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Otis At A Glance
- Founded: 1853 (Elisha Otis, U.S.)
- Headquarters: Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Global units under service: ≈ 2.3–2.4 million
- 2024 net sales: ≈ $14.3 billion USD
About Otis: History, Scale, and Services
Founded in 1853 after Elisha Otis demonstrated the safety elevator, Otis has grown into a standalone public company with global new equipment and service operations. In 2024, Otis reported more than 14 billion USD in net sales, with service representing a growing share of the business and delivering portfolio growth for the fourth consecutive year.
Today, Otis designs, installs, modernizes, and maintains elevators and escalators in commercial, residential, healthcare, transit, and infrastructure projects worldwide.
Otis and the International Union
of Elevator Constructors (IUEC)
Otis has a long collective bargaining relationship with the IUEC, dating back to early 20th century agreements where manufacturers formally recognized IUEC as the trade union for elevator constructors.
In the U.S. and Canada, Otis is one of the six large employers represented by the National Elevator Bargaining Association (NEBA), which negotiates national agreements with the IUEC covering union elevator mechanics and apprentices.
These agreements recognize IUEC as the exclusive bargaining representative for elevator constructor mechanics on covered work and define the scope of installation, modernization, and service work that IUEC members perform for Otis.
What Union Affiliation Means for Otis Customers
IUEC mechanics complete a multi-year apprenticeship and continuing education, including National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) in the U.S or Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program (CEIEP) in Canada coursework on mechanical operation, safety, codes, and modern controls.
National agreements emphasize safe work practices, training, and fair wages and benefits, supporting workforce stability on Otis jobs.
For building owners, hiring an IUEC signatory company like Otis aligns with best practices for safety, maintenance quality, and compliance.
Where Otis Works: Global Footprint with Local Union Expertise
Otis operates in more than 200 countries and territories, with strong service portfolios in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and emerging markets.
In the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam, installation and service work is performed by IUEC mechanics and apprentices under NEBA agreements, supported by local Otis branches and service centers.
