This gallery is dedicated to friends and family and is part of the 120th Anniversary of IUEC Local 17. Anyone who has historical photos of Local members and activities, please feel free to submit them to the site through the email, webadmin@iueclocal17.org.
On November 5, 2023, IUEC Local 17 celebrated the 120th anniversary of its founding. The Local was established to “encourage a higher standard of skill among its members, cultivate a feeling of friendship among the craft, obtain and maintain a fair standard wage, assist each other in securing employment, protect the jurisdiction of the craft, engage in cultural, civic, legislative, fraternal, educational, charitable, welfare, social and other activities which further the interests, directly or indirectly, of the organization and its membership.”
In commemoration, over the course of the next year, the Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org, will feature galleries of photos taken over the course of its history. The first gallery is a reimagining of the advertisement in the International book from the most recent convention. If any member, past or present, has photos they would like to share they can be emailed to webadmin@iueclocal17.org. The photos can be from union events, parties, work sites or anything that speaks to the founding objectives of the Local.
Thank you,
Donald W. Knapik
Correspondent
IUEC Local 17 will hold the 2024 Golf Outing at Bunker Hill Golf Course, 3060 Pearl Rd, Medina, OH on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Registration and lunch are served at 1 pm with a shotgun start at 2 pm. A steak dinner and awards are scheduled for 7 pm.
The cost is $150 per golfer or $40 for dinner only if paid by July 13. $150 for the outing and $45 for dinner only if paid after July 13.
To register online go to birdease.com/2024elevatorlocal17 or make checks payable to Bunker Hill Golf Course and memo Elevator Local 17. Mail the checks to the address above.
If you have any questions, contact Chad Gibson at Bunker Hill at 216-469-9241 or email him at chad@bunkerhillgc.com.
Brothers and Sisters:
On November 3, 2023 Schindler-Cleveland Superintendent Kodi Goins sent a text message to the downtown Cleveland mechanics saying, in part, that recent retiree Todd Keating had a heart attack earlier in the week and that the update on his condition was not promising. He asked to keep Todd’s family in our thoughts.
Shortly thereafter, a series of support texts from the field followed.
When meeting Todd for the first time you noticed three things: his inviting manner, large smile and piercing blue eyes. It was after getting to know Todd you could see inside his genuine love for what meant the most to him, his family and those he chose to keep close. It didn’t take much to feel you were part of his world and when he spoke to you it was as though you were the only person in the room.
Only two years prior, Todd retired from Schindler as the resident mechanic at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center.
At 2:07 pm, November 7, Goins sent a follow up text saying that the end was near and Todd’s family was saying their goodbyes. Todd chose to be an organ donor and the family acted on his wishes. A series of condolence texts followed and on November 11 the arrangements for his memorial the following Saturday, November 18.
The week of November 13th through the 17th, I was in Warwick assisting with a part of the RC600 rewrite. On my previous returns from NEIEP, I’ve usually been routed through DC Reagan Airport but, this time I was sent through Atlanta. Consequently I didn’t get home and to bed until 2 am Saturday morning and with a 10 am memorial service I felt fatigued at best.
The morning of the service was a crisp, beautiful northern Ohio fall day. When I pulled into the parking lot, I stopped to talk with several members and retirees who came to lend their support to Todd’s family.
This would be the first time I would be inside St. Clarence Catholic Church and it reminded me of the church in Strongsville, St. John Neumann, my family was part of building in the early 1980’s. A raised altar with resurrected Christ hanging from huge beams supporting a three-quarter round nave.
The service was standing room only.
The priest who lead the service, Fr. Neil Walters, was a friend of Todd’s through the Justice Center and spoke of him on a personal level that conveyed the special nature of the man that filled the church in his memory. The gathering in the pavilion afterwards was the ideal way to remember a man who loved every aspect of life, filled with good food, cold beer and great friends.
