Elevator strike

A Maritime-wide elevator technician strike is over, and companies say they’re moving quickly to clear repair backlogs, particularly in buildings housing more vulnerable individuals.

TK Elevators, an international company with an office in Dieppe, said in an email statement on Oct. 10 that, as it returns to normal operations, it will prioritize facilities “that support essential, critical infrastructure and life-safety functions,” such as hospitals and long-term care facilities.

“We are committed to responding to all customers’ needs as quickly as possible and appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding as operations continue to normalize,” she wrote.

Members of Local 125 of the International Union of Elevator Constructors went on strike on Sept. 10.

The labour action covers private-sector elevator mechanics and constructors across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and P.E.I.

While the strike affected several buildings across the province, seniors and people with disabilities seemed to have taken the brunt of the issue.

Saint John Deputy Mayor John MacKenzie said he responded to a call from residents in Brentwood Towers, a condominium building in Millidgeville with 16 flights of stairs that houses many elderly people and people with disabilities.

He said residents called him as both building elevators were out of service, and a resident needed to be taken to the hospital.

MacKenzie explained that the first elevator broke because a resident got stuck in it, and the fire department had to open it with jaws, which ultimately left it completely out of service.

He added that later on the second elevator broke down too, forcing ambulance attendants to carry the patient down about 14 flights of stairs.

MacKenzie said to fix their elevators he had to call a non-unionized company to perform the repairs.

He said it was the first time he had faced a situation like this and that he “got lucky” finding technicians who were able to complete the repairs quickly.

While MacKenzie was not aware of similar issues in his ward or elsewhere in the city, he acknowledged the strike was affecting emergency response times, which he said is a concern for the city.

“I do know that our fire department has responded to a few calls where people have been caught in elevators or needed assistance getting down the stairs, where their mobility is hampered somewhat,” he said. “It’s having an effect for sure.”

Saint John Fire Department chief Rob Nichol echoed MacKenzie’s words.

Nichol didn’t disclose how many calls the department had received since the strike began but said they were significant.

He added that elevators in buildings under seven stories are technically considered a convenience rather than a safety device under the fire code; broken elevators add significant time and complexity to emergency operations.

“It involves bringing stretchers up the stairs and down the stairs or tools if it was a firefighting operation, so it certainly can be a challenge,” said Nichol. “That’s something we train for and have to expect, but certainly the elevators make it easier, especially for firefighter operations to gain access to folks who are in need.”

To manage the situation and prevent potential backlogs, Nichol said the fire prevention office was proactive.

He explained that when they identified an inoperable elevator, a fire prevention officer was sent to inspect the building so responding crews knew the specific challenges and alternative access routes beforehand.

Nichol added that the department has also been recommending tenants contact the New Brunswick tenant-landlord relations office to report non-working elevators, which may help speed up the repair process.

There’s still no official word about the state of negotiations.

Acadia Broadcasting reached out to the International Union of Elevator Constructors and Local 125, but no one was available to comment.

Acadia Broadcasting also reached out to the Brentwood Towers condominium board for comment but did not receive a response.