IUEC LOCAL 17
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CLEVELAND
CURRENT NEWS
June '26 Labor-Citizen
Brothers and Sisters:
The IUEC Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner was held May 15th at Harry’s Steak House in Independence. Retired Brothers Ken Bowles, Dave Drnak, Mike Hogan, Jerry Reitz and Mike Wickham received their Gold Cards in person while Brothers Rich and Todd Kemp accepted on behalf of Brother Jim Sinclair. Retired Brother Joe Lajona took home the gold watch.
The 2026 IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing will be held June 13th at Bunker Hill Golf Course with a 7:30 am start time. The cost is $150 per person. If you are are golfing alone, you can sign up and the organizers at Bunker Hill will place you in a foursome.
Congratulations to Tom Holian for passing the Mechanics Exam.
Practical Examinations for RC 100, RC 500 and RC 700 were administered by Brothers Jerry Reitz and Tim Narowitz June 1st through the 3rd. The Practical Exams are designed for the apprentice to demonstrate a hands-on knowledge of the material presented in the classroom with scores counting toward the Mechanics Exam. The Practicals for this session require the apprentice to demonstrate their proficiency in measuring and layout, pipe bending and wiring as well as troubleshooting a hydraulic elevator in a virtual environment.
Resolutions for the 33rd IUEC General Convention in August have been submitted to the International for the consideration of the delegates. Local 17 has submitted 10 resolutions to the Convention and the International expects around 400 total from all Locals.
Local 125 and 125A (Nova Scotia, Canada) is on strike. The last time there was a strike in the United States it was in Local 1 (NYC) and several supervisors were sent to work in Manhattan for the duration of the action. Eventually, the signatories relented and the Local won their new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The International has asked that all members be aware if their supervisors go MIA for a period of time and report this to the hall. You can contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
Kone has been awarded the new Cleveland Browns Stadium contract for 24 escalators and 20 elevators (44 total units). Work is not expected to start for over a year. Kone is also busy with modernizations at Virgil Brown Center, UH main campus, a six car installation at the Lake County Jail and four-car modernization at 250 Huron.
Otis is working on the new Cleveland Clinic Global Peaks Performance Center on Collision Bend and has eight mod and construction teams working steady. TKElevator is moving forward on the Rocket Arena mod, Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience and Cleveland Police Headquarters. Schindler is steady and has put out four new mechanics since last month while mod, construction and service all have ongoing work.
Berkshire Construction has eight Local 17 and one Local 45 (Akron) members working running cars at the two different Cleveland Clinic jobs.
As of this writing the bench is clear.
June '26 Elevator Constructor
Brothers and Sisters:
The IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing will be held Saturday, June 13 at Bunker Hill Golf Course, 3060 Pearl Road, Medina. Tee-off is at 7:30 am. If you have not gotten your foursome into Entertainment Chairman Todd Kemp or Business Manager John Driscoll Jr, you can call the hall at 216-431-8088 or email John at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
Congratulations to new mechanics Jarrett Adams, Mike Bowles, Simon Lieb, Mike Piela, Eric Schaffran, Luke Schnitzler and Joe Walters on passing the Mechanics Exam. The company has 60 days to raise the apprentice to mechanic status after passing the Exam. It is also the responsibility of the new mechanic to apply for their State License immediately after passing.
Rick Myers beta-tested NEIEP’s RC 400 and RC 700 Practical material on Local 17 apprentices April 28th and 29th. The RC 700 Practical counts for a total possible nine points toward the Mechanics Exam and each of the other Practicals count for a varying amount based on the lab hours associated with the RC course. Doing well on the P
Practicals gives the apprentice entering the Mechanics Exam a serious leg up on not only passing but, passing with a high score.
The Elevator Safety Review Board will be holding their first meeting in mid-May. On the expected agenda are policies and procedures for policing licensing and the licensing process, fines for unlicensed work, wallet cards and reciprocity with other license-granting states. Watch this space or attend the Locals June meeting for updates.