But, this is not the end of the story…
On February 22, the Team USA Transplant Curling team based in Columbus, Ohio posted on Facebook “a friend of Team USA Transplant Team lost a loved one this year and chose to honor him by sponsoring Team USA.” The Team had Todd’s name and dates embroidered on the shoulder of their competition uniforms. Todd would be their mascot as they competed in the 2024 World Transplant Winter Games in Bormio, Italy. Among other photos, the Team posted one of the uniform sleeve and a smiling, blue-eyed Todd. To say the least, the family was shocked and amazed by the generous gesture of the Olympians as messages of gratitude flowed all around.
Shortly after the post, the team left for Europe. On March 4th, they took the bronze medal.
During his life, Todd spread happiness and laughter. With his passing, he gave a new lease on life to others, including the gift of sight with his donated blue eyes.
Until next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net
Team USA Transplant Curling Team honors IUEC Local 17 Brother Todd Keating on their World Transplant Winter Games 2024 uniform.
Marshall Peterson (Left) and Stephanie West (Right) show off their bronze medals for curling from the 2024 World Transplant Winter Games in Bormio, Italy.
A small celebration for Team USA Transplant Curling before returning home from the 2024 World Transplant Winter Games.
Brother Todd Keating
IUEC General President Frank Christensen appointed Local 17 Business Manager John Driscoll Jr to be a Vice President of the International. In his new role he will also be a member of the International’s General Executive Board.
Driscoll previously served the International as a trustee but stepped down to take the new position. He was sworn in April 24th at the International headquarters in Columbia, MD by Christensen.
Driscoll is a second-generation elevator constructor. His father, John Sr, served as Local 17 Business Agent prior to his retirement.
John Driscoll Jr, left, being sworn in as an International Vice President by General President Frank Christensen at IUEC headquarters in Columbia, MD.
Brothers and Sisters:
The apprentice application process for IUEC Local 17 is currently open. Those interested in applying to the Local need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. The applications are being taken by the National Elevator Industry Educational Program through their website neiep.org. Applications opened April 1 and will continue until 350 slots are filled. Good luck to all those applying to the best Local in the best trade in the trades.
The Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner will be held Friday, May 17, 2024 at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence. The bar opens at 5:30 with dinner served at 6:30. Reservations must be returned to the hall as soon as possible.
Photos of IUEC Local 17 at the 2024 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade are available on the Local’s website, iueclocal17.org.
It is the responsibility of the apprentices to keep the classroom space clean.
Those members who did not turn in vacation time or did not take all of their time will be receiving an invitation to attend a future Executive Board meeting. This will give them the opportunity to provide proof of their compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Constitution and By-Laws of the Local.
For those members who were fined for non-attendance at the Special Called Meetings in November, December and January and have proper reason for their absence, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
For apprentices who are put out as temporary mechanics, the process is spelled out in the CBA under Article X, paragraph 4. The company and Business Manager must agree to allow the member to be advanced as a temporary mechanic and the ™ must call the hall to confirm they have been cleared and when they are returned to apprentice status.
IUEC General President Frank Christensen recently sent a letter to all Locals regarding separate lifeline anchor points. The Local offices of Otis, Schindler and TKElevator are in agreement with the letter and are currently working towards compliance. If you have any questions regarding lifelines and anchor points on a job, send photos to the hall.
Below this article is a list of IUEC Local 17 signatory companies. If you see a company working at a job and have a question as to whether they are an International signatory working in the area, contact John at the hall at the number above.
The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Honorary Retired Brother Jim Ogg who passed away February 16.
As of this writing there is one probationary apprentice on the bench.
Brothers and Sisters:
There are five apprentices in the Mechanic’s Review Course being taught by Rick Myers. Four of the five have received their invitations from Prometrics and have until May 8, 2024 to schedule their exam. The fifth was short on his 8000 OJT hours but has since completed the required time.
