Tag: IUEC Local 17

March 2012 Cleveland Citizen

In your quarterly dues letter there are two important letters from Entertainment Chairman Mike Hogan all IUEC Local 17 members will want to make a point of attending.

On Friday, April 20th our local will be honoring its retired members at Fran Sterle’s Slovenian Restaurant, 1401 East 55th Street.  Refreshments start at 5:30 and a family style dinner will be served at 6:30.  The cost to active members is $30 per person and retirees are free.  If you are planning to attend please contact Mike Hogan through the hall or you can email him at m.hogan67@yahoo.com.

Also make room on your calendar for the IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing to be held June 2nd at Mallard Creek Golf Club, 34500 Royalton Road, Columbia Station.  Tee time is 10am and the cost is $90 which includes golf, beer, pop and dinner.  Please have your checks mailed to Mike Hogan by May 1st.

Four apprentices are currently enrolled in the NEIEP apprenticeship program.  Just a reminder that your OJT forms need to be turned in on a timely manner so your apprenticeship hours can be accounted for.  So please get your forms in on time.

There are sign-up sheets available for scaffolding and hydraulic controller theory classes.  If you are interested please contact Business Agent Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.

NEIEP News

NEIEP’s new area coordinator, Jeff Burns from Local 9 Minneapolis, reported that our new apprenticeship standards were approved by the US Department of Labor and he will be working to get them approved by the state of Ohio.

There are two new online offerings NEIEP will be rolling our very soon.  The first is an escalator lab which will give great insight to those who do not normally get to work on escalators.  The second offering is a hydraulic valve lab which will explain the theory and application of how valves work.  To help illustrate the concepts, NEIEP is looking for UC4 and UV5 hydraulic valves.  If you or someone you know is tearing one out, please have your superintendent contact Tim about donating it to NEIEP for inclusion in their program.

As times get tighter, companies are looking closer at their employees.  One area that they are paying special attention to is continuing education and particularly the courses offered through NEIEP.  I have had more than one superintendent tell me that when the mangers look at whom to keep one factor is the amount of continuing education the individual has completed on their own.  The courses offered to every elevator constructor through NEIEP are comprehensive and free of charge.  Take advantage of them.

Since Saint Patrick’s Day is a few days away, Local 17 wants to invite every member of the local and their families to participate in the parade.  Edmonds Elevator has once again donated the use of their truck.  The parade will be held along Superior Avenue and we usually line up near the Plain Dealer building.  It is a great opportunity to meet other members and their families as well as create some special memories for your children or grandchildren.

March 2012 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

Seeing as how March is now upon us and St. Patrick’s Day is a short two weeks away, that means three things: the Indians are deep into spring training, we are due at least one more arctic blast before spring sets in and I need to get cracking on finishing the winter upgrades to Bridget my 1973 MGB.

Yes, I was able to hang onto her after last year’s unpleasantness and she rewarded me with the best driving experience of my life.  I’m not talking about 6000 rpm hole shots or wheel- screeching cornering.  I’m talking about the moment when the machine becomes an extension of the man.

I left Elyria west on US 20 to Norwalk bound for East Harbor.  The day was as crystal clear and cold.  It didn’t matter.  This was going to be the last ride of the year and I wanted to run her into a lather.

My deep cup of caffeinated heat kept me warm until I turned north on 250 and stopped for a refill.  By now the sun was close to zenith and the 100 ponies under the bonnet were just getting going.  They didn’t need extra coaxing.  They were running on 93 octane double espresso.

On the stretch between Norwalk and Sandusky I let the horses run free.  I don’t know what I topped out at but the way the mailboxes whizzed past it was close to 105.  I felt like Michael Shumaker testing an F1 at Monaco.  Every twist, every turn was anticipated and executed to perfection.  Absolutely heart in your mouth thrilling.  Route 2 and 58 were at a saner speed but the Edison Bridge made for a great open run.

I let the horses rest at East Harbor.  They earned it.  I walked up and down the deserted beach and felt invigorated by the warm sun, cold breeze and calm lake.  Magical.

When the fully rested horses roared back to life and I pointed them east toward Cleveland, they never missed a beat.  58 back to 2 and then 6 west of The Point.  The route was the old roadbed of the Lake Shore Electric Railway, a fact given away by its broad expanse.  The gentle undulations and easy sweeps passed in an instant as Bridget kicked up fallen foliage in her wake.

Coffee, this time from Caribou in Rocky River.  I met a guy who used to sell MGs for Fred Baker.  We chatted for a few minutes and he told me how the cars run better with the parts we have now than they did from the factory.  Maybe that’s why BL failed.

With the sun setting and temperature dropping, I opted for the parkway to Strongsville and Bridget’s winter home.  I gunned her one last time through a series of tight turns and she never flinched.

