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On March 22, 2008 United Steelworkers Local 309, Alcoa, TN hosted the Boy Scouts of America and the AFL-CIO in a Labor Badge class. Over 60 Boy Scouts attended the class and earned a badge. Gary Webb, a member of USW Local 309 and a scout leader, along with other USW Local 309 volunteers assisted with the class. Other labor affiliates in the area helped with the classes as well. Local 309 has been hosting this labor class for the scouts for many years. If the labor badges are not earned, they are fazed out. Through this class we insure the next generation will understand the Labor Movement, and what Unions are about.
To earn a badge the Scouts are required to gain knowledge of:
- Working people and their concerns
- What are Labor Unions
- Globalization
- Labor Relations
- Labor Terms
A mock union meeting was held, just as any meeting would be, by the constitution. Minutes were read, financial reports were made, and the scouts nominated, voted and made motions. When the labor badge class was first established, the Scouts brought their lunch. A few years ago, one of the boys made a motion for USW Local 309 to supply the lunch. The Scouts seconded the motion and it passed, so now the local provided pizza and drinks, as it does every year. The scouts appear to enjoy the class and learn about unions and their importance. But it is not just the scouts that study about organized labor, the scout leaders and parent chaperons go away with a greater awareness from the classes too.
Gary Webb
Scouts and parent chaperone enjoying a pizza lunch provided by Local 309
Scouts learning in one large group
Small group of Scouts talking and learning about labor and unions.
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DISTRICT EVENTS
