IUEC LOCAL 17
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CLEVELAND
2025
December
​
Brothers and Sisters:
Congratulations on making it through 2025. In Cleveland, the overall work situation is positive. As of this writing, we sit at 203 members with eleven apprentices eligible for the mechanics review class.
The Sherwin-Williams Tower has taken its place as the new jewel in the skyline as the company vacates it’s long time home at Landmark Office Towers and the century old complex looks forward to its next iteration. The venue originally known as Gund Arena has yet another new name, Rocket Arena, and is getting a long needed modernization to its vertical transportation equipment. Cleveland Clinic is expanding again with a new home for Neuroscience that will keep a number teams busy for a while. This does not even include all of the construction, renovation and modernization work to the buildings owned by Bedrock and other property management groups in and around downtown.
In the last year the Local added another signatory, Moselley Elevator, who expanded into Cleveland from its home base in Columbus (Local 37). They are building a portfolio and a modest workforce.
All in all, a positive year for the North Coast.
December is a good time to review insurance policies, tax information and in general wrap up the current year and set up for the new. If you had a life change such as a new child or spouse, want to change or enroll in the 401(k) program or are looking to retire in 2026, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the Hall to update your information and seek guidance on who to contact at the International level. He can be reached at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
The IUEC Local 17 Annual Children’s Christmas Party will be held December 13, 2024 at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Ave. The event starts at 1 pm. Members are asked to bring a covered dish, the Local will provide soft drinks. Children 12 and under will receive a gift from Santa. Please return attendance forms to John at the hall or Entertainment Chairman Todd Kemp by December 1.
The December 12, 2025 and January 9, 2026 meetings are Mandatory Meetings for the election and installation of officers and delegates to the 33rd IUEC General Convention in San Diego, California August 3-7, 2026. Work and scheduled vacations are are valid exceptions to attendance as all others will be reviewed by the Executive Board.
On October 16, thirteen apprentices participated in the RC700 Practical examination. This version oof the Practical was one of the first to be administered and counting towards the Mechanics Exam. NEIEP Director of Development Lester White, Senior SME Rick Myers, Area Coordinator Jordan Miller and technical help from the Warwick, Rhode Island training center monitored the progress and were on site to address any technical issues that arose. All thirteen completed the Practical and set a high bar for the rest of the International.
This has become an ongoing story almost to the point of not being news— there continues to be problems with Schindler payroll. The latest glitch in the matrix comes after the company implemented its updated SHAPE app used, among other things, to record time and dispatch calls. Problems were expected at the initial rollout but, they have continued and seemingly evolved over time. According to John, he has been in constant contact with Schindler corporate to correct members payroll issues as they arise. All members are encouraged to keep an eye on their stubs and report issues to the Hall as soon as they are identified.
As of this writing there are four mechanics on the bench.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
​
​
November
​
Brothers and Sisters:
The Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party will be held December 13, 2025 at the hall located at 3250 Euclid Ave. The event starts at 1 pm. All children 12 and under will have an opportunity to meet Santa and receive a gift. Families are asked to bring a dish as the Local will provide soft drinks and coffee. Members are asked to respond to Entertainment Chairman Todd Kemp by December 1 with the names and ages of the children to receive gifts.
The November 14 and December 12, 2025 and January 9, 2026 meeting are Special Called Meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers. All meetings are at the hall and start at 6 pm. All members not in attendance will be fined by the Executive Board without a valid reason for non-attendance. You can contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
Contract negotiations are coming up and the majors are all pushing for concessions in the next CBA by attempting to catch our members unaware of contract terms or normalizing processes or procedures prior to negotiations. Kone is attempting to add one-man no loads to the contract. This is in response to the testing requirements and manpower conditions at Kone not aligning. While a clear procedure agreed upon by the International and NEBA exists for one man pressure tests, NONE EXISTS FOR TRACTION TESTING.
The question of four-tens on construction and mod with maintenance employees on five-eights working on Fridays on those jobs to avoid paying overtime is another example of pre-negotiation jockeying by the majors to catch us sleeping at the wheel.
Finally, prefabricated work is always an issue prior to contracts as companies attempt to squeak by or normalize violations claiming “no one in the field said anything. What’s the big deal?” TKElevator recently attempted this on its major jobs in Cleveland and was thwarted by the attentiveness of those on site. These practices are a direct violation of the CBA and need to be brought to the attention of the hall and the International.