Spring can’t come too soon.

Leave Friday, April 20th open on your calendar for the 2012 Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner.  It will be held at Frank Sterle’s Slovenian House at 1401 East 55th Street.  Cocktails will be served at 5:30 and dinner at 6:30 pm.  The cost will be $30 for active members and free for retirees.  This is a great opportunity to get together and hear the history of Local 17 from the men who made it.

As many of you know, UFCW Local 880 has settled their strike with Rite Aid.  Their members are back to work under the terms of a new contract.  Here is another example of union brothers and sisters standing together and winning for their brethren.  Congratulations to UFCW.

As of this writing there are twenty-four mechanics out of work.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety….

Don

dknapik@windstream.net

IUEC, NEBA Ink Agreement

It was rumored late last week and confirmed earlier today that the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) and the National Elevator Bargaining Association (NEBA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year contract.

While broad areas of the proposed contract are starting to come to light, there has been nothing in writing from the International on the details of the agreement.  Any agreement between the IUEC and NEBA must be approved by the delegates of the locals at a gathering later this spring.

According to Business Agent Tim Moennich there will be information available at the regularly scheduled union meeting this Friday, March 9th at 6pm.

Please plan on attending to hear the most up to date news on the tentative agreement.

 

 

December ’11 Elevator Constructor

Brothers and sisters:

The annual Children’s Christmas party will be held Saturday, December 3rd at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Avenue.  The party starts at 1pm and mothers are asked to bring baked goods.  Beverages will be provided.  If you have any questions, please contact Mike Hogan at mhogan67@yahoo.com.

The Cleveland Building and Construction Trades as well as Local 17 are supporting our brothers and sisters of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 880 in their labor dispute with Rite Aid.  While Rite Aid’s profits are at record levels, they refuse to bargain in good faith with the UFCW on a contract that retains the current level of benefits coverage.  As a response the North Shore Federation of Labor is boycotting Rite Aid and asking that all members of the building trades move their prescriptions to another UFCW represented pharmacy.  If you want information on the state of the boycott and which pharmacies are union represented then go to ufcwlocal880.org.

There were three fatalities reported at the October meeting.  The first was from Local 24, Birmingham, Alabama the second happened in New York City, Local 1, and the third was from Local 96, Ottawa, Canada.   Ours is a tough and unforgiving trade.  There are many ways to die and even more ways to become disabled.  This has to serve as a reminder to never take safety for granted because as soon as you do we may be draping the charter and holding a moment of silence at the next meeting for you.  Safety is no accident.

A member recently took a callback at a Parma apartment complex.  When checking out the pit, the car did not stop when he popped the bottom door lock.  When he examined the lock he found the wires jumped together on the same stud.  After correcting that issue, he decided to check the rest of the door locks.  When running the car down from the top landing, he found the same situation with the top lock.  He also discovered furniture on the car top.  When he informed the building management and the Parma Police, they arrested one the residents on a number of charges. Again, safety is no accident.

Local 17 won an arbitration hearing with Schindler on their giving away the flooring work at the new University Hospital Cancer Center.  This was Article IV work and because the company did not follow the contract they had to pay $2000 to the Local’s Contingency Fund.  This is in addition to the money paid on the same job for allowing another trade to block cable holes.  Know what is covered by Article IV of the contract and be sure the companies are not giving it away.  Your unemployed union brothers are counting on you.

 

Where are they working?

Kevin Thomas and Bill Dudas at Breckenridge Village installing a three-stop hydraulic for Thyssen,

Jeff Webber and Tom Gombar at JC Penny Strongsville doing escalator clean downs for Kone,

Paul Scheutzow doing stand by at the Juvenile Justice Center for Kone,

Matt Weingart and Chris DeJesus working at the Rockwell Building for Schindler,

Jason Faber and Joe Broz, Jr. cabling at Bridgeview for Thyssen,

Ken Bowles and Jason Sohayda doing a modernization at Kaiser for Otis,

Bernie Sickle and Steve Kemp doing a jack at UH for Schindler,

John Brunner and Taurus Ogletree doing a modernization at Euclid Commodore for Schindler,

Local 17 sends condolences to brothers Jim, John and Tom Goggin on the passing of their father and grandfather respectively in early October.  The Local also send condolences to Brother Harold Norsic on the passing of his mother and Brother John Sapochak who lost his father-in-law.

As of this writing there are 22 mechanics out of work.

 

Till next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety,

 

Don

Dknapik@windstream.net

 

November ’11 Cleveland Citizen

Brothers and sisters:

The North Shore Federation of Labor is asking your support for our union brothers and sisters in the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 880 (UFCW) and their efforts to negotiate a fair contract with Rite Aid.  While Rite Aid’s profits have soared they have cut hours and benefits for their represented workers and have refused to come to the table with a reasonable offer that maintains workers integrity.

