A bill is currently on Governor Newsom's desk awaiting his signature, AB 871, that would establish unworkable training requirements for elevator mechanics and the companies they work for. The bill doesn’t solve the safety problems the bill sponsor cites, but rather puts mechanic jobs at risk and raises prices for consumers who are already struggling with the high cost of living in California.

The bill creates a “one-path” only to licensure/certification through the elimination of United States Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship programs that the State of California currently accepts - CET – Certified Elevator Technician (commercial conveyance training) and CAT – Certified Accessibility Technician (private residential elevator and accessibility).  The CET is currently used by all merit shop commercial elevator contractors. AB 871 would require certain elevator mechanics to use only one of two currently approved labor union apprenticeship programs by the State Apprenticeship Council. 

ABC and the conveyance industry supports permitting and inspections and for elevator mechanics to be trained and certified. However, it is imperative that the process protects our current experienced mechanics and assures those in the pipeline the appropriate training to protect our veterans, elderly, disabled consumers and companies that rely on the accessibility industry to remain safe in their homes and businesses. 

Contact the Governor today and urge him to VETO this harmful piece of legislation.