Whenever confronted with these issues, do four things: document, document document and call the hall. This is the first step to getting the information to the International so patterns can be established and compensation, when called for, given to the appropriate grieved parties.
If for any reason your paycheck is not correct, contact the person responsible for payroll in your office about the discrepancy and make them commit to a time frame to correct that discrepancy then call John at the hall. Schindler switched its time tracking application and there have been significant problems not only in Cleveland but across the region due to the change. According to John he has been in constant contact with SEC Labor Relations to correct the issue and make all parties whole. This is not a new issue for Schindler as there have been numerous incidents over recent years of wrong checks. While the initial hit is to the amount in the check, consideration must also be given to the effect on benefits paid to the union by the employer. Are all hours correctly reported? When? What are the tax and benefit implications on both sides? Is there a pattern of errors?
As of this writing there is still work going on at Sherwin-Williams but the out-of-town Schindler LPD personnel have moved on to other jobs. TKElevator has the Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Police Department jobs going on and currently has the biggest share of work in the area. Kone, Otis and Schindler are keeping their teams working while Gable/3Phase is currently slow.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Honored Retiree Paul Miller who passed away September 5.
As of this writing there are four mechanics on the bench.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
October
Brothers and Sisters:
July 31st was truly the end of an era at Local 17 as Brother Jerry Reitz retired from the field after 43 years of service. There is not enough space in this publication to express how much this man has meant to Schindler Elevator, all the preceding companies to Schindler and, most of all, every member of Local 17.
One of the many stories involves how, after early in his helper career, Jerry broke his wrist and was out of work for a time. Instead of waiting around for it to heal and get back to work, he built a 2:1, four-stop traction elevator model based on a very simplified Haughton print. The model has car doors, landing doors, leveling switches, finals and directionals and with a bit of relay swapping can even have faults introduced in the system. Prior to NEIEP’s hoistway unit and hydraulic suitcase lab, the helpers of Local 17 had access to this very important learning tool which influenced a generation of helpers to become better mechanics and troubleshooters.
One of the first times I work with Jerry, we were at Renaissance Hotel in downtown troubleshooting a Haughton passenger car. I watched as he picked a couple of relays, watched what happened, took a long look at the print with is back to the pillar and foot propped to use his knee as a rest for the print. A typical pose he struck while contemplating a problem.
He shut the car off and had me change a relay bridge. When we put the line back in and ran the car, the cadence of the relays changed and became more consistent. He explained that the bridge was broken and the contact was not always making up and that was why the car acted funny. We went to coffee.
Another time I met him at the coffee shop of the Standard Building. He explained what was going on with the Swift microprocessor-based controller and asked me where I thought the problem might lie. Using what he told me I was able to get on the same page of the print he had already arrived at but not the same line. We changed out the encoder wheel, did a learn trip, ran the car and went to lunch. A good morning’s work and a lesson that all learning does not take place in the classroom.
In the classroom, Jerry has a calm demeanor which not only helps maintain the attention of the class but, projects the assured authority of someone who commands attention without resorting to unneeded grandiosity. He knows what he is talking about, we all know it. His experience fills volumes without raising the volume.
It is through this time as an instructor and a member of the JATC he has made the largest contribution to Local 17 and the IUEC. Every single Local member has sat in his class and had the opportunity to learn from someone who spent his everyday finding and fixing problems using the same skills he attempts to pass along to those willing to listen and learn.
It is no small thing to say that when we stand on the shoulders of others we can see farther. When we stand on the shoulders of giants, we have the opportunity to become giants ourselves. Jerry Reitz gives us all the chance to become giants.
Jerry’s retirement marks 99 years of a Reitz working in Local 17 and with the induction of his son Charlie on July 11 that tradition will continue for as long as this remains the best Local in the best trade in the trades.
Good luck in retirement. You have made us all far better for you having been here.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
​
September
​
Brothers and Sisters:
Congratulations to Brothers Rob Hansen and Mike Wickham teaming up with Jake Hansen and Chris Peterson to retake the IUEC Local 17 Golf Outing title at Bunker Hill Golf Course. The team shot a 10-under par on their way to a victory.
