American Labor Merit Badge

American Labor and the Trail to Eagle

American Labor is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.

American Labor Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 9 main requirements for American Labor. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Using resources available to you, learn about working people and work-related concerns. List and briefly describe or give examples of at least EIGHT concerns of American workers.
2
With your counselor's and parent or guardian's approval and permission, visit the office or attend a meeting of a local union, a central labor council, or an employee organization. Then do the following:
1. a.Find out what the organization does.
2. b.Share the list of issues and concerns you made for requirement 1.
3. c.Draw a diagram showing how the organization is structured, from the local to the national level, if applicable.
3
Explain to your counselor what labor unions are, what they do, and what services they provide to members.
4
Explain what is meant by the adversarial model of labor-management relations, compared with a cooperative-bargaining style.
5
Do ONE of the following:
1. a.Develop a time line of significant events in the history of the American labor movement from the 1770s to the present.
2. b.Prepare an exhibit, a scrapbook, or a computer presentation illustrating three major achievements of the American labor movement.
3. c.With your counselor's and parent or guardian's approval and permission, watch a movie that addresses organized labor in the United States.
4. d.Read a biography of someone who has made a contribution to the American labor movement.
6
Explain the term globalization. Discuss with your counselor some effects of globalization on the workforce in the United States.
7
Choose a labor issue of widespread interest to American workers. Before your counselor, or in writing, argue both sides of the issue.
8
Discuss with your counselor the different goals that may motivate the owners of a business, its stockholders, its customers, its employees, the employees' representatives, the community, and public officials.
9
Learn about opportunities in the field of labor relations. Choose one career in which you are interested and discuss with your counselor the major responsibilities of that position.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the American Labor Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start American Labor, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

American Labor is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.

3. Budget the time

Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 16 American Labor requirements for you.

American Labor Merit Badge FAQ

Is the American Labor merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

No. American Labor is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.