Members of Elevator Constructors Local 23 re-elected business manager Rob Larzalere and other officers unopposed in November. They were sworn in Jan. 9 to new terms of office.
Headquartered in Portland, the 296-member local represents workers who construct, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. It’s a licensed craft that combines electrical and mechanical skills. Members are the highest compensated of any building trades. Journeymen currently make $67.89 an hour, plus another $40 an hour in fringe benefits. Most members are employed under national contracts with the big four elevator companies: Otis, Kone, Schindler, and TK Elevator (formerly ThyssenKrupp.) Those contracts run through July 2027, and the International Union of Elevator Constructors will prioritize bargaining goals and elect its bargaining team at its August 2026 convention.
Larzelere, 45, has served as business manager since April 2022. He said in his second term he’ll continue to prioritize enforcing the contract, encouraging members to be proactive in sticking to the letter of the contract. He’ll also fight to protect craft jurisdiction and maintain union market share. And he’ll celebrate the opening of the local’s new hall at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd. Work on it is nearly complete, after some permitting and contractor delays.
Larzelere said work has slowed slightly since the end of 2023. But with 67 members currently in the four to five year apprenticeship program, the local is on track to replace retiring members and achieve modest growth.
Besides Larzalere, other officers elected are:
- President Aaron Manlove
- Vice President Manny Guzman
- Treasurer Russ Vollendorf
- Recording Secretary Randy Poindexter
- Warden Rion Vest
- E-Board members Jeremy Carlston, Shaun Cain, Tim Gould, Michael Duvernay, Dillon Farrow, Mike Kubena
- Trustees Rich Dodge, Vinny Gambardella, Ben King