As this reaches your mailbox, the fate of Local 17 in this years Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Softball Tournament will be decided. Look to these pages for how our softballs fared.
Vacation checks must have been received by July 15. Also, apprentice raises go into effect the first full pay week after September 1. Those who have not received their checks or have questions about the amount or new pay scale are encouraged to call Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
IUEC Organizer Juan Gonzalez visited the July meeting to report on activities around the Local and International. The International is currently negotiating with Canada’s Richmond Elevator after a successful vote by the employees to organize. Richmond was one of Canada’s largest non-signatory companies until coming into the fold.
The local situation is very good as Local 17 signatories hold an almost 95% market share. There are four non-signatory companies operating in the area: Davis-Newcomber from Findlay, Akron’s Handle and Sons, Ohio Elevator from Twinsburg and Lake Erie Elevator from Painesville. If you see any of these companies working in the area, contact Business Manger John Driscoll Jr at the number above.
Mechanics licensing in Ohio has become a challenge. John recently sent an email to all mechanics outlining, in screen shots taken form the Ohio website, the process to get the initial application completed. After this point, a background check must be submitted to fully complete the process and receive a license. John is encouraging every mechanic to get to this point as soon as possible.
When asked by the form what training you have, ALL IUEC TRAINED MECHANICS MUST USE THE “OTHER TRAINING” OPTION.
Part of the application process also involves uploading a copy of the NEIEP certificate verifying you passed the Mechanics Exam. This can be found at the NEIEP website, neiep.org, by clicking on Students and Certificates tabs and clicking the download option for the Exam certificate. This will download the PDF file which you then send to the State. If you have trouble logging into you NEIEP account, email support@neiep.org or contact John at the Hall.
As the Sherwin-Williams Tower nears completion, elevator work on the job is beginning to wind down. There are currently ten constructors on the job with four more running the freight and passenger cars for the other trades. TKElevator is ramping up work and is currently the busiest of the majors with the new Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience building and the Rocket Arena mod in full swing. Otis continues on with mods at the Cleveland Clinic and Kone has a six-car mod that will go through the end of the year.
Mechanics are reminded that any job they work on that will be longer than three days in duration needs to be called into the hall. This is especially important when there are members on the bench as it keeps the companies honest about their backlog. Calling in jobs can and does help keep our Brothers and Sisters working.
The November 14 and December 12, 2025 and January 9, 2026 meetings are Special Called Meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers. All members not attending without a valid reason will be fined by the Executive Board.
Clarification: If you are searching for Brother Joe Schivani’s YouTube channel use the term “Scrap Pile Pro” for best results.
As of this writing there are four mechanics on the bench.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
​
August
Brothers and Sisters:
By the time this reaches your door the Local 17 Annual Golf Outing, held again this year at Bunker Hill Golf Course, will be history. Follow this space and the Local report in the Cleveland Labor-Citizen for highlights and the winners of the day.
Local 17 sends congratulations to its 2024-25 apprentice class for their 100 percent pass rate. This means that after the coming Fall semester there will be eleven Mechanics Exam eligible apprentices if all pass their final semester.
Fall 2025 semester orientation will be the week of August 11 with classes starting the following week. There will be two classes each of RC 800, RC 600, RC 400 and one RC 300 class for the 48 apprentices currently enrolled.
There are issues with the State Licensing program and all mechanics are asked to hold off their application until these issues are resolved. The concerns involve background checks, continuing education credits and the absence of the Elevator Safety Review Board being in place to make the decisions on these key issues. The ESRB is to be appointed by Governor Mike DeWine who, as of this writing, has not made the necessary appointments. If you have any questions or concerns about your status within the licensing processes, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-391-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
A reminder that all jobs lasting more than three days are to be reported to the hall. This is required by the Local By-Laws.
The signatories to Local 17 are ATTA/Maximum Elevator, Kone Elevator, Moselley Elevator, Schindler Elevator, 3Phase/Gable Elevator and TKElevator. Moselley, a company out of Columbus headed by former Schindler Cleveland General Manager Dan Devault, is a recent addition to the Local list and looking to set up an office in the Cleveland/Akron area. They are also a signatories to Local 37 (Columbus) and Local 45 (Akron). If you come across a company that you do not recognize doing work in the area, be sure to contact John at the hall at the above number.
