Safety First: Union Members Thank 5th Graders for Their Service

About 700 fifth graders who serve as crossing guards in Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Altoona and the surrounding area were treated to a picnic in Carson Park on Friday, sponsored by the Western Wisconsin Building and Construction Trades Council (WWBCTC).

“As union members, this event is an extension of our commitment to safe workplaces.  We want our children to learn safety fundamentals too,” says Dave Hahn, Field Representative for BAC District Council of Wisconsin. 

“Nine volunteers from the building trades served over 1,100 hot dogs,” according to Jeff Dehnhoff, Business Agent for LIUNA Local 268.  “This is the first time that many of these kids have heard of a union.  It’s a fun way to introduce them to the concept of working together for a stronger community.”

The Safety Patrol Picnic is a regional tradition dating back decades, started by union members at Uniroyal Tire Company.  The Western Wisconsin Building and Construction Trades Council took over the event when Uniroyal left the area in the mid-1990’s.

This year’s picnic featured a jukebox, a hot dog eating contest and a raffle.  Prizes included new bicycles and tickets to Action City fun park.

(Top Photo: The WWBTC Safety Patrol Picnic on May 28, 2010. Bottom Photo: Jerry Jackson of UA Local 434 hands out hot dogs.  Photo Credit: Andy Thompson.  For more pictures from the Safety Patrol Picnic, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/sets/72157624161690494/.)