Work in Local 17 continues to be strong. As has been reported for the previous several months, the majors are all busy with several large ongoing projects. Otis’ current major project is the Cleveland Clinic Global Peaks Performance Center and a total of eight construction teams with steady work. TKElevator continues with its mod at Rocket Arena and construction work at Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience and Cleveland Police Headquarters. Kone is doing a mod at the Virgil Brown Center, University Hospital Main Campus on both elevators and escalators and a six car install at the Lake County Jail. Schindler has a full book of service, mod and construction work while independent company Moseley has been picking up jobs around town. Berkshire Construction has six Local 17 members running cars and looks like they will be adding a seventh.
The Local has added three probationaries in the past month and is currently at number 16 on the list. The current list will remain in effect until May 2027.
By now the International has received the resolutions written by IUEC members which will provide the backbone for the upcoming contract negotiations. At every General Convention these resolutions are grouped, discussed and voted on by the delegates elected by the Local membership charged with representing their best interests. What I have been curious about is not the process of divining which resolutions will impact the International Constitution, By-Laws and contract line items but, how the issues voiced by the various Locals has evolved over time. Are there trends as to what issues dominate the resolutions? Have there always been resolutions focused on issues like route size and are these brought up by larger or smaller Locals? What are the differences between the items brought forth by Chicago and those at the top of list of Des Moines? How many of the issues from smaller Locals versus larger ones make it to the floor for a vote at the General Convention? I think it would make an interesting study to explain the changing priorities of the Locals individually versus the International in general.
Good luck to all the delegates at the 33rd General Convention for their commitment to making the IUEC better tomorrow for the work they do today.
As of this writing the bench is clear.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
IUEC Local 17 at the 2026 Retiree's Dinner
On Friday, May 15, Harry's Steak House in Independence hosted the 2026 IUEC Local 17 Retiree's Dinner. The evening was filled with fun, laughter and stories. Below is a gallery of photos from the evening.
Setting the table
Dinner is served
Awards all around
Family and friends together
Closing time...
May '26 Labor-Citizen
Brothers and Sisters:
A reminder the 2026 IUEC Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner will be held May 15 at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road in Independence. The cost is $65 payable at the door by active members while retirees eat free.
There is still time to make your reservation for the 2026 IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing on June 13th at Bunker Hill Golf Course, 3060 Pearl Road, Medina. The event tees-off at 7:30 am and offers drinks and food at the turn as well as food and prizes afterward. If you are a single golfer, the organizers will team you up with a group.
The Elevator Safety Review Board will be holding their first meeting in mid-May. On the expected agenda are policies and procedures for policing licensing and the licensing process, fines for unlicensed work, wallet cards and reciprocity with other license-granting states.
Work in Local 17 continues to be strong. As has been reported for the previous several months, the majors are all busy with several large ongoing projects. Otis’ current major project is the Cleveland Clinic Global Peaks Performance Center and a total of eight construction teams with steady work. TKElevator continues with its mod at Rocket Arena and construction work at Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience and Cleveland Police Headquarters. Kone is doing a mod at the Virgil Brown Center, University Hospital Main Campus on both elevators and escalators and a six car install at the Lake County Jail. Schindler has a full book of service, mod and construction work while independent company Moseley has been picking up jobs around town. Berkshire Construction has six Local 17 members running cars and looks like they will be adding a seventh.
Local 17 members are reminded to report working on jobs that will last three days or more to the hall. You can contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org. Reporting your work helps establish Local 17’s wage as the prevailing wage for the area. This can rebuke a contractors attempts to lower the wage by bringing in non-signatories to do the same work for less pay.
In the same light, at the bottom of this page is a list of the IUEC Local 17 signatory companies. If you see a company not listed, please call John at the hall at the number above or email him the location, company name and time for him to follow through with the building owner or manager.
The Local has added three probationaries in the past month and is currently at number 16 on the list. The current list will remain in effect until May 2027.
As of this writing the bench is clear.
May '26 Elevator Constructor
Brothers and Sisters:
Thank you to all the members and their families who showed up for the 2026 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It was about as cold a day as we have marched in for years and there was the early threat of being snowed out. Mother Nature accommodated the assembled marchers and spectators by allowing the sun to come out right before step-off, easing the earlier brutal final blow of winter. The Local sends a thank you to Kone Elevator for the use of their stake body truck for the members and family who chose to ride instead of walk.