TKElevator has the most work in the jurisdiction with the Neuroscience, Rocket Arena and Cleveland Police Headquarters jobs commanding the most attention. As mentioned previously, IUEC Assistant General President Jim Chapman is negotiating with TKElevator on pre-fab violations on equipment shipped to the Cleveland Clinic and Police Headquarters jobs as well as other TKE jobs around the country.
Kone has a six-car mod currently running which will last through the end of the year. 3Phase has slowed to only two mod teams working at this time. Otis is still working several mods the Cleveland Clinic as well as the freight car mod at Cleveland Cliffs Steel.
Ethan Thompson, son of Schindler modernization mechanic Gary Thompson, took first place in the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference industrial motor control competition. Ethan graduated in 2025 from Maplewood Career Center and is currently working for a local motor control company.
SkillsUSA is an organization dedicated to developing students to become skilled professionals in the workplace covering all aspects of career and technical education. The competition was held in Atlanta, Georgia the week of June 24th through 26th with winners announced at State Farm Arena on Friday, June 27.
The Brothers and Sisters of IUEC Local 17 send their condolences to the family of retired Brother John Rossborough who passed away May 21.
As of this writing there are four mechanics on the bench.
Until next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
​
June
​
Brothers and Sisters:
May 1 was not only May Day, the international day to celebrate the role of labor but, also the opening of the Ohio Elevator Mechanic Licensing Portal. Mechanics have until November 1, 2025 to apply for their Ohio License. The cost is $250 for a two-year license with a requirement for continuing education hours. The State will recognize CE hours taken through NEIEP at its website, neiep.org. Also keep in mind that NEIEP will pay each person one-hour of wages for taking a CE course through the site. For more information, keep your attention tuned to these pages.
Local 17 held their annual Retiree’s Dinner on May 16 at Harry’s Steak House in Independence. The event drew a substantial number of active and retired members and, as always, the evening was filled with lots of stories both tall and occasionally true. For photos of the event go to the Local’s website, iueclocal17.org.
By the time this reaches your mailbox the 2024-25 school year will be in the books. Congratulations to all the apprentices for making it through this year and moving on in your academic studies.
NEIEP is currently in the processes of rewriting RC 500, 600 and 700. RC 500 is the closest to completion and should be ready for release very soon. The complete rewrite of the solid-state RC 600 text was completed in mid-April. Finalizing of the images and formatting the text needs to be finished as well as the animations, labs, instructor training for the labs and other in-house programming requirements before it will be ready for release. Afterwards, RC 700 will receive a similar update as previous modules.
Rick Myers is helping design a four-stop simulator using CAN communication to run a virtual elevator system. This was originally proposed as part of an RC600 lab and will have broader applications throughout the curriculum. The purpose is to introduce serial communication concepts an apprentice can directly apply to their daily work. This is going to be an exciting release and huge step forward for NEIEP.
Thank you to John Taylor for instructing the CE Hydraulic Valve class. The class is designed to help mechanics understand the inner workings of hydraulic valves and their adjustment. The simulator uses both EECO and Maxton valves and a piston for visual feedback of how an adjustment changes the response of the car. This will be John’s last continuing education class for the summer. If there are any classes you would like to see presented, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
On March 26, Elevator Industry Work Preservation came to town to offer a presentation to local signatories about grant programs available to recover jobs from non-signatory companies. Representatives from Schindler, KONE, TKElevator, Moseley and ATTA took part in the program. The program offered by Work Preservation is the same one used during the successful Gable organizing effort. The monies offered through the program are used to offset the difference between the cost for a signatory and non-signatory contract. There is a program for construction and modernization jobs and one for recovering maintenance jobs. This can offer our signatories a significant advantage when dealing with non-organized competition.
Sherwin-Williams Tower is coming to completion. Otis is moving ahead with their modernization at the mill with four teams doing 12 hour shifts. The other companies are in a holding pattern either waiting on parts or their jobs to advance to the point they can start work.
As of this writing there are four mechanics on the bench.
Until next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net​​
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May
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Brothers and Sisters:
​
The IUEC Local 17 Retiree’s dinner will be held Friday, May 16 at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence. Doors open at 5:30 with dinner at 6:30. The cost for active members is $65 with retirees attending for free.
