For this MB, which was created by the AFL-CIO in 1987 for the BSA, I learned all about unions. This comes at an interesting time because the teacher's union in Wisconsin is all upset at the Wisconsin Legislature because of a bill the would seriously hamper their collective bargaining abilities. Over 100,000 people marched on Madison to protest the loss of union rights. Anyway, that wasn't what I learned...just what makes it more relevant.
The union I specifically studied about was the BLE (Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers) which later became BLET (after they added Train to the end of their anagram). Unions have their roles. In a capitalist system, those with capital can make things happen in their favor. An individual laborer generally does not have the capital to influence publicity, policy, or politics by himself. However, when you collect $500 annually in dues from 1,500,000 labors suddenly you have $750,000,000 with which you can bargain and change policy or bribe politicians with (no specific political party was mentioned here).
On a lighter note...
Here are some pictures from my court of honor:
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| Me and Steve Wearing the Same Size Shirt |
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| A Lonely Sash |
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| Brother Robinson Losing his Voice Announcing my Awards |
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| The End Result - Not so Lonely Now |
