Erol Blackburn was the first Black Carpenter hired by Liuna Local 183 in 2004 as an Organizer and Business Agent. He learned the trade early in life and quickly became skilled in the craft. Upon arriving in Canada from Jamaica, Erol studied architectural drawing. After graduating college, he began his career with Carpenters Union Local 27. Erol was influential in recommending that the Union hire an economist to assist with the negotiations in the framing sector, where the Union obtained significant increase in revenue. 

He was also influential in suggesting the building of a Campus for members, the hiring of an in-house Human Resources Manager, the implementation of an annual Family Day picnic and the introduction of a complaints office/ information centre for union members. All of these ideas enabled the organization to be more effective, efficient and a better place to work for employees and members.