On March 26, the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund presented opportunities for signatory companies to receive grant money to pursue contracts currently being held by non-signatory companies operating in the Cleveland area. Locals 17 and 45 (Akron) have been very fortunate that up until recently non-signatories have not been active in the jurisdiction. There has been an increase in activity by Findlay’s Davis-Newcomer and Lake Erie Elevator in Painesville to penetrate the market.
Local representatives of Kone, TKElevator, ATTA/Maximum and, new signatory to the Cleveland and Akron Local agreements, Moseley were scheduled to attend the presentation.
The grants from the EIWPF cover the partial difference between a signatory and non-signatory cost of a maintenance contract as well as a percentage of modernization and construction costs. The Fund is a cooperative effort between the International and the National Elevator Bargaining Association (NEBA) to maintain and increase jobs serviced by signatory companies.
If you see a company that you do not know to be a signatory working in the area, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
The portal for licensing elevator mechanic in Ohio opened May 1, 2025 through the State of Ohio website Ohio.gov. Initially there is a six-month window for all mechanics to apply for a license through the site. The window closes November 1, 2025. The cost is $250 for a two-year license.
Through the licensing requirements, all license holders must have eight hours of continuing education classes per year. The classes are available through the NEIEP website, neiep.org, under the Continuing Education tab and will be accepted by the State. NEIEP also pays the student/mechanic for their time when taking any CE class. For more information go the NEIEP website.
This license belongs to the mechanic and not the company. It is the individual mechanic’s responsibility to keep current. This is not an expense to be turned in to the company for repayment. It is not a dues difference to another Local. It is, among other things, the holders ability to refuse to perform an unsafe practice at the behest of their supervisor.
Local 17 will have a run-through on the application process at a monthly union meeting. Watch this space and the Local website for more information.
Currently work in the area is slowing down. The elevator work at Sherwin-Williams headquarters is coming to completion as there is still several months of interior work to be completed by other trades. The TKElevator jobs at Rocket Arena (formerly Rocket Mortgage Field House), Cleveland Police Headquarters and Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience are not yet ready to start.
Otis is ready for the steel mill mod and is looking to pick up a team. They are also looking for help in their maintenance department. Gable/3Phase has three mod crews working and enough on the books for the rest of the summer.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the families of Honorary retiree Chuck Lanning who passed away February 20 and Brother Matt Harden whose father passed away February 19.
As of this writing there are four mechanics and four apprentices on the bench.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
April
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Brothers and Sisters:
​
The 2025 IUEC Local 17 Retiree’s Dinner is scheduled for Friday, May 16 at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence. Watch your mailbox and the Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org, for more information.
A contingent of Local 17 members and family marched in the 2025 Cleveland St.Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17. Once again Kone donated the use of their stake body truck for the event and everyone in attendance had a great time. For photos of the event, go to the Local 17 website.
For those apprentices working out of town, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org so he can place you in roaming status to continue the NEIEP program in another Local.
Work Preservation did a presentation for our signatory companies to educate them on grant money available to recover jobs lost to non-signatory competitors. This money will help recover jobs lost to Davis-Newcomer and Lake Erie Elevator who have become aggressive as of late in the Cleveland market.
The Ohio Department of Industrial Compliance is opening the contractor portal May 1. This is where the companies apply for their license. The mechanic ’s portal is expected to open June 1 with a two-year license costing $250. The requirement is that by November 1, all mechanics in Ohio will be licensed.
There is no word as of yet as to who Governor Mike DeWine will name to the board to oversee the new governing body.
Where are they working?
