Anyone who has ever had to sit in a classroom after working on a construction site all day knows how much of a challenge that is. That’s why a field trip can so often be a pleasant yet vital part of the learning experience. In this particular case, a class of Local 46, third year Apprentices studying Labor History this term literally had a “walk in the park.”

The park in question, is Bryant Park and the occasion was the 75th anniversary celebration of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which was a relief measure established by president Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1935. The birthday celebration (complete with baloons and birthday cake) was hosted by the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies of Empire State College.

In addition to cake, there was literature to digest as well. Flyers about the WPA and its inception and mission contained statistics outlining the millions of people employed by the agency, the billions of dollars pumped into an economy strangled by worldwide depression, and the major accomplishments of the era, such as the Triborough Bridge and La Guardia airport, and of course, the complete renovation of Bryant Park itself. Also available were full color brochures depicting the awe inspiring depression era wall murals that exist to this day throughout the five boroughs of the New York. Places like Harlem Hospital in Manhattan and Evander Childs High School in the Bronx contain this magnificent art work which was commissioned by our federal government and to this day are testament to the spirit of the American worker.

With the obvious intent of making the point that a good understanding of our history makes us better equipped to deal with the pressures of the present, Dr. Michael Merrill, Dean at Empire State, SUNY spoke about the similarities of our current financial meltdown and the the “Great Depression.” He spoke also of the differences in our government’s response to it, and made a convincing case for direct job creation as a means of stimulating the economy as opposed to TARP funds which are often bottlenecked and inefficient. He was convincing in his scholarly arguments that high wages for workers benefit all Americans.

Last, but not least, Business Manager, Bob Ledwith addressed the Apprentices. He brought his own extensive knowledge of economics to the conversation, in addition to his own unique perspective on our current difficulties and possible solutions; a perspective only possible because of his 50 years of membership in and service to Local 46. He too underscored the importance of being aware of our history both as Americans and as Union members so that we may be better able to make intelligent decisions in the present.

After both men spoke, two things were evident. First, we, who are Union members, are indeed blessed. Second, and more importantly, as Union members we have been given a sacred trust, and we are duty bound to preserve what Trade Unions have provided - not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.