Christopher Erikson Jr. is a fifth-generation member of Local Union No. 3, IBEW. The great-grandson of Harry Van Arsdale Jr., he was born in Electchester in Flushing, NY. He attended the NY Institute of Technology, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Technology & Construction Management. He started his career in the ADM Division of Local 3, before beginning his apprenticeship in August 2007, during which he graduated with a B.S. in Labor Studies from the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies at SUNY Empire State.
Christopher received his Journeyman Wireman’s card in February 2013, working in the field as a journeyman and sub-foreman. Christopher served on Local 3’s Executive Board before being appointed a Business Representative in 2015. In June 2020, he was appointed by Business Manager Erikson to the position of Assistant Business Manager. Along with his responsibilities of representing the Administrative and Expeditor Divisions, the electricians employed at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the full-time Apprentice Instructors at the Electrical Industry Training Center and the Joint Industry Board maintenance workers, he oversaw the Manufacturing, Supply and ‘J’ Divisions.
In January 2023, Business Manager Erikson appointed Christopher to the position of Senior Assistant Business Manager. Christopher was involved with the young worker movement in Local 3 and the IBEW, serving as co-chair of the IBEW 3rd District Youth Caucus RENEW and representing the 3rd District of the IBEW on the RENEW Advisory Council. He was the Chairperson of the Local 3 Youth Committee and now serves as an advisor. He has also served as a co-chair of the Queens County Young Dems Labor Caucus. He is a member of the IBEW Electrical Workers Minority Caucus.
Christopher is a trustee of the Joint Industry Board and several benefit plans of the Electrical Industry. He is a Director of the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Memorial Association and served two terms as President of the Association. He is a Delegate to the NYC Central Labor Council, and through the Cornell Worker Institute, he serves on the Advisory Boards of the Lois Gray Innovation Initiative and the Union Leadership Initiative. He has represented Local 3 at several IBEW 3rd District Progress Meetings, IBEW conferences and as a Delegate to the IBEW’s 39th and 40th International Conventions. He is a bagpiper in the Sword of Light, the Pipes and Drums of Local 3.
Chris has a daughter, Madeline, and currently resides in beautiful Electchester.