Matt Pinchot and Mark Thomason at Cleveland Clinic TT doing a mod for Otis,
Craig Nolty and Mike Janzen at Cleveland Clinic CID installing cars for Otis,
DJ Spring and Mike Hassell at Margaret Wagner doing a two-car mod for Otis,
Jerry Szmerekovsky and Pat McHugh at Cleveland Clinic NC114 doing a mod for Otis,
Jim Thompson and Eric Johnson at Cleveland Clinic M doing a mod for Otis,
Dion Yatsko and Lem Hurd running cars at Metro Apex for Otis,
Brandon Light, Dan Varga, Lee Barkschat, Jeremy Sesma, Cory Oldham, Cody Dempster, Marcus Luxenburg and Adam Farhm at Sherwin-Williams Headquarters installing a lot of cars for Schindler,
Matt Harden, Andrea Rodriguez, Ed Gimmell and Dave Adrian at Sherwin-Williams running cars for Schindler,
Matt Weingart and Ricky Kemp doing a mod at Progressive Field for Schindler,
Brian Bond, Mike Gallagher, Brian Seither and Jared Adams at Lakeview Campus doing a six-car mod for Schindler,
Joe Sumph and Tito Mike at Public Utilities doing a two-car mod for Schindler,
Gary Thompson and Tom Holian at WO Walker doing a mod for Schindler,
Sean Canning and Jason Barnett at Van Home in Carrolton installing a car for Schindler,
Dave Gnagy and Jay Carlson at the West Side Market doing a four-car mod for Schindler,
Jack Finucan and Brandon LaFontaine at Freedom Square doing a jack for Schindler,
Mike Hogan and Aaron Sipos at RTA Triskett doing clean downs for Schindler,
Pat McCann and Mike Piela at Poor Clares doing a door mod for Schindler,
Russell Barrows and Joe Gauker at Catawba Hampton Inn installing cars for Kone,
Mike Miller and Pat Kelly at Peninsula Apartments finishing installing cars for Kone,
Brendan Hyland and Justten Kavedzic at Royalton Woods installing a car for Kone,
Todd Ross and Eric Schaffran doing a mod at Bulkley Building for Kone,
Drew Williams and Jake Driscoll finishing a mod at Lake West for Kone,
Ken Bowles and Sasha Vujkovic doing service work for Kone,
Tim Narowitz and Jack McTaggart doing a mod at Gemini Towers for TKElevator,
Bill Dudas and Vinny Smrdel at RH Myers in Beachwood doing a two-car mod for TKElevator,
Joe Broz Jr and Bill Lynsky enjoying working at Case Western Reserve University for TKElevator,
Jason Frederick and John Ranney doing a mod at Wade Park for TKElevator,
Chris Sipos and Christian Thompson at Schevchenko Manor in Parma doing a mod for TKElevator,
Anthony Metcalf and Brad Skotko at Heinen’s in Rocky River doing a mod for TKElevator,
Jim Ehrbar and Dan Quigley at Perry Pane doing a mod for Gable/3Phase,
Marc Carollo and Jack Corrigan at Kemper House doing a mod for Gable/3Phase and,
Brian Owens and Spencer Adams at Bridgeview doing a two-car mod for Gable/3Phase.
As of this writing there are three mechanics and three apprentices on the bench.
Until next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
​
March
Brothers and Sisters:
St. Patrick’s Day is upon us. Do not forget to join IUEC Local 17 at the Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade Monday, March 17th. As usual, the parade kicks off at 1 pm from East 18th and Superior. The Local will have a truck for children and adults to ride as well as our brigade of marchers. This is a family friendly event that draws children of all ages. Do not miss the chance to create life long memories.
Congratulations to the College Football National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes. You make O-H-I-O great!
Congratulations to Business Manager John Driscoll Jr for being elected to the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Executive Board where he will act as the Recording Secretary.
In their 1983 book Tyranny of The Status Quo, economists Milton and Rose Friedman write about the economic challenges faced by a first term President Ronald Reagan, Britain’s Margaret Thatcher and other international conservatives in the late 1970’s and early 80’s Golden Era of conservative leadership. There is a passage early in the book which highlights the reasoning behind much of what we actively see happening in Washington DC in the last weeks of January 2025.
The following is a paraphrase of there observations:
“In 1982 William R. Bennett was reelected to a third term as Premier of British Columbia. Immediately after reelection he announced a sweeping program to reduce the size of government, decrease civil servant workers by 25 percent and reduce spending on a range of programs. He also abolished outright a number of politically sensitive commissions. There was an immediate outcry by affected civil servants and groups directly affected by his actions.
“Why didn’t he spell this out prior to the election? Any measure that affects concentrated group significantly—either favorably or unfavorably— tends to have effects on individual members of that group that are substantial, occur promptly and are highly visible. The same measures the individuals of a diffuse group—again either favorable or unfavorable—tend to be trivial, longer delayed and less visible.
