Elevator workers could be locked out this week, affecting thousands of buildings across B.C., says union

The union representing 900 elevator maintenance workers across B.C. says its members could be locked out of their job sites as of Tuesday.

The International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 82 claims it has been served lock-out notices by four employers, and that this has the potential to impact tens of thousands of buildings and construction sites around the province.

“Our Union is facing concession demands from four giant multinational elevator corporations who have made $7.7 billion in profits in 2021, and our hard-working members are not going to accept anything less than a fair and reasonable contract,” said Mike Funk, the union’s business manager.

“Business is booming for Otis, Schindler, KONE, and TK Elevator (formerly Thyssenkrupp), and workers who have helped them be so successful deserve a share of the results, not concessions.”

The union says mediated negotiations broke off Thursday after the employers tabled a wage offer significantly less than the union has bargained in other jurisdictions.

The union itself has served a 72-hour strike notice.

Funk says the strike will not affect the maintenance of elevators at hospitals and long-term care homes.