A reminder to all active and retired members that the 2026 Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner will be held May 15 at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence. Cost is $65 at the door for active members and, as always, retiree’s eat free.
The 2026 IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing will be held June 13th at Bunker Hill Golf Course, 3060 Pearl Road, Medina. The event will open at 7:30 am instead of the traditional 1 pm start and will offer drinks and food at the turn as well as food and prizes afterward. If you are a single golfer, the organizers will team you up with a group. Watch your mail for further information on cost per person and sign up information.
Congratulations to Brendan Teets on passing the Mechanics Exam. He is the first of the current crop of eleven test-eligible apprentices to take the plunge. As I have said before to all apprentices taking the test, the Mechanics Exam is the last unbiased eventuation of your knowledge as an elevator constructor you will have in your career. If you take the time to do a serious self-evaluation of your knowledge of the material, have developed good study habits during your apprenticeship, focus on the areas you feel weak and attack the material in a systemic and measured way, you give yourself the best opportunity for success in the Exam and the field.
Congratulations to Brother Brad Skotko for his appointment as Warden to fill the position vacated by the retirement of Brother Mike Hogan.
The By-Law Committee is busy evaluating resolution to submit to the 33rd IUEC General Convention in August. These resolutions form the backbone of the contract negotiations with NEBA and also reflect the concerns and improvements that can be made to the Constitution and By-Laws of the International. In the past, Local 17 has submitted significant resolutions to the Convention and come away with success. If you have a concern you would like to see addressed in the contract or IUEC governing documents, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at 440-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
Work in Cleveland is strong as TKElevator has become the company with significant jobs in process. There are currently eight teams at Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience, four at Rocket Arena, several doing mods at Case Western Reserve University and crews starting the new Cleveland Police Headquarters job. They put out two TMs and added three probationaries.
Berkshire has six members running cars and added three more.
Moseley is picking up jobs and hired a mechanic away from Schindler while Schindler added a probationary in service and has a significant service backlog to fill. They also put out a TM and have four apprentices taking the test.
Otis has eight construction and mod teams doing steady work with a backlog ready to roll while Kone’s repair log looks good for the foreseeable future.
As of this writing the bench is clear.
Until next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
April '26 Elevator Constructor
Brothers and Sisters:
The 2026 Retiree’s Dinner will be held May 15th at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence. As always, retirees attend for free and the doors will be open prior to dinner for cocktails and conversation. The cost for the active members attending has not yet been released. This is a great opportunity for members to make new friends and reacquaint yourselves with old ones. Watch your mail for cost and sign up information.
The 2026 IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing will be held June 13th at Bunker Hill Golf Course, 3060 Pearl Road, Medina. The event will open at 7:30 am instead of the traditional 1 pm start and will offer drinks and food at the turn as well as food and prizes afterward. If you are a single golfer, the organizers will team you up with a group. Watch your mail for further information on cost per person and sign up information.
Mechanics Exam eligible apprentices received their Prometrix invitations on February 1 and have 90 days to schedule their exam. As of April 1 these members have less than 30 days to schedule their appointment with the testing company. Those who have not scheduled their exam are encouraged to make the commitment within the time frame and choose the date that works for them. Good luck to all those making this next step in their Constructor career.
The continuing education requirements for Ohio elevator constructors is an opportunity for each member to expand their knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the trade. Ohio is not currently listed as a state offering CE credit through the NEIEP website but, this does not exclude the opportunity for the individual member to take an online offering through NEIEP. After logging on to the site, members click the Training tab and then Online Training and Licensing for courses of interest.
Work in Local 17 is steady with all companies reporting either the need for additional help or standing pat for the moment. As previously reported, TK Elevator is busy with their two large jobs, Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience for construction and the Rocket Arena for modernization.
Otis is keeping nine teams busy on both construction and mod and recently picked up an additional mechanic. Kone is looking for two apprentices and Berkshire Construction has five members running cars while 3Phase/Gable is looking for additional apprentices to split up a mechanic-mechanic team.
Members are asked to keep their eyes open for potential pre-fabrication violations in new equipment they receive from their companies and vendors. The IUEC has recently settled pre-fab grievances with TK Elevator and Schindler for pre-drilling holes in machine-related mounting beams. First, if you suspect a violation, photograph the material and contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org. If there is a violation, follow his instructions which will usually be to disassemble the material, write your name on the mating surface and reassemble. This is our work and we must stay vigilant on keeping it.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the families of Honored Retirees Lou Cozza, who passed away January 13, and Bill Sellers Sr, who passed away January 31.