“Quick, concentrated reactions is the major source of strength of special interest groups in a democracy. It motivates politicians to make grandiose promises to such special interests before an election and to postpone any measures adversely affecting special interest groups until after the election.”
Elections have consequences and those consequences will not be realized until they affect a voter directly.
When a 25% across the board tariff raises the price of the voters banana for their morning cereal and the price of coffee at their favorite shop goes from $2 to $3 because of a tax on Columbian beans, will they pay attention? What about the gauges we use for our pressure tests or the cloth for the upholstery in our classic car or boat rises proportionally to cover the tax? How about when an exclusive material source becomes too expensive for the importer to use and the plant closes? What will these voters think about their choice?
Who is going to pick the pumpkins for Halloween or the tomatoes for our salads and sauces? Do you want to reshingle a roof in July? How about changing your grandmother in the nursing home? Have you every watched the employee gate at a meat packing plant? Who is going to clean the CEO’s office?
Maybe it’s all just bluster and it will calm down. Maybe it’s all just throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks. Maybe it’s all a case of poor communication. What ever it is, I’ve seen this show before and I know how this ends.
Until next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
​
February
Brothers and Sisters:
The work situation in Cleveland for all the trades is very positive and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. As elevator constructors, we hold a unique place in the trades. Not only do we command the best wages and benefits, our work touches on aspects of all those working around us. This unique perspective allows us to notice trends and act as leaders within the workplace.
When a building owner selects a general contractor for a job no matter the size, the GC turns to the pool of contractors it is confident can do the job in a safe and efficient manner. These are relationship which are developed and refined over time and represent the overall experience of that contractor with the subs they choose to select for the job.
As with all relationships, problems will arise. The key to maintaining a positive relationship is how these issues are addressed. As elevator constructors we need to be the example of how a union trade is supposed to work and call out those which put the trade union movement in general into disrepute. This means Brothers and Sisters in the trades who abuse their position in the workplace and create a hostile or unsafe environment for those around them.
This means policing our own to maintain the integrity of the organized trades and minimize the opportunity for non-signatory companies to take hold and steal work which would otherwise go to an organized Brother or Sister.
A reputation is like glass, easy to shatter and difficult to repair. Maintaining that reputation is something all trades must make a priority.
On December 27, an era in Cleveland elevator operation ended: Greg “Chief” Schlegel retired after 45 years of running a freight car at Landmark Office Towers. Chief had been an ambassador of good will for the buildings past and present Fortune 500 tenants and a friendly voice on a dreary day.
Landmark opened in 1930 as part of the Cleveland Union Terminal project which includes the iconic Terminal Tower as its centerpiece. Chief started working there in 1979 and his 45 years service represents almost half the existence of the complex.
Prior to the advent of automatic elevators, operators ran the cars at office buildings and department stores often acting as the first line of security and a directory on where to go and who to talk to once inside. Presently, outside of cars turned over for temporary operation, Cleveland has only a handful of full-time elevator operators still working.
I first met Chief in 2000 when I came to help clean secondaries with the resident mechanic. He was friendly, helpful and very upfront. He was better at keeping a person up to date on the inner workings of downtown and plugged in even better than the most veteran news reporter. I would not doubt that Chief was the source for getting some of Cleveland’s biggest news stories rolling.
On his nickname, Chief said that one day he was joking with one of the contractors when the subject of the fire department came up. Apparently several members of his family were presently or had been members of the Cleveland Fire Department and when he brought this up the contractor gave him a hat and said “well, I guess that makes you Chief!” And thus a legend was born.
Congratulations Chief on a retirement well earned.
As of this writing there is one mechanic on the bench.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
January
Brothers and Sisters:
For all of you that missed it, the 2024 Local 17 Children’s Christmas Party was held December 14 at the hall. It was a very well attended event and all the children enjoyed the entertainment and the opportunity to meet Santa. For photos of the event, go to the Local’s website, iueclocal17.org, and peruse the gallery for your favorite moment.
The Spring semester starts January 20th with the orientation taking place the week prior. The 50 apprentices in school will be divided between RC 200, 300, 400 and either 700 or 800.
