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Union approval among Americans has climbed to 68%, according to August 2025 Gallup data, up from 58% a decade earlier—a shift that reflects changing workforce expectations. Yet many CEOs remain skeptical of organized labor. Judy Marks, CEO of Otis Worldwide Corp., offers a counterpoint: she views union partnerships as a strategic advantage rather than an obstacle, particularly in industries requiring skilled labor and safety compliance.
At Otis, which manufactures and services elevators and escalators globally, 64% of U.S. employees work under collective bargaining agreements. Marks emphasizes that these contracts provide labor cost predictability and strengthen safety protocols across operations. The company's partnership with the International Union of Elevator Constructors ensures consistent equipment-handling standards and worker protections across the U.S. and Canada. For Atlanta-area manufacturers and service providers facing similar workforce challenges, Marks's approach suggests that structured labor relationships can actually reduce operational uncertainty.
A common CEO concern is whether automation and AI will conflict with union workforces. Marks counters this head-on, describing Otis's strategy as "human-led and AI-enabled." The company deploys predictive software and overnight inspection robots not to replace mechanics, but to streamline their work—helping field teams prioritize calls and diagnose problems faster. This partnership model has helped Otis maintain employee loyalty across generations, with many union members representing second-generation company employees.
For Atlanta business leaders evaluating their own labor strategies, Otis's 172-year track record offers lessons in stability. The company posted $14.4 billion in revenue last year while maintaining aligned management-labor relations focused on customer service and quality. As Georgia's economy grows more competitive and worker retention becomes critical, executives may find that constructive union engagement—rather than resistance—builds the predictable, safety-focused workforce that modern operations demand.
