CEO Says Union Workforce Gives Her Company an Edge

Judy Marks runs a company where nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers belong to unions, and she couldn't be happier about it.

As CEO of Otis Worldwide, the company behind elevators and escalators in buildings across the globe, Marks oversees 72,000 employees. Her secret weapon? The 64% who work under collective bargaining agreements.

"As a CEO, I would love predictability in everything we do, but it's especially valuable in labor, which is so critical for us," Marks explains. While other major corporations spend millions fighting unionization efforts, she's leaning in.

The numbers back up her approach. Gallup reports that 68% of Americans now approve of unions, up from 58% just a decade ago. Public opinion is shifting, and some leaders are paying attention.

The Bright Side

For Otis, union contracts deliver more than just predictability in costs and workforce availability. They create a foundation of safety that protects everyone.

The company's agreement with the International Union of Elevator Constructors includes detailed rules about equipment handling and job site protocols. These standards apply consistently across the U.S. and Canada, protecting both the 45,000 frontline workers and the millions of people who ride elevators daily.

"Having a consistent set of work rules that we can use throughout the U.S. and Canada is very important to protect the safety of our colleagues, our mechanics, and the riding public," Marks says.

The partnership extends into the future too. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, Marks has a clear message for her field teams: your jobs are secure.

Otis has used predictive software for years to support mechanics and installers. The company's vision? "Human-led and AI-enabled." Technology makes workers more effective, not expendable.

It's a refreshing contrast to the anxiety many workers feel about automation. While some companies use AI adoption as an excuse to cut staff, Marks sees it as a tool to empower the skilled workforce she already has.

The approach proves that unions and innovation aren't opposing forces. When companies invest in their workers and honor collective agreements, everyone wins: employees get stability and safety, customers get reliable service, and CEOs get the predictability they crave.