Business Manager John Driscoll Jr has yet again been monitoring and help correcting payroll issues with the local offices. The current issues revolved around vacation pay and annuity deposits. As a reminder, anyone who worked a minimum 1750 hours in the calendar year must receive either 120 or 160 hours of vacation pay based on whether they are an apprentice or journeyman. If you suspect there was a discrepancy in your check contact John at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
The five Ohio business managers recently received the initial draft of the state licensing rules and regulations. All five took part in a Zoom call along with Work Preservation and our lobbyist to discuss issues such as cost, disqualifying offenses and whether there should be Class A and B licenses. The Ohio Department of Industrial Compliance is the lead agency for the program.
The recent OSHA ruling on suspended scaffolding and lifeline anchorage points has been a hotly debated issue with the International. A letter for General President Frank Christensen said no member should be preforming work with their lifeline attached to the same point as suspended scaffolding. The Local is working with the companies to identify and eliminate this hazard from modernization and construction sites around town. If you have a question about the compliance of your setup, contact John at the hall.
Where are they working?
Jim Thompson and Eric Johnson at Cleveland Clinic M doing a mod for Otis,
Shane Huff and Mark Thomason at Hillcrest Hospital doing a mod for Otis,
Craig Nolty and Luke Schnitzler at Chestnut Village installing a car for Otis,
Jerry Szmerekovsky and Mike Janson at Apex installing seven cars for Otis,
Deven Shields and Matt Dinko at Easthaven doing a mod for Otis,
DJ Spring and Mike Hassel at Beachwood Porsche installing a car for Otis,
Dion Yatsko and Matt Dinko at the Diplomat doing a mod for Otis,
Pat Pollock and Spencer Adams at Cleveland Clinic L doing a mod for Otis,
A lot of guys at Sherwin Williams Headquarters installing a lot of cars for Schindler,
Jason Mays, Brian Bond, Lucas Janke and Mike Gallagher at Fidelity doing a mod for Schindler,
Joe Sumph and Tito Mike doing a mod at the Leader Building for Schindler,
Brian Seither and Sean Kelly doing a mod at Envoy Condos for Schindler,
Don Yoho, Ryan Bissell, Tom Peska and Todd Ault installing six cars at Ashtabula Hospital for Schindler,
Dan Varga and Herb Fouts at Progressive Field tearing our two cars for Schindler,
Jason Barnett and Adam Klein installing cars at Sherwin Williams R&D in Brecksville for Schindler,
Dave Gnagy and Jay Carlson doing a two car mod at Lake Erie College for Schindler,
Ryan Todd, Andy Mesko, Rob Timko, Jarrett Adams, Ricky Kemp and Nick Seaman doing a mod at 45 Erieview for Schindler,
Dave Drnak and Brandyn Alley at IMG doing water damage repair,
Russell Barrows, Pat Kelly, Kyle Fallon and Joe Gauker at Case SRV installing cars for Kone,
James Hirz and Mike Miller Jr at Van Aken District 2 installing cars for Kone,
Brendan Hyland and Bob Savnik at EMI Corp doing a hydro mod for Kone,
Todd Ross and Eric Schaffran doing a mod at Bulkley Building for Kone,
Kenny Bowles and Sasha Vujkovic cabling at Hilton Hotel Downtown for Kone,
Tim Narowitz and Vince Smrdel doing a mod at Avery Denison for TKElevator,
Kevin Thomas and Matt Ramser installing five cars at City Club for TKElevator,
Chris Sipos and Jon Ranney at Crestview doing a four car mod for TKElevator,
Anthony Metcalf and Christian Thompson at Scranton Castle doing a four car mod for TKElevator,
Jim Ehrbar and Dan Quigley at Lakehouse Condos doing a mod for 3Phase,
Marc Carollo and Brian Owens at Tudor Arms doing a mod for 3Phase.
As of this writing there are one mechanic and one apprentice on the bench.
Until next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
The Miller family celebrates grandfather Paul’s 80th birthday. Pictured from left to right Zack, Mike Sr., Paul, Mike Jr. and Greg Miller.