As of this writing the bench is clear.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
April '26 Labor-Citizen
Brothers and Sisters:
Thank you to all the members and their families who showed up for the 2026 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It was about as cold a day as we have marched in for years and there was the early threat of being snowed out. Mother Nature accommodated the assembled marchers and spectators by allowing the sun to come out right before step-off, easing the earlier brutal final blow of winter. The Local sends a thank you to Kone Elevator for the use of their stake body truck for the members and family who chose to ride instead of walk.
2026 Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner will be held May 15 at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence. Cost is $65 at the door for active members and, as always, retiree’s eat free. Please remember to get your reservation into Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org as soon as possible for an accurate head count for this years’ festivities.
The 2026 IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing will be held June 13th at Bunker Hill Golf Course, 3060 Pearl Road, Medina. The event will open at 7:30 am instead of the traditional 1 pm start and will offer drinks and food at the turn as well as food and prizes afterward. If you are a single golfer, the organizers will team you up with a group. Watch your mail for further information on cost per person and sign up information.
Congratulations to Brother Brad Skotko for his appointment as Warden to fill the position vacated by the retirement of Brother Mike Hogan.
Congratulations to Brother Brendan Teets on passing the Mechanics Exam and good luck to the other ten apprentices waiting for their opportunity to become mechanics in the best Local in the best trade in the trades. The Exam is the last unbiased evaluation of your knowledge as an elevator constructor you will have in your career. Make the best of this time by creating as solid a foundation to enter this next phase of your career in a positive way.
Because of problems in another Local, NEIEP will be increasing the minimum class size to 16 students. It is unknown at this time how the change will effect the apprentices in Local 17 or for that matter smaller Locals do not even have 16 apprentices in their program. The change in size will effect access to labs and the progression students take through the program. More information will be made available as soon as possible.
Work in the area is strong with TKElevator leading the Local with eight teams at Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience, four at Rocket Arena, on-going mods at CWRU and the start of the new Cleveland Police Headquarters job. Otis has eight teams in construction and mod with a steady flow of ongoing work. Schindler has a significant service backlog and Kone is picking up service work as well. All the majors have either TM’s or apprentices waiting to take their Mechanics Exam.
As of this writing the bench is clear.
IUEC Local 17 at the 2026 Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade
March '26 Labor-Citizen
Brothers and Sisters:
Make plans to join IUEC Local 17 at the 2026 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade which kicks off at 1 pm from the corner of East 18th and Superior. A truck will be provided for those who do not wish to walk the distance and those little folk who want to feel special for the day. This is always a great family event and creates memories for all that are involved.
The 2026 Retiree’s Dinner will be held May 15th at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence. Watch your mail for cost and sign up information.
Mechanics Exam eligible apprentices received their Prometrix invitations on February 1 and have 90 days to schedule their exam. Those who have not scheduled their exam are encouraged to make the commitment within the time frame allotted and then choose the date that works for them. Good luck to all those making this next step in their Constructor career.
The continuing education requirements for Ohio elevator constructors is an opportunity for each member to expand their knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the trade. Ohio is not currently listed as a state offering CE credit through the NEIEP website but, this does not exclude the opportunity for the individual member to take an online offering through NEIEP. After logging on to the site, members click the Training tab and then Online Training and Licensing for courses of interest.
Companies are sending out equipment with prefabrication violations. Recently the IUEC settled grievances with TK Elevator and Schindler over predrilled holes and preassembly of components. Many of the violations involve predrilling and assembly of machines, deflector sheaves, stand-off brackets, machine beams and any beam holding a sheave. If you suspect the equipment you receive has a preassembly violation, take photos and contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
Work is good in Cleveland with Kone putting out at least one test-eligible apprentice as a temporary mechanic and other companies looking to do the same. TKElevator has four teams at the Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience project and three teams at Rocket Arena doing modernizations. They also picked up two apprentices from the bench and three probationaries off the list.
