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Boy Scouts Learn Unionism From IBEW and Teamsters

July/August 2004 IBEW Journal

When Bernie Ryan, a member of IBEW Local 1 in St. Louis isnt working as a journeyman wireman, he dedicates his time to leading young men as a Boy Scoutmaster.

Last December, Bernie, a delegate to the St. Louis Central Labor Council, combined both roles to help 72 Boy Scouts achieve the American Labor Merit Badge. (See article "IBEW Exhibit Shines at AFL-CIO Union-Industries Show in St. Louis").

"The kids learned a lot about American Labor and said that they had fun getting this badge," says Bernie, who collaborated with Teamster Business Agent Terry Madden to organize the one-day class at the Teamster Hall. Four members of Local 1 served as instructors: Harry Mauchemheimer (retired), Mike Bongner and recently organized members Bill ODell and Ken Gleich.

The American Labor Merit Badge is one of 120 badges awarded by the Boy Scouts. It demonstrates an understanding of labor history and current issues affecting workers and unions. Ryan expresses pride that the 72 St. Louis Scouts who received the badges from AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and Missouri Governor Bob Holden constituted 10 percent of the recipients nationwide.

"Having recently organized IBEW members ODell and Gleich address the class really brought home to the Scouts the difference between working in a nonunion shop and working union," says Ryan. Ryan explains that the classes encourage Scouts to gain first-hand experience by attending union meetings, reading newspapers and other sources and interviewing union representatives about their responsibilities.

He was pleased that the class brought Scouts an understanding of labor heritage that is often underemphasized in schools. "They were astounded to hear stories about the workers who were killed in the Ludlow and Memorial Day Massacres, some of the labor struggles that took place here in St. Louis."

The AFL-CIO is seeking to repeat the successful Boy Scout experience in St. Louis at next years Union Industries Show in Portland, Oregon. Instructors from the Portland area are needed. If you are interested, e-mail Matt Bates at mbates@unionlabel.org or call him at 202-637-5000.