A youngster waits his turn to assist with a magic trick at the 2023 Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party.
The reason we are here. Children and grandchildren of Local 17 members and retirees pose with Santa at the 2023 Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party.
Active and retired members of Local 17 pose with Santa at the 2023 Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party.
Follow the link below to the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) website, cursor to the bottom of the page and select Local 17 Cleveland to enter the application portal.
God luck to all applicants.
March 17 was a day of mixed weather. Alternately clear and cold followed by snowflakes so large and thick they obscured the Cleveland skyline. The parade stepped off on time at 2 pm from East 18th and Superior and continued on to Pubic Square under full sun and rising temperatures.
For all the challenges, IUEC Local 17 came through the day in the best of spirits and character. Following are a sampling of photos to tell the story in the faces of those who braved the cold, snow and shone in the sun.
This is Cleveland. This is IUEC Local 17.
Active and retired IUEC Local 17 members before stepping of in the 2024 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Friends and family join the active and retired members of IUEC Local 17 before the 2024 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Brothers and Sisters:
IUEC Local 17 will be participating in the 2024 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This is a family-friendly event and members are encouraged to bring friends and family to share in the good times. The parade steps off at 1 pm from East 18th and follows Superior to Public Square. Since March 17th falls on a Sunday, the event is sure to be well attended and all people wishing to participate are encouraged to arrive at the marshaling area between East 18th and East 24th by noon.
For those wishing to make a weekend of the 16th and 17th, St. Malachi’s Catholic Church is holding its annual charity run/walk on March 16. All the proceeds go to supporting the parish homeless outreach ministry. For additional information go to stmalachi.org.
The 2024 Retiree’s Dinner is scheduled for May 17 at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Rd, Independence. Drinks are at 5:30 and dinner will be served at 6:30. The cost for active members is $60 and retirees attend for free. Please send your reservation by May 10, 2024 to Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 3250 Euclid Ave., Cleveland or email him at JEDriscollAt iueclocal17.org. The dinner choices are prime rib and chicken cordon bleu.
.
There are currently six apprentices eligible to take the Mechanics Exam with the review again being taught by Rick Myers. Good luck to all our future journeymen.
Members are reminded that their vacation pay must reflect a minimum of 120 or 160 hours depending on whether they are an apprentice or mechanic, as long as they worked at least 1750 hours in a calendar year. If you have any questions as to whether your pay check, vacation check or benefits are correct, contact John at the hall.
Ohio IUEC Locals received the first draft of the rules and regulations for the State Elevator Licensing. After all five Business Mangers meeting with Elevator Industry Work Preservation and their lobbyist, potential revisions to the draft were discussed. The Ohio Division of Industrial Compliance is the lead agency for elevator licensing.
OSHA recently ruled that lifelines must not be anchored to the same anchorage as suspended scaffolding. IUEC General President Frank Christensen sent a letter to all Locals stating that no member should be preforming work with that configuration. The Local is working with all the signatory companies to bring current and future modernization and construction jobs in compliance with the OSHA ruling. If there are any concerns about a current job, contact John at the hall.
As of this writing there are one mechanic and one apprentice on the bench.
On Monday, April 1 at 9 am, IUEC Local 17 will be opening the recruitment for its apprentice program. The application process begin with visiting the National Elevator Industry Education Program (NEIEP) website at neiep.org and following the link on its secure server for entering all pertinent information.
Applications will close after reaching a limit of 350 persons.
A link will be available on this site at 9am April 1 through April 29 at 5pm.
Friday, May 17, 2024 IUEC Local 17 will be hosting its annual Retiree’s Dinner at Harry’s Steakhouse, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence. Drinks are served at 5:30 pm with dinner served at 6:30 pm. The cost is $60 per person for active members and free for retirees. Reservations must be received at the hall, 3250 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland by May 10, 2024. Dinner choices are prime rib or chicken cordon bleu.
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 