Consequently the UFCW, North Shore Federation of Labor and their affiliated unions and locals are asking all members of the building trades to boycott Rite Aid.  The other represented pharmacies, CVS and Giant Eagle, each offer incentives to those members looking to transfer their prescriptions.  The UFCW is a great union that truly puts its members first.  We need to support our union brothers and sisters with the combined effort of Cleveland area labor voting with their pocketbooks.

Meeting notice

The November 18, December 9 and January 13 meetings are mandatory special meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers.  A $20 fine will be issued for non-attendance.  Requests for exemptions from attendance must be presented to the Local 17, Executive Board or Business Representative prior to the meeting either in writing, in person or by phone.

I am very pleased to announce that the new issue of Lift Magazine, a publication of NEIEP, should be in the mail as we speak.  The theme of the issue is New Technology.  There are articles on ThyssenKrupp’s Twin system, PMS motors and regenerative drives, MRL systems and the new performance-based elevator code.  It is another tool in NEIEP’s box of continuing education for the new and experienced member.  There are also a number of classes available online.  Please take the time to check out the site at neiep.org to enhance your knowledge in the trade.

At the October meeting, Business Agent Tim Moennich reported on three deaths in the International.  The details were sketchy, but this needs to be a reminder to everyone to work safe, work smart and be very aware of what is going on around you.  Another important aspect is to not cut corners on safety or Article IV team work.  If you need help on a job, call for it.  If you can’t get it, lock it out and tell them to send a team.  Safety is no accident.

Callback from Hell

A member recently took a callback at a Parma apartment complex.  When checking out the pit, the car did not stop when he popped the bottom door lock.  When he examined the lock he found the wires jumped together on the same stud.  After correcting that issue, he decided to check the rest of the door locks.  When running the car down from the top landing, he found the same situation with the top lock.  He also discovered furniture on the car top.  When he informed the building management and the Parma Police, they arrested one the residents on a number of charges. Again, safety is no accident.

Cleveland Brown’s All-Pro lineman Joe Thomas donated ten tickets along with vouchers for food, parking and sweatshirts to be given to out of work members and their families.  The tickets are for the November 13th game against the St. Louis Rams.  Local 17, as of this writing, has five tickets left.  If you or someone you know can use the tickets, then give call Business Agent Tim Moennich a call at 216-431-8088.

Schindler recently paid $2000 to the Contingency Fund for Article IV flooring work given to other contractors at the UH Cancer Center.  This was in addition to the amount paid previously for another trade blocking cable holes on the same job.  Keep vigilant.  Your out of work brothers are counting on you.

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Voltaire

Since the election is only a few days away, I do not need to remind everyone reading this that a NO vote on Issue 2 is vital to supporting our brothers and sisters in the public-sector unions.  This is the home stretch on what has been a tsunami of support for the repeal of this union busting, ill-conceived notion that in order to balance local budgets, it is necessary to legislate what the government cannot negotiate.

I was talking with a friend who knows a member of a local school board.  The board member was telling him that if Issue 2 passes, then the system will be able to keep off the state watch list.  My friend’s response was that at contract time the board needs to hire better negotiators.  Most contracts have a reopen clause which allows either side to amend an agreement before the end of the contract.  The IUEC used this with NEBA to create the Assistant Mechanic slot which has put several thousand brothers and sisters back to work since its acceptance in August 2010.

There is also binding arbitration with public-sector contracts that is designed to avoid strikes and impasses.  According to the October 16 issue of the Plain Dealer the last public-sector strike was in July 2009 and there have been 16 total strikes in the last five years.  There were 18 cases of binding arbitration in 2010 according to the Ohio State Employment Relations Board (SERB).

SERB is the agency charged with collecting, tracking and analyzing the public-sector contracts for the state of Ohio in much the same way that the GAO does for the federal government.  The agency currently has 3,285 contracts on file.

In that same edition, the PD Editorial Board endorsed the passage of Issue 2.  An unemotional reading of the piece indicates that there was much debate among the members before arriving at the decision to endorse its passage.  An analysis of their logic, particularly in their naïve notion that the GOP led government would reexamine the more onerous aspects of the law, shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the first Law of Politics “He who has the Gold makes the rules.”  Most, if not all, office holders are beholden to this law through those that fund their campaigns.

North Shore AFL-CIO Executive Director Harriet Applegate wrote in her October 22nd rebuttal that “telling Ohioans that public employees are the problem and consequently have to pay for a crisis that was not of their making is deceitful and wrong” hit the nail square on the head.  The flood of letters decrying the papers endorsement and the number of subscription cancellations because of it is further proof of the acrimony following this issue.