Berkshire Construction has five members running cars, Otis has nine construction and mod teams working while Kone and 3Phase/Gable are looking for more help.
The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the families of Honored Retirees Lou Cozza, who passed away January 13, and Bill Sellers Sr, who passed away January 31.
As of this writing the bench is clear.
March '26 Elevator Constructor
Brothers and Sisters:
Welcome to March! As this is being written at the end of January, the midwest is in the middle of a cold snap that is sending temperatures into the sub-zero range and making it difficult to even want to get out of bed on a cold winter morning. Luckily spring should be here, or close, and the world thawing out from this deep freeze. In 2024, a snow squall enveloped downtown Cleveland early on St. Patrick’s Day giving a final punctuation mark to a very interesting winter.
In 2004 I was working on a modernization at the old Huntington Building on East 9th and Euclid with Big Bill Sellers. As the parade made its way along the avenue, Bill and I took some time and went out on the roof to watch the event from the parapet above the intersection. Snow flakes as big as Bill’s hands fell softly from the sky and danced their way to the beat of the marching bands, highlighting the intricate architectural details on turn of the 20th century buildings lining Millionaires Row. We sat on the roof like snow covered gargoyles guarding our job and the history we were creating.
Magic.
My favorite event in the Local 17 calendar is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade which kicks of at 1 pm from the corner of East 18th and Superior Avenue. The Local will be participating and all members are encouraged to bring their families to the event. This is a great opportunity to meet other members and make new memories for yourself and your family.
The 2026 Retiree’s Dinner will be held Friday, May 15 at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence. As always, retirees eat for free while the cost for active members has yet to be determined. Watch this space and your mailbox for cost information.
Apprentice orientation for the 2026 Spring semester was held January 14 with classes beginning January 19. There are one class each or RC100 and RC400 and two classes of RC500 and RC700. Retired Brother Jerry Reitz is instructing the Mechanics Review class to eleven apprentices waiting to take their Mechanics Test. The invitation from Prometrix was to go out February 1 with a 90 day window to schedule the exam. Good luck and remember this is the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge you will ever have.
Work is steady with TKElevator’s two big jobs, Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience and Rocket Arena keeping eight teams working. Otis is keeping nine construction and mod teams working while KONE picked up the University Hospital satellite buildings and is looking to hire a mechanic and apprentice. Independent companies 3Phase, Moseley and ATTA are hiring or holding steady for the moment.
Accuracy in your paycheck seems to be the standard to which we must hold our employers. Schindler has been the leader in on-going issues and TKElevator has become the newest company with a target on their back. Business Manager John Driscoll Jr is actively collecting and passing along information to the International about issues with Local 17 member paychecks.
Payroll issues range from wrong hours, rates and benefit payments to incorrect vacation hours. All this means the company is able to earn money on the money it rightfully owes to its employees without penalty or repercussion. Should a graduated disciplinary approach be adopted by the International for the signatories failure to properly compensate their most important assets?
Problems with your paycheck? Starting a new job? Changing family status? Changing companies? Reporting a non-signatory working at a job? Safety issues or concerns? 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 Brother Felix DeJesus on the passing of his son Emilio.
As of this writing there are three apprentices on the bench.
Until next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
February '26 Labor-Citizen
Brothers and Sisters:
The 2026 IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing will be held June 13 at Bunker Hill Golf Course, 3060 Pearl Road, Medina. This year will be a 7:30 am start versus the 1 pm start of the previous outings. Watch this space for cost and sign up information.
The 2026 Retiree’s Dinner will be held Friday, May 15 at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence. As always, retirees eat for free while the cost for active members has yet to be determined. Watch this space and your mailbox for cost information.
Local 17 will be participating in the 2026 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The kick off is at 1 pm from the corner of East 18th and Superior Avenue. Members are encouraged to bring family and friends as this is always a great opportunity to create positive memories.
Local 17 in conjunction with Local 45 (Akron) held a welding class in January with eight members attempting their 3G and 4G welding certification. Welding is an important skill that, when done right, sets a member apart from their peers. Congratulations to those completing the course and receiving their certification.