It is the apprentices responsibility to make class a priority. Your school night is your school night. The only acceptable excuses for absences are illness or previously scheduled overtime. Future make up classes will be scheduled as needed for Saturday morning from 8am to noon.
Eight members recently attended and were certified in fork lift and boom truck operation in a class taught by Brother Tim Narowitz. This is only one of the continuing education classes offered to members through NEIEP. If there is a class you would like to see offered, contact Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.
Elevator licensing took effect in Ohio November 1, 2024 and all contractors and mechanics have until November 1, 2025 to obtain their state license. For more information, go to the Local’s or the State of Ohio Department of Industrial Compliance website.
Where are they working?
Jim Thompson and Eric Johnson at Cleveland Clinic TT doing a mod for Otis,
Craig Nolty, Dion Yatsko, Luke Schnitzler and Mike Janson at Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Center installing cars for Otis,
DJ Spring and Mike Hassel at Margaret Wagner doing a two-car mod for Otis,
Pat Pollock and Mark Thomason at Cleveland Clinic F doing a mod for Otis,
Ric Supinski, Joel Reyes, Joe Simcic, Lee Barkschat, Ed Gimmell, Del Gay, Jeremy Sesma, Nick Bowlen, Cory Oldham, Cody Dempster, Marcus Luxenburg, Kyle Drnak, Adam Farhm and Preston Patterson at Sherwin-Williams doing a bunch of cars for Schindler,
Matt harden, Andrea Rodriquez and Dave Adrian running cars at Sherwin For Schindler,
Matt Weingart and Ricky Kemp doing a mod at the Federal Reserve for Schindler,
Brian Bond, Mike Gallagher, Brian Seither and Jarrett Adams at Lakeview Campus doing a six-car mod for Schindler,
Joe Sumph and Gary Thompson at WO Walker doing a two-car most for Schindler,
Shawn Yatsko and tom Holian at Waldorf Manor doing a one-car mod for Schindler,
Don Yoho and Adam Klein Finishing up a one-car installation at Franciscan Village,
Sean Canning and Jason Barnett at Van Horne in Carrolton installing a car for Schindler,
Dave Gnagy and Jay Carlson doing hydro mods at NASA,
Rob Timko and Matt Carlton at Painesville Administration doing a one-car mod for Schindler,
Jack Finucan and Brandon LaFontaine doing a pump unit at Black And Decker for Schindler,
Pat McCann and Brandon Alley doing a door mod at the Luckman for Schindler,
Mike Hogan and Aaron Sipos at Progressive Field winterizing the escalators,
Russell Barrows and Herb Fouts at Peninsula Apartments installing cars for Kone,
Mike Miller and Ellaina Harris at Oberlin apartments installing cars for Kone,
Joe Gauker and Ryan Bissel at Breezeway installing tow hydros for Kone,
Pat Kelly and John Smith installing one car one east 125th for Kone,
Ernie Rodriguez and Bob Savnik in Ashtabula doing a two-car mod for Kone,
James Hirz and Justten Kavedzic at Post Office Plaza doing a mod for Kone,
Todd Ross and Eric Schaffran doing a mod at Bulkley Building for Kone,
Drew Williams and Jake Driscoll at Tyler Building doing a one-car mod for Kone,
Ken Bowles and Sasha Vujkovic at 11770 Berea road doing a door mod for Kone,
Tim Narowitz and Jack McTaggart doing a mod at Gemini Towers for TKElevator,
Bill Dudas and Vincent Smrdel at Randal Park Apartments doing a two-car mod for TKElevator,
Jason Frederick and Brad Skotko doing a mod at Wade Park for TKElevator,
Kevin Thomas and Matt Ramser at AMT in Brecksville installing a car for TKElevator,
Chris Sipos and Christian Thompson at Hathaway Brown doing a mod for TKElevator,
Anthony Metcalf and John Ranney at Pearl Crossing doing a mod for TKElevator,
Jim Ehrbar and Dan Quigley at Perry Payne doing a mod for 3Phase,
Marc Carollo and Brian Owens at Tudor Arms doing a mod for 3Phase,
Chris Scholle and Jack Corrigan at Kappa House doing a mod for 3Phase.
As of this writing the bench is clear.
Until next month…
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
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