Abel J. Arabitg, Sr.

Abel J Arabitg, I started my career with elevators in the US Navy, when I attended electrical and elevator schools, I was assigned to navy ships where I performed maintenance, service and repairs to the elevators and electrical equipment on board the ship. I came to the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 71 Miami, FL in December of 2000.  I worked for Otis in construction and KONE Inc. as a repair mechanic. I completed the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP) and passed the Mechanics exam in 2005.

In 2007, I became a NEIEP Instructor.  I was also involved in various committees at Local 71. In 2011, I was elected to the executive board at IUEC Local 71. In 2013 I was elected as Business Representative at Local 71. After being elected BA, I started a building committee and assisted in the purchase of Local 71 NEIEP building and the build-out of the school.  I was a delegate at the 31st IUEC General Convention and chaired the subcommittee for the Constitution and By-Laws committee.  I was Co-chair of the health benefits committee at the 32nd General Convention.

I was appointed by IUEC General President, Frank Christensen to the position of National Organizer in 2017.  I took great pride in organizing personnel and companies into the IUEC and I was also an instrumental part of organizing Puerto Rico where GP Frank Christensen chartered them as Local 141 of the IUEC.

I began working with Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF) in 2024 as a National Coordinator. I am QEI and OSHA 500 certified. I teach OSHA to the NEIEP instructor so they can teach OSHA to their student at their perspective Locals. I am also involved with the Wind Turbine program.

I have been married to my wife Amy since 1989 and we have raised two wonderful children, Abel Jr. (AJ) and Allison (Ally).  I enjoy fishing, diving, hunting, grilling and watching my grandson play baseball and football.  I also enjoy spending time with my family and playing games and pool time with my grandchildren, Asher and Arabella.