The money hungry State of Maryland is now mandating that all elevator mechanics be licensed by the state for a fee of $200 every two years. The emphasis is more on the collection of money than it is on ensuring competence and it seems like they are going to license just about anyone who puts up the $200 bucks.

I have worked in the elevator trade for 28 years and have been a card mechanic in Local #10 for 22 years. It galls me to have to pay the state $200 to legitimize my knowledge and experience in which they had no hand. I know that this is a growing trend in many states and am curious to know what the licensing fee is in other states. I would certainly appreciate any feedback.

-- Don Davenport (dldaven@gtcinternet.com), September 05, 2002

Answers

I hear ya brother, I'm in local 74 and we have had to do the same thing here in Florida. Pay them 50.00 a year or else. Well atleast they stopped trying to give us a competency test, they are willing to allow the NEIEP test for certification but the non union guys have to take a seperate test to be certified. Stay safe....

-- C.L. Dell (pdell200@comcast.net), September 06, 2002.

California doing the same.

Currently, the bill is sitting on the Governor's desk. Given the financial status of CA, it is likely he'll sign it into law. But, then again, the non-union contractors have lobbyists as well as the unions. Last time he kicked it because of private residence elevator wording (primarily non-union contractors doing the work). The bill contains provisions mandating continuing education, as well as periodic competency testing of mechanics, though the DIR will be the organization to iron out the details such as content of tests, fees, requirements of the continuing education as well as the qualifications of such educating intitutions, etc... We'll see what happens.

-- S. (eastlion@pacbell.net), September 09, 2002.

certification

I would think the non-union folks would like this cert.. Based on the fact if they are cert. by the state then the union has no ammo in saying they are not qaulified to do the work. Now if they are or aren't is up for discussion. Im sure there are alot of guys that can do the job just as good as there union counterparts. It basically takes the "not qualified for the job" out of the bag of tricks.

-- tom (elevate@attbi.com), September 10, 2002.

Part of the problem

Part of the problem I have noticed through the years is 2-fold and together creates a nightmare. 1. Reading skills need to be improved, as well as comprehension of the material and concepts. 2. Providing information is in the best interests of everybody (including the employers). If you don't have the materials, and/or don't know what to do with them, it creates a bigger problem than either one alone. Those are the 2 essential things that must be present, otherwise you get headaches and ulcers.

-- S. (eastlion@pacbell.net), September 16, 2002.