International Union of Elevator Constructors

The International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) is a specialized trade union representing workers who install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other types of vertical transportation systems. Founded in 1901, it's a relatively small but highly skilled union within the building trades. IUEC members, often referred to as elevator mechanics or constructors, perform a wide range of tasks related to vertical transportation. They install new elevator systems in buildings, which involves assembling and aligning complex mechanical and electrical components. This work requires expertise in hydraulics, electronics, and computerized control systems. Maintenance and repair form a significant part of their work. Elevator constructors perform regular inspections, troubleshoot issues, and conduct repairs on existing systems to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. This can involve anything from minor adjustments to major overhauls of elevator machinery. The union also represents workers who modernize older elevator systems, updating them with newer technology to improve safety, energy efficiency, and performance. This often involves integrating advanced computerized controls and safety features into existing structures. IUEC members work in various settings, from residential buildings to skyscrapers, hospitals, shopping malls, and industrial facilities. Their work is critical for ensuring the safe vertical movement of people and goods in multi-story structures. The union places a strong emphasis on training and safety. Elevator construction is a potentially dangerous field, and the IUEC runs extensive apprenticeship programs to ensure its members are highly skilled and safety-conscious. These programs typically last several years and combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training. The IUEC advocates for fair wages, workplace safety, and comprehensive benefits for its members across the United States and Canada. Given the specialized nature of their work and the critical safety implications, the union plays a vital role in maintaining high standards in the elevator industry.