Our Union
Our Mission
The mission of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) is to represent and advocate for our members through collective bargaining, ensuring fair wages, strong benefits, and safe working conditions. We are committed to solidarity, advancing industry-leading training, and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and craftsmanship.
Our History
For well over a century, our talented members have reshaped the skylines of major cities throughout the United States and Canada while keeping our nations moving.
Uniting Elevator
Constructors & Workers.
We aim to provide the elevator industry with the most skilled, highly trained, and professional workforce in the world, partnering with contractors and building owners to ensure every job is done right and done safely.
IUEC Leadership
James Chapman, III, was appointed to serve as IUEC assistant general president in January 2024, upon the retirement of Former Assistant General President James K. Bender, II. Brother Chapman is honored to not only serve the 31,000 members of the IUEC but to also hold in the very same position his father, James H. Chapman, Jr., served from 2000 to 2006.
Assistant General President Chapman began his career in the IUEC on July 8, 1998, following in his father’s footsteps and joining Local 12, Kansas City, MO. Prior to joining the IUEC, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
After completing his apprenticeship, Brother Chapman earned his mechanic’s license as a member of Local 12. His leadership skills and passion for the trade were quickly recognized by his fellow brothers and sisters, and he was elected to positions within the local union early in his career. He was appointed as a trustee in September 2000 and recording secretary in 2002, before being elected business manager in 2005. He served as Local 12 business manager until he was appointed IUEC national organizer in April 2009, a position he held for four years. In February 2013, Brother Chapman was appointed regional director and served in this role for 11 years until his appointment as assistant general president.
Brother Chapman has served in numerous other appointed roles within the IUEC including as a National Elevator Industry Health Benefit Plan trustee from 2014 to 2017 and a National Elevator Pension Plan trustee from 2017 to 2018. He has also served on numerous committees including the National Arbitration Committee, from 2018 to present, and the Labor Committee in 2011, 2016, and 2021.
Brother Chapman calls Kansas City, MO, home, and is the proud husband of Tandra and proud father of his two boys, Mitch and Max.
Our Work
AT&T Stadium
AT&T Stadium
Read More
University of Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
Read More
MD Anderson Cancer Center – Local 31
MD Anderson Cancer Center – Local 31
Read More
Levi Stadium – Local 8
Levi Stadium – Local 8
Read More
CN Tower – Local 50
CN Tower – Local 50
Read MoreIUEC History
From the rise of the first skyscrapers to the modern era of advanced vertical transportation, IUEC members have been at the center of the trade. Founded in 1901 to unify local unions and raise standards, the organization continues to protect the skill, safety, and livelihoods of elevator constructors across North America.
Explore the key moments that shaped our union and the industry.
