History
The Formative Years: 1927–1929
The union’s inception was marked by determination and bold leadership. On January 21, 1927, just eight days after our charter, Local 81 held its very first meeting. During this historic gathering, nominations and elections took place, leading to the election of E.G. Luhorn as both president and business agent.
In those early days, our local officers faced the formidable task of securing agreements with major elevator companies—efforts that required months of persistent negotiation. Companies such as Otis Elevator, American Electric, and Hunter Hayes were approached to acknowledge the authority of Local 81. Simultaneously, a dedicated committee set out to draft our first local Constitution and By-Laws, establishing the framework for dues, assessments, and governance.
By 1928, our union was already formalizing its operations with the printing of our first Constitution and By-Laws. That same year saw agreements being signed with additional industry giants like Westinghouse and the Graham Norton Company. A defining moment came in June 1929 when, with a modest membership of 20, Local 81 established its jurisdiction as a 25-mile radius from city hall—a foundational step in shaping our operational territory.
Building a Legacy: 1942–1997
The decades that followed brought both challenges and milestones. In July 1942, our archives recorded the first mention of wages, with an elevator mechanic earning $1.35 an hour—a snapshot of the era’s economic landscape and the beginning of our focus on fair compensation for skilled labor.
Progress continued steadily. In 1976, Billy Mangum broke new ground as Local 81’s first paid business agent, marking a professionalization of our operations. The evolution of our union was not without its complexities; in 1984, we merged with Austin’s Local 133. However, just three days later, this merger was dissolved after the Local 133 members voted to significantly raise their dues and to hire a full-time business agent, highlighting the delicate balance between growth and maintaining core values.
Technology and modernization have also played key roles in our journey. In 1985, Local 81 invested in its first vehicle for the business agent, ensuring better mobility and service delivery. The turn of the century brought further modernization in 1997, when the union purchased its first laptop and mobile phone for the business agent, embracing the digital age to better serve our membership.
Today and Beyond
From humble beginnings to a robust membership of 195 Brothers and Sisters, Local 81’s jurisdiction now spans 60 counties in South Texas—a territory covering over 91,000 square miles. To put that in perspective, our reach is larger than the combined areas of West Virginia, Maryland, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island.
This expansive growth reflects not only our enduring commitment to the elevator industry but also the deep-rooted values of solidarity, hard work, and progress that have been our guiding principles since 1927.
As we celebrate nearly a century of service, Local 81 remains dedicated to advancing the rights and welfare of our members. Our history is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and a beacon for the future of our union. With continued innovation and a strong sense of community, Local 81 is poised to meet the challenges of tomorrow while honoring the legacy of those who paved the way.
Since our humble beginnings in 1902…
We have grown to more than 360 members with over 190 retirees.
The Local’s jurisdiction has expanded out from its roots in Baltimore City to include 18 of Maryland’s 23 counties along with Sussex County Delaware and sharing Kent County Delaware with Local 5. If you follow the Mason-Dixon line from the Appalachian Mountains in western Maryland down to the Atlantic beaches of Rehoboth and Ocean City, you will find our members working and living.
From the steps of the state capital in Annapolis up to the top of the Chesapeake Bay, Local #Local 81 members continue to carry on our union elevator constructor heritage well into the 21st century.
