Hundreds Wait Days For Elevator Tech. Job Applications

Photograph from 1010WINS

Desperate job seekers have been waiting outside a Queens union office since 4 a.m. Friday morning, in hopes of obtaining an application for an apprenticeship with Local 3, the elevator mechanics union. Hundreds of people are waiting—some set up tents while others are just standing. One man explained to WCBS 2, "We've been here pretty much all weekend. They're supposedly one of the busiest unions in the city. It's too good of an opportunity to pass up."

According to 1010 WINS, "Apprentices with the union earn $14 to $16 an hour and get training to become elevator mechanics. Full-fledged elevator mechanics can make up to $40 an hour." Only 750 applications will be given out at 9 a.m. today and there are only 100 apprenticeship positions.

In spite of the rain, the job seekers are still there. One man told the Daily News, "It's been awful and soggy and wet, but I can't leave. I don't even think about leaving," while another man said, "I don't care if I have to wait three days in snow, rain, I'll do anything for my family."

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By Jen Chung in News on April 26, 2010 8:56 AM

Comments [rss]

Nyctini11

Local3 is electricians, not elevator union.

It's tough going through apprenticeships, and they still give them out as special favors too often, instead of giving them to deserving people who need & want a good job, hopefully this time that won't be the case.

Stevennnn

Better these people have jobs rather than the lazy wall street bums.

ides_of_march

First 2 comments nail it.

buttface

From camping in the rain for a Wii/iPhone/iPad to this.

Success!

Wza

Agree with first two comments.

robingee

Yes, this would be an ideal place for a recruiter to come and find hard-working people to fill positions. There will be many potential employees left over after the elevator jobs are filled.