Apprentice orientation for the 2026 Spring semester was held January 14 with classes beginning January 19. There are one class each or RC100 and RC400 and two classes of RC500 and RC700. Retired Brother Jerry Reitz is instructing the Mechanics Review class to eleven apprentices waiting to take their Mechanics Test.
Vacation checks must have been paid by January 15. The payment covers the amount set aside per the Collective Bargaining Agreement based on the number of hours worked by the member from July 1 to December 31. Those who were laid off or changed employers, the full amount due until the time of separation must be paid with your next weeks check. If you retire the company has 30 days to pay your final vacation check. If there is a discrepancy in your amount, contact Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
Work is steady with TKElevator’s two big jobs, Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience and Rocket Arena keeping eight teams working. Otis is keeping nine construction and mod teams working while KONE picked up the University Hospital satellite buildings and is looking to hire a mechanic and apprentice. Independent companies 3Phase, Moseley and ATTA are hiring or holding steady for the moment.
The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to Brother Felix DeJesus who lost his son Emilio January 2.
As of this writing there are three apprentices on the bench.
February '26 Elevator Constructor
Brothers and Sisters:
The 2025 IUEC Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party was held December 12 at the hall. There were approximately 90 members and their families in attendance with all the children 12 and under receiving gifts from Santa. The Local sends out a huge thank you to all the elves who pitched in to make the event a success.
At the December Special Called meeting, Brothers Tom Goggin, Bill Lynsky and Tim Narowitz were elected to join IUEC Vice President and Local 17 Business Manager John Driscoll Jr as delegates to the 35th General Convention being held in San Diego, California later this year. Brother Joe Broz Jr was elected as an alternate to the convention.
As this reaches your door the 2026 school year will be in full swing with one class each of RC100 and RC400 and two classes each of RC500 and RC700 along with two Mechanics Review courses for the eleven apprentices preparing for their Exam.
Business Manager John Driscoll Jr was appointed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to the nine-member Ohio Elevator Safety Review Board. The Board was established to administer the licensing requirements for all elevator constructor mechanics after the passing of legislation by the Ohio General Assembly.
The requirement for continuing education was a key component of the licensing Act. All mechanics passing their exam after July 9, 2022 are required to complete eight CE hours every year to work. If you have any questions about this and how your status is affected by the law, contact John at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
Local 17 will be participating in the 2026 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The kick off is at 1 pm from the corner of East 18th and Superior Avenue. Members are encouraged to bring family and friends as this is always a great opportunity to create positive memories. Watch this space for more information.
Another great opportunity to shake off the winter blahs is the St. Malachi Run/Walk scheduled for March 14 at the parish on the west end of the Detroit-Superior Bridge. The event supports the church’s homeless outreach and is a great lead-in to St. Patrick’s Day.
In mid-December, John sent a letter to all Local 17 signatories notifying them that all Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority locations are to be two-man callbacks. The letter was prompted after constructors working on the job attempted to save the life of a stabbing victim. The crew did not return to the job and the Local has been working with the company and RTA to assure a safe working environment for our members.
With the wind-down of the new Sherwin-Williams Tower, work has not slowed for Local 17 signatories. All seven are reporting firm construction and modernization work with the independents looking to add to their employment rolls.
February is often the cruelest month for those fighting anxiety and depression. The long nights and cold temperatures isolate those with a variety of conditions. If you know of a person who suffered a loss or lives with conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder, take the time to check in on them during this time. The IUEC offers a multitude of options to assist members and their families with mental health and crisis intervention services. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the offerings of the National Elevator Industry Benefits Plan through the Resources tab on the IUEC website, iuec.org. The results could be significant for you and your loved one.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Honored Retiree John Metzger who passed away November 28, 2025.
As of this writing there are one mechanic and four apprentices on the bench.
Until next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
January '26 Labor-Citizen
Brothers and Sisters:
IUEC Vice-president and Local 17 Business Manager John Driscoll Jr was named to the first Ohio Elevator Safety Review Board. He is one of nine members appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to fill the board created as a result of licensing of elevator constructors by the State or Ohio.
Part of the requirements for maintaining a license will be eight hours of continuing education within a two year period. Watch this space and the NEIEP website, neiep.org, for information on which courses will count towards the requirement.
