Out of Norfolk, VA, the IUEC’s Local 52 was organized on September 9, 1919, gaining its official charter nine days later. In the spring of 1920, eight men, R. Jordan, C. Burch, Herbert V. Etheridge, W. N. Muir, A. B. Warburton, H. J. Burch, Jas. H. Bennett, and R. Nelson became Local 52’s first members.

Over the decades, work has flowed steadily for Local 52, and by 1992, Local 52 was in a state of transition. The leadership responsibilities grew to a point where a part-time business agent wouldn’t cut it, but adding a full-time position would be financially challenging. The leadership’s dedication, and the member’s commitment, to maintaining a voice at the local level ensured the need for a full-time agent didn’t put the local in any financial jeopardy.

Local 52 has always been primarily focused on safety, codes, and licensing, and in the early decades, bills were adopted that would improve conditions or introduce standards, but enforcement was usually left to the localities, which were often slow to enforce. Things have progressed massively in codes, licensing, and safety since the 1960s, and we are proud to house some of the safest workers in the industry right here in Local 52.

Through our collaborative work with neighboring locals, the EIWPF, our signatory contractors, and the Virginia Elevator Safety Association (VAESA), Local 52 proudly strives for safety improvements for the public and our workers.