Does their need to be reform?  What form should it take?  Who needs to sacrifice and how?  These are all valid questions that need answers as the state moves forward after the defeat of Issue 2.

-30-

September ’11 Citizen Article

Brothers and sisters:

Meeting notice:  The regularly scheduled November meeting has been rescheduled from November 11 to November 18 in honor of Veterans Day.  Please note that the November, December 9 and January 13 meetings are mandatory for the nomination, election and installation of officers.  Fines will be assessed according to the bylaws of the local for non-attendance.

By the time you read this, our delegates will be on their way back from Orlando and the 30th General Convention of the IUEC.  Their job will not be an easy one.  With all of the major challenges facing the local and international in the upcoming contract negotiations with NEBA, setting the table to face these challenges is not going to be an easy task for anyone involved.  The companies have their agenda and we have ours and while there are many overlaying points of accord, the points of discord are what will determine the course of the next contract.

Will there be a strike or a lockout?  The companies tried a lockout in Manhattan a couple of years ago and they failed to break Local 1when pulling in supervisors and tech personnel from around the country to try and man jobs.  They even supplied armed body guards for these replacements.  The result was they could not keep up with the workload on a little rock like Manhattan, how would they man the jobs across the country in the event of a work stoppage?  As one person who was “asked” to go put it – they can’t.  Do not be surprised at anything that happens between now and July 2012.

The biggest stick the companies have is the fear factor but how you respond is completely under your control.  The best thing you can do is to have a plan that keeps your family’s needs covered for at least six to nine months.  Think of it as a personal preparedness plan in case of a disaster.

What are your monthly expenses?  Sit down and take a critical look at your finances with an eye toward what is essential and what you can live without.  For my family it was items like long distance on the land line, a cell phone, golfing, pleasure drives, premium cable service and going out to eat a couple times a month were things we could sacrifice.  Add up items like your mortgage, car and insurance payments.  Go on budget billing for your utilities.  All these are ways to get a handle on what your minimum expenses are.

Save, save, save.  How much do you have saved in your bank account or hiding in a 401K?  Can that cover your expenses for a half year?  Unemployment will pay $400 to $500 per week in the event of a lockout but nothing in the event of a strike.  Be prepared to cover your expenses for an extended period.

Update your plan on a regular basis.  Doing this evaluation now will give you a great foundation for possibilities down the road, but it is not the end of the road.  Reevaluate your situation at least once a month.  Are you expecting a baby?  Do you need a new car?  What are the tuition payments for college going to be like next year?  Life happens and when you plan for changes, plan for the unexpected as well.

Keep informed.  This means pay attention to what is going on around you at work and what you hear is going on at the other companies.  It is not always wise to take a rumor on face value.  It can be disinformation passed on by the companies to illicit a particular reaction or feign a move they have no intention of completing.  Be judicious in whose words you put value.  Their words might not be worth the paper they are written on.  If you hear something that is out of kilter and you want it confirmed, call Tim.  More times than not he will be able to tell you if what you hear is bunk or the truth.

The best way to keep informed is to attend the union meetings, especially this coming meeting on September 9th when our delegates will be back from the convention.  This will give you the opportunity to hear all the details first hand.  As the contract negotiations go on, please check in regularly with the local’s website, iueclocal17.org, for as complete coverage as possible.

These are just a few ideas on how to prepare for the upcoming uncertainty of the next contract.  Please keep in mind that how you prepare is a personal decision that needs to be discussed between you and your family.  So what if nothing comes to pass and everything is OK?  Then celebrate and enjoy the fruits of being in the best trade in the trades.

Issue 2 volunteers needed

Through the efforts of working men and women across Ohio the initiative to repeal Senate Bill 5 moves to the November 8th ballot as State Issue 2.

The unprecedented petition campaign brought in nearly 1.3 million signatures in total and represented every one of the 88 counties in Ohio.

The fight is not over.  Volunteers are needed to work the phone bank and canvass neighborhoods as part of a massive outreach campaign to educate, identify and turn out voters to repeal SB5 by voting NO on Issue 2.

To get involved contact Business Agent Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088.

Thomas donates Browns home game tickets

Cleveland Browns All-Pro lineman Joe Thomas has once again donated tickets to a Browns home game as a way to give back to the working families of Cleveland that have fallen on hard times.

The tickets are for the 1pm November 13th home game against the St. Louis Rams.  The tickets are to be used by a family of 10 or 10 individuals who are unemployed and have fallen on hard times and may not otherwise be able to enjoy a game.  The tickets come with parking passes, sweatshirts and food vouchers.

For more information please call Business Agent Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088.