Uppo, sorry for the late reply, haven't been around for a bit.
There are non-union companies, and union companies. There is no "law" that any company or mechanic "has" to be union. Generally, the global players are union signatory, as are some of the smaller independant companies, of which we are one. In Los Angeles, I think there are about 20 smaller non-union companies about town. Generally, they don't do new construction, because of the extremely long lead time it takes to get paid for the work, after it has been performed, and also the deep credit line needed to finance the parts and labor, while waiting for payment. The major companies obtain their parts cheaper, since they manufacture their own equipment. So a smaller company has a rough time quoting a competitive price on new construction. These factors have created an environment, where new construction is largely done by the majors.
In California, we have what is called CCCM, and CCCC. "Certified Competent Conveyance Mechanic, and Certified Competent Conveyance Company". Before you can be certified, you must first pass the mechanic's test, after about 4 years of schooling, which course study materials are put together by NEI, Nat'l Elev Industry Education Program. As far as I can tell, these certifications mean almost nothing, because one of my former employees obtained both these certifications, (after failing the mechanic's exam, once, or was it twice?) and he was dumb as a box of rocks. Had the "Mark of the Czar" on him, which is utter stupidity. He would shear off bolts with a torque wrench, then blame our company, because "He wasn't trained properly". Ain't that some sh*t. Couldn't find his arse with both hands, completely unsuited to mechanical work of any sort, but places the blame on the company when he fk's something up. Actually, when he sheared those escalator brake bolts off, he was supossed to be waiting safely for a big socket that was on its way, to check the brake torque, but he saw some smaller bolts, and thought he'd have a go. But I digress...Anyway, that's a bit on CCCM, and CCCC.
You have to be signed up at the union, to work at a signatory company. Since you need to take a State recognized Elevator Mechanic's Course, and since the NEI course, (administered by the Union), is the only State recognized course, I don't see how non-union companies can get their employees certified CCCM. But I think there may be an independant course, possibly recognized by the State, for non-union companies.
