Elevator Worker Strike, OEM Lockout Looms in Canadian Province

Approximately 900 elevator workers in British Columbia (BC), Canada, could be off the job Tuesday following unsuccessful union negotiations last week, Penticton Western News is among outlets to report. The International Union of Elevator Constructors’ BC branch (IUEC Local 82) said discussions concerning a new collective agreement fell apart last week when four international OEMs offered a wage that was significantly lower than the union’s request. The employers – Otis, Schindler, KONE and TK Elevator — have issued a lockout notice set to begin Tuesday, October 17, and the union has served a 72-h strike notice. IUEC Local 82 said its strike would only be for maintenance and service mechanics, and its workers will ensure elevators in hospitals and long-term care homes are kept in operation. The OEMs’ notice would also cover elevator construction workers.