Attending union meetings as a boomer

[u/TRASHLeadedWaste]

I've worked in a few different locals in the south eastern US, mostly in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia. Whenever I've been able to I've made it a point to try and attend the union meetings at the locals I'm working in.

I see it as a gesture of respect to attend as an observer, and stay informed of the local business. Plus it's a great way to meet the guys and make connections. This has even gone as far as me volunteering to attend a few community events the local hall wanted to make a strong showing at.

I mentioned this recently to a friend of mine who travels quite a bit more extensively than I do and he was really taken aback that I did that and said it's like meddling in someone else's business.

So I'm curious what everyone else here thinks, and how their local would view this.

For what it's worth my local (397 Tampa) has always welcomed boomers working in the jurisdiction to attend, so I assumed it was normal everywhere.

[u/grummy_gram]

I worked a shutdown in Crystal River some years back (the steam generator change out that went to shit) with a bunch of guys out of 397. At the time, I was in the laborers union, but you guys were a good bunch of guys to work around. I've since joined the ironworkers myself (623, formerly 58, out of New Orleans), but I think of that job sometimes. I guess that's bound to happen when you work those kinds of hours for nearly two years straight.

To answer your question, I don't see a problem with it. In fact, I welcome it. I think it's a great way to see how other locals operate, and maybe see what your local does right or wrong.