A strike by the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) is affecting elevator repair and maintenance on campus.
Roughly half of 140 elevators on campus are under maintenance contracts shared by two companies – Otis and ThyssenKrupp. These elevators may experience extended periods of down-time if break-downs occur as contractors reassign non-striking staff to maintenance calls.
The other 70 elevators on campus are maintained by two Facilities Management elevator mechanics and are not affected by the strike action. The Facilities Management staff are organized under CUPE 2361.
External elevator contractors are prioritizing their customers based on accessibility needs and have released their own statements. ThyssenKrupp priorities are, in order, emergencies such as trapped passengers, single elevators which service high floor buildings, multiple elevators down in buildings.
The CUPE 2361 mechanics in Facilities Management have agreed to assist with any true emergencies in elevators on campus on a 24/7 basis to ensure the safety of those at Western.
As of May 9th, one elevator in Natural Science is down and the building has no alternative lifts. ThyssenKrupp has been contacted and a representative will be dispatched when available.
Those who are aware of elevator break-downs should contact Facilities Management Client Services 83304.