The 2025 IUEC Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party was held December 12 at the hall. There were approximately 90 members and their families in attendance with all the children 12 and under receiving gifts from Santa. The Local sends out a huge thank you to all the elves who pitched in to make the event a success.
Local 17 will be participating in the 2026 Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The kick off is at 1 pm from the corner of East 18th and Superior Avenue. Members are encouraged to bring family and friends as this is always a great opportunity to create positive memories. Watch this space for more information.
Congratulations to all apprentices moving forward in the NEIEP program. There will be one class each of RC100 and RC400 and two classes each of RC500 and RC700 along with two Mechanics Review classes for the eleven apprentices preparing to advance to journeymen. Orientation for the Spring 2026 semester will be the week of January 12 with class beginning the week of the 19th. Any apprentice involved in the welding class being held at Lincoln Electric will be exempt from the orientation.
Retired Brother John Taylor is willing to teach a motor alignment course as well as the hydraulic controller troubleshooting course. If you are interested in either of these options, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
At the December meeting Brothers Tom Goggin, Bill Lynsky and Tim Narowitz were elected as delegates to the 35th IUEC General Convention being held in San Diego, California later this year. They will be joined by International Vice-president and Local Business Manager John Driscoll Jr. Brother Joe Broz Jr will act as an alternate to the delegation.
In mid-December, John sent a letter to all Local 17 signatories indicating that RTA is added to the required two-man callback list. If your superintendent has any questions, they can contact John at the hall.
The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Honorary Retiree John Metzger who passed away November 28, 2025
As of this writing there are one mechanic and four apprentices on the bench.
January ’26 Elevator Constructor
Brothers and Sisters:
The Local 17 Golf Outing will be held June 13, 2026 at Bunker Hill Golf Course in Medina, Oh. We will have a 7:30 am start time instead of the 1 pm time of the previous few years. Watch this space and your mailbox for signing up your foursome and cost per player.
The Spring 2026 semester will see 45 apprentices divided between RC100, RC400, RC500 and RC700. This does not include the 11 who are Mechanics Exam eligible after the Fall 2025 semester and will be in the Mechanics Review class.
As reported in previous articles, state licensing of elevator constructors has finally taken place in Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine has not appointed the members of the Elevator Safety Review Board (ESRB), the entity charged with overseeing the administration of the program. There will be nine total members of the Board and Local 17 Business Manager John Driscoll Jr is expected to be a part of the initial round of appointments.
John has contacted the Business Managers of Detroit and Lansing, Michigan about the need for additional personal professional liability insurance now that licensing is in effect. He was told that the members in those Locals had not taken policies. In the event of a negligent act, a license will not shield the holder and it is doubtful insurance will cover damages. This is the same arrangement as prior to licensing adoption.
The one power that licensing has not granted to constructors is the ability to shut down cars for past due safety tests. This is the responsibility of the City of Cleveland or State of Ohio inspectors. We still maintain the obligation to shut down equipment if it represents a safety risk. This is a view that every company expresses as a core value and we in the field have an obligation to enforce. If there is difference in opinion between the field and the office, call the hall and your designated safety representative.
The Local has renewed its accidental death and dismemberment insurance through American Income Life. AIL offers a variety of insurance products for members above the Local offered coverage. Members will be receiving a mailing from AIL and are under no obligation to return the card to be covered under the Locals ADD coverage. The company offers a variety of insurance products for those interested in initial or additional coverage.
Schindler continues to have problems with payroll. The main issue revolves around the payment of fringes and vacation hours. Our new pay scales went into force effective January 1. No matter what company you work for, if you have a question about your pay scale and what fringes have been paid on your behalf to the International contact John at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
Work is steady with no changes in store for the major companies. Work is winding down on Sherwin-Williams and Schindler is keeping ten other construction and modernization teams busy. Otis has plenty of work booked through the coming year and TKElevator is busy with their two major jobs, Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience and Rocket Arena, with three more teams doing mod and construction. Kone currently has five teams working.
Independents Moseley and ATTA seem to be increasing their portfolios and booking more repair and modernization work. If the trend continues, it is foreseeable they will be looking for additional mechanics and apprentices.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the families of Honorary Retirees Mel Chapuis who passed away October 18 and Bill Mazzeo who passed away October 30.
As of this writing there are two mechanics and four apprentices on the bench.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don