

 

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

July ’16 Labor Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

The IUEC Local 17 apprentices are done with the spring semester and enjoying the break until class resumes on August 10. If all goes well, there will be three apprentices eligible to take the Mechanics Exam this fall. For those who are preparing for the test remember this: it is the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge of the trade you will ever receive. Study hard and continue learning. It is the only way to guarantee you will remain valuable to your employer.

There is a sign up sheet for both CPR and welding classes. The CPR class is a valuable tool you hope you will never need use. Taking the class will give you the confidence you may need to remain calm in an emergency situation and it may save a life. The welding class is the some one offered through NEIEP and taught at the world headquarters of Lincoln Electric in Euclid, Ohio. The class give you the opportunity to gain certification in 3G and 4G welding. If you are interested in either of these educational opportunities or would like see a particular continuing education class taught, contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

The major story at the June meeting was the presentation by IUEC International Organizer Steve Bruno on the state of organizing across the International. Bruno broke down the organizing efforts of the International by region and local.

The top of the list was Madison, Wisconsin with only one non-signatory accounting for only a handful of units giving the local almost 100% control. Cleveland was close to the national average of 84% but, Akron Local 45 did not fare as well and had a market share that put it in the red. The major source of the drop off was the increased aggressiveness of non-signatory Gable Elevator in the Akron market.

According to Bruno, the International is looking to add ten members to the organizing staff with six to eight additional organizers on the road. This is will allow the existing organizers to concentrate their efforts on key personnel or companies that can be signed. The remaining two to four positions would be support for the field organizers.

“The whole key to organizing and what we do at the International,” Bruno started “is to make things better for having been here.”

On June 29, the Local 17 Volunteer Organizing Committee hand billed the East Fourth Street entertainment area. While the crowd was light for a Wednesday, there was a good response from the residents of the district to our hand bill. We were joined in our efforts by four probationary members and one of our honored retirees. This is the first handbill the VOC has done this year and the first since our efforts at CMHA Riverview.

The VOC would like to thank all the tradesmen that have called the hall when finding a non-signatory on their job. Your efforts make our goal to bring these unorganized workers into the best trade in the trades possible. A list of IUEC Local 17 signatories is at the end of every article.

Members and their families can expect to see a letter from American Income Life Insurance arriving soon in their mail. AIL is an organized company that offers insurance products to union member households. You are under no obligation to speak with a representative unless you are interested in purchasing a policy or making changes to an existing policy.

The members of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the families of retired Brother Eddy Ference who passed away May 25th and retired Brother Tom Carey who lost his wife the first week of June.

As of this writing the bench is clear.

June ’16 Labor Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

IUEC Local 17 recently completed the application process for the new apprenticeship list. 253 people requested applications and the Joint Apprenticeship Committee did over 130 interviews. All those who went through the process should be receiving their slotting letters shortly.

In comparison, Local 2 (Chicago) set a limit of 1000 applicants for its most recent apprenticeship list and received 1014 requests in only an hour and a half. Local 2 has 1261 members and twelve mechanics on the bench at this time.

NEIEP has a new Certified Signal Person and Rigger Level 1 and 2 course available online at neiep,org for all journeyman constructors. The prep course is eight to ten hours online and NEIEP recommends that students also enroll in the 20 hour classroom course in practical rigging. The certification test is a multiple choice exam that takes approximately an hour and a half to complete. In the practical exam, the student has to demonstrate 21 different hand signals in a variety of rigging scenarios that will take about two and a half hours to complete. This is an ANSI approved course and the certification card is good for three years.

Rick Myers is again teaching the First Aid and CPR class. If you are interested or missed the class before, contact Business Manager Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclcal17.org.

Local 17 is also looking for NEIEP instructors for the apprenticeship program. If you are interested, contact Tim.

The Annual IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing will be held on August 20th at Emerald Woods Golf Course,12501 North Boone Road, Columbia Station. This is always a well attended event and is a great time for active and retired members and their guests. Expect a 9 AM tee time. Cost and other details will follow as soon as they are available.

Work has been strong for Local 17 and many of our neighboring Locals share that wealth. Local 10 (Washington DC) has 1169 members with 34 mechanics and four apprentices on the bench with 42 probationaries working. Local 34 (Indianapolis) has only one member out of work. Locals 44 (Toledo), 45 (Akron), 37 (Columbus) and 11 (Cincinnati) all report full employment. Local 36 (Detroit) is at full employment and recently signed Great Lakes Elevator. Great Lakes is currently at the Bradley Building in downtown Cleveland doing a one car modernization.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retires Brother Bernie Pfriem who recently passed away.

As of this writing the bench is clear.