Romania General Union of Trade Unions of Romania

[Gordon Craig]

Gentlemen,

I have a cased badge awarded by the UGSR that I would like some information of. There is enough information on the web about the union but I can find nothing listed for this badge. Here is a blurb about the UGSR.

"General Union of Trade Unions

As the official organization representing all blue- and whitecollar workers, the General Union of Trade Unions of Romamian (Uniunea Generala Sindicatelor din Rom?nia-- UGSR) was the largest of the country's mass organizations, with a membership of 7.3 million in 1985. Headed by a Central Council, the UGSR consisted of eleven labor union federations and forty-one area councils, one for each judet and the city of Bucharest. The Central Council had a chairman, appointed by the PCR Central Committee, eight vice chairmen, two secretaries, and an executive committee of forty-eight members. In the late 1980s, there were an estimated 12,000 local union units.

The primary function of the labor unions was the transmission of party policies to the rank and file. The UGSR statutes specified that the organization would conduct its activities under the political leadership of the PCR; a similar provision was included in the statutes of the judet UGSR committees. In early 1971, in the aftermath of increased labor problems, the PCR took steps to reform the labor union organization. Proclaiming a democratization of the UGSR and its component unions, Ceausescu promised workers protection of their interests and a voice in the appointment of industrial management. According to Ceausescu, democratization meant that the labor unions would serve the party as a framework for organizing consultations with the masses and as a forum where workers could debate the country's economic and social development. But UGSR statutes introduced later that year failed to reform the system, and labor unions were still unable to take the initiative in matters of wages and the standard of living."

Next a picture of the top of the case.

Regards,

Gordon

[Gordon Craig]

The interior of the case and the badge itself. The badge is a pin back one.

[Kev in Deva]

Any better pictures of the badge??

Kevin in Deva

[Gordon Craig]

Kevin,

Here are two more closer imagines of the front and the back of the badge.

Regards,

Gordon

[Gordon Craig]

And the back.

[Kev in Deva]

Hallo Gordon,

thanks for the close ups, I must say I have not seen one of these,

in the flesh, despite the length of time I am here in Transylvania,

but I will see if any of the older members at the local "Hobby Club"

have any pieces connected with it.

Some of them might turn up on Friday for the last meeting of 2007

but going by past years, I probably will be standing

outside on the street alone.

Kevin in Deva.

P.S. Any idea why the item / insignia pictured on the box top is not what is inside

Edited December 17, 2007 by Kev in Deva

[Gordon Craig]

Kevin,

I would say that the emblem on the box is that of the UGSR and the name of the badge in the box is printed below it. The full name of the organization "Uniunea Generala Sindicatelor din Rom?nia"-- is written in the circle around the clasped hands. That is why the crest on the box and the badge in the box do not match.

Regards,

Gordon

[Carol I]

Gordon is right, on the lid of the box is the emblem of Uniunea Generală a Sindicatelor din Rom?nia (the General Union of Trade Unions of Romania).

The badge inside is that of a distinction named Merite deosebite ?n ?ntrecerea socialistă (Outstanding Merits in the Socialist Competition), apparently awarded by the General Council of UGSR. Unfortunately I do not know many details about the "Socialist Competition". I think it was aimed to increase productivity in various areas through friendly competition between companies or organisations. Whether it was a permanent thing or whether it could be called upon by one or several of the parts involved, I do not know. But I think that individuals, as well as teams or whole companies/organisations could be distinguished if they fulfilled or better surpassed the planned aims.

[Gordon Craig]

Carol1,

Thanks for the additional news. Would there have been a document awarded with the badge? Either to organizations or to individuals?

Regards,

Gordon

[Carol I]

Would there have been a document awarded with the badge? Either to organizations or to individuals?

I would guess that the distinction came with a badge and a certificate, but I do not know how the latter looked like.

[Gordon Craig]

Carol1,

Thanks.

Gordon

[aviatiadasenzatia]

Hello Gents,

I fact this badge is not that unknown in Romania and during the comunist period it was given quite offten. The English translation would be : " For outstanding merits in the socialist competition" (!?!!!!) The recipient should have been Union member (Union which ment nothing, just another tax to pay), and butt kisser (excuse my french). Is not that common as other Romanian tins but not that rare as you think. Kev I am amazed that you didn't found that badge....

Regards.

[Kev in Deva]

Here is my box and the insignia that came with it.

Not sure if the item is original to the box,

or if surplus boxes were used for this award.

Kevin in Deva. :cheers:

[aviatiadasenzatia]

There are differences between the two pieces, the first one is covered in withe metal and the second one is gilted. Also on the box of the first one is missing the word "Medalia", that is because they realised (the communists) is a kinda stupid to call this badge "medal" because it was not in the official system of awards. That's why they dropped this word. So Kevin, don't call this badge "award" because is not.

[Kev in Deva]

There are differences between the two pieces, the first one is covered in withe metal and the second one is gilted. Also on the box of the first one is missing the word "Medalia", that is because they realised (the communists) is a kinda stupid to call this badge "medal" because it was not in the official system of awards. That's why they dropped this word. So Kevin, don't call this badge "award" because is not.

Hallo aviatiadasenzatia,

Thanks for your reply,

The other main difference between the awards is the center piece, however they are being offered in boxes, like mine, again either because it was authorised to use up boxes, or its unofficial and the items have been put together by the sellers.

In my honest opinion,medals (and some classes of orders) normally hang on a ribbon, however pin-backs can be classified as Insignia, and any medal or insignia "given" / "awarded" can be classed as an award.

Kevin in Deva. :beer:

[Gordon Craig]

Kevin,

I agree with your use of the term "award". Quite correct as used in English to indicate someone has been "awarded" this device. It does not have to be included in a list of recognized awards to be called an "award".

Thanks for posting your badge. Interesting to note that there are diffeneces in the badge itself and in the wording on the case.

Regards,

Gordon

[Kev in Deva]

Hallo Gordon,

here is a close up of the award:-

Kevin in Deva. :beer:

Edited December 9, 2009 by Kev in Deva

[Kev in Deva]

I spotted this small pin at the Hobby Club in Deva on the18th June 2010:-

Kevin in Deva. :cheers: