Matt Fernandez elected new Elevator Constructors Local 3 business manager

By SHERI GASSAWAY
Assistant Editor

Matt Fernandez, a 39-year member of Elevator Constructors Local 3, has been elected as business manager.

Fernandez, who’s served as a Local 3 business representative the last three years, succeeds former Business Manager Costel Zamfir, who has recently been hired to work as an organizer for the International Union of Elevator Constructors.

“I’m looking forward to serving the membership in what’s been a very satisfying career for me,” Fernandez said. “I hope to maintain a stronghold in the industry and possibly increase our market share.”

Fernandez is a second-generation Local 3 member, following in his father Joe’s footsteps. He said he went to college for a couple of years, but it wasn’t for him. His brother is a retired Local 1 electrician. Matt comes from a large family and has 10 siblings. He credits his parents for keeping them tight-knit and instilling values like hard work and kindness.

“I’ve always liked working with my hands.” he said. “I was lucky enough to be able to learn the craft from our brothers and sisters before me, who took immense pride in their work, and I look forward to seeing what the next generation will bring to our organization.”

Elevator Constructor Local 3 has about 350 members and 50 probationary apprentices working in a territory that spans from St. Louis to Evansville, Ind. Ninety-five percent of the work in Local 3’s territory is completed by Local 3 members.