Plumber’s oath

[pegkerr]

Fiona took the oath as an apprentice with her union last week.

I thought I would spotlight the ending of this oath, which is just awesome:

“…I do further promise and swear that I am not a member of any organization advocating the overthrow by force and violence of the Government of the United States or of Canada.

I take this obligation voluntarily, without any mental reservation, and bind myself until death under the penalty of scorn due to moral perjury and violated honor as one unworthy of trust or assistance.”

Comments

[minnehaha]

Who or what did she pledge to?

K.

[pegkerr]

The United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. She is now an apprentice plumber.

[minnehaha]

Family member is in that union.

K.

[julian]

*Awesome*.

[davidschroth]

Wow. And I'll bet that she takes that oath much more seriously than some I could name who have taken a similar oath

[pegkerr]

They literally gave them the piece of paper and said “Read this aloud now.” She didn’t even get a chance to read it first.

[dreamshark]

Wow. That's some pretty astonishing language. But I'm not quite clear just what she was binding herself to "until death under the penalty of scorn..." Was that all in reference to promising not to overthrow the government, or was she vowing to provide competent and honest service to her customers? I'm hoping it's the latter.

[pegkerr]

Here is the oath in its entirety:

Pledge

I, … (state name) in the presence of this local union, do truly promise and pledge my word of honor that I am familiar with the provisions and requirements of the Constitution and By-Laws of the United Association and that I will not perform any act in any way prejudicial to the best interest of the United Association, but will at all times endeavor to promote its Prosperity and usefulness. I hereby agree to remain loyal and true to the principles and policies and to be governed by the Constitution and By-Laws and Ritual of the United Association and the local union in any and all matters now or that may hereafter be included therein.

I further pledge that I will faithfully attend all meetings of the local union unless prevented by sickness or other causes beyond my control. I will at all times assist members of the United Association to the extent of my ability, defend them when unjustly treated or slandered, and cultivate for each and every member the warmest friendship and brotherly love. I will assist unfortunate and distressed members to procure employment.

I do further promise and swear that I am not a member of any organization advocating the overthrow by force and violence of the Government of the United States or of Canada.

I take this obligation voluntarily, without any mental reservation, and bind myself until death under the penalty of scorn due to moral perjury and violated honor as one unworthy of trust or assistance.

You know, Fiona and I were wondering whether this might have originally been based on some Freemasonry language, actually. After all, Freemasonry is believed to have had its origins in the building trades, specifically, stone masons in the 14th century.