July 2018: If you want to see a grown man get emotional, talk about his union pin collection. Beyond just the fun of trading with hundreds of UA members around the globe, the pins represent union brother and sisterhood. Trading pins opens the door to a lifetime of friendships with other members.

At Local 393’s union hall, you can’t help but notice the 12’x7’ U.S. map with hundreds of pins. They range from 393’s pins throughout history starting in the 1950’s, to pins from other locals from coast to coast. The map was populated by a group of 393 members who donated their collections: Brian Murphy, Paul Oller, Conrad Pierce, Eric Wariner, Wayd LaPearle, and Matt Hajny, with contributions of roughly 50 other men and women.

“Some UA locals make fancy pins, some are plain, but they are all original,” said Conrad Pierce, 393 Assistant Business Manager. “When you travel to another place, you’re like a fish out of water, but if you bring pins, it’s a conversation starter with the workers there, leading to friendship, trust, and eventually work.”

For Brian, Paul, Conrad, Eric, and Matt, the pins have allowed them to develop ongoing friendships with hundreds of UA members across the country. “I talk to 70-80 guys on a regular basis, and it feels like we’ve got each other’s backs,” said Brian. “It’s not just about a pin. You get to know people, their lives, and the problems they are facing.”

One time Brian was on a family road trip to Yellowstone, and his camper broke down. He reached out to one of his UA pin trade buddies. Though they had never met in person, his friend came out right away and fixed his camper.

Conrad and Matt share a story of a particularly special pin. Matt had collected all of 393’s pins over history and was just missing the #2 pin from the 1950’s. Conrad had been saving that one pin to wear on his lapel when he retired. “I could see it in his eyes how much it would mean to Matt to have that pin, so I gave it to him,” said Conrad. According to Matt, “It was an amazing gesture of brotherhood, friendship, and selflessness. A friendship was born right then and there.”

Paul Oller – aka PDO – teaches union heritage to apprentices and gives them their first pin. “I encourage apprentices to become a part of something much bigger,” said PDO. “They might not understand the meaning of the pins at first, but someday I hope they get tuned in with the brotherhood and get more involved in the union.”

The bonds formed in the pin trade are a gateway to greater union power, and that power creates more work for our members.

“The pin is just a starting point for solidarity,” said Eric Wariner, “It’s getting to know people. The stronger and more united we are across the country, the stronger we are in unionizing all of our work. Solidarity is power.”

To trade pins, come early to 393’s membership meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Or join our Facebook group!

Brian Murphy donated his pin collection to our training center.