Local 83 received its charter from the International Union of Elevator Constructors on May 23, 1927. Since then, the Local has been home to a variety of members from all walks of life. Over the decades, many of our past members have faced the same challenges that our current members encounter.

After World War II, the strengthening of Local 83 was down in no small part to the return of veterans. During the ‘60s, Tulsa became one of the oil capitals of the world, and the region benefited in several ways. In the ‘70s, Local 83 hired its first full-time business manager and bought what would become its first union hall.

Local 83’s membership grew to more than 150 members thanks to a strong local economy and new construction projects for buildings that would surpass 60 floors. Like for many of the local trades, the slowing of oil production in the ‘80s marked a period of decline, with membership dropping as workers searched other parts of the company for more steady opportunities. 

As membership had started growing again in the early years of this century, just like every other local across the country, when 2008’s economic crisis hit, the increase in membership came to a halt. Since then, work has steadily increased, and membership numbers are on the rise once again. Local 83 is proud to be part of this great union, and each of our members takes great pride in representing the International.