The Companion
In the minds of the general public, the Companionship remains something infinitely mysterious. Many more or less farfetched legends run on the account of this human organization, probably the oldest having survived until now through centuries, regimes and empires, kingdoms and republics, marking each period of its imprint, as evidenced by the works that have reached us.
The origin of the Companion dates back to the highest antiquity. At all times, he found himself among the workers, more enlightened men who understood the need to group together, to be perfectly united, without any dependence, to educate, help and sometimes even defend oneself in a common ideal: the search for perfection.
A constant tradition led to the organization of the first Companions at the time of the construction of the Solomon Temple in Jerusalem. While it may be thought that a proto Companion could have been created at the major cathedral sites, it is necessary to wait until the 16th century to discover the first documents attesting to the existence of Companions making their Tour de France.
The Companion appeared very quickly divided into different distinct and too often rival "Duties". The Companions are divided under the patronage of legendary founders: Master of James, Father Soubie and King Solomon. The Companions grouped under the banner of James and Soubise are called "Du Devoir" when the Companions claiming to be King Solomon are called "Du Devoir de Liberté".
This plurality turned to rivalry and bloody battles in the 18th and 19th centuries and the authorities of the era were wary of the secret surrounding the system of recognition and initiation that the Companions practiced. Beyond that, the Companion allowed the workers to improve their skills in learning their trades and developed a self-help system on the Tour de France to find work, be accommodated and supported in the event of a life accident.
While the industrial revolution led to a decline in the companion institution, some professions have taken up the challenge of modernity. Thus, under the authority of Eugene Milon, says Guépin the Support of Solomon, about forty Companions carpenters of the two rites, between 1887 and 1889, raise one of the most visited monuments in the world today: the Eiffel Tower.
Genesis of the Union compagnonnique
The Companion Union, which celebrated the Centenary of its creation in 1989, is proud of its origins. In fact, it embodies the first successful attempt to bring together, in a single movement, the Companions and Duties This was the result of the fact that disputes had so long separated and whose fratricidal struggles had tarnished the same ideal. She wanted to include her unity philosophy in her name.
In 1842 in Lyon, the « Old » the Duties of Master James and Father Soubie, founded a Society of Friends of Industry, with the aim of mutual help. First opened to the children of Master James alone, in 1865 it welcomed those of Solomon.
In 1864, again in Lyon, the Society of Ancient Companions of All the Reunited Duties was created. She was the one who, wishing to continue the work of Agricol Perdiguier, took the initiative of an immense banquet bringing together all the Companions, at the Rotonde on 2 April 1865. Under the impulse of Lucien Blanc, Provençal le Résolu, Compagnon Bourrelier-Harnacheur du Devoir, these two societies merged in 1872.
In 1874 a « Companion Federation » placed under the patronage of the Three Founders. Article 6 of its Statute provided: « All Companions are equal, ranks, precedence are abolished ». It is constituted by the accession of 27 companies of Companions withdrawn.
This Federation became the COMPANY UNION in 1889 at the Paris Congress. All this was not done without harm, and the enumeration of all the congresses necessary to complete this work would be tedious. But whatever, a long road, made of entrepreneurial spirit and unity of will, was now open to the Companion Union.
The two world wars did not save. These trials were overcome, and the Union, if it does not claim to be the only heir of the generous ideas of Agricol Perdiguier, takes its pride in being the direct descendant of those who, the first, welcomed the message of this illustrious precursor.
L'Union
Compagnonnique
Today
L’Union Compagnonnique, whose national headquarters are in Versailles, in the House of Italian Musicians, is a confederal organization whose functioning is similar to that of other companion movements with, however, specific characteristics. They are present in 25 cities in France and abroad.
The nature of the professions represented is very varied: building trades, mouth trades, as well as many crafts and industry.
The question of the mix with the entry of young women of trades into the Tour de France was voted in 2020 by the Companions of the Companion Union.
L’Union Compagnonnique organizes a very personalized training system during evening in Les Cayennes and professional development courses facilitated by the Companions. The essential element remains the ongoing dialogue between the Companion and the young learner.
The Companion therefore does not belong only to the past. It is still a living reality that holds an important place in the world of work and, today as yesterday, on the largest construction sites, the most delicate works are often entrusted to the Companions.
Perpetrating the work of our Ancients and guiding the working youth in a changing world are the reasons for being from Companion to Companion Union.
Its national organization:
The National Union is represented by a National Bureau and its Board of Directors elected in congresses every three years.
Its action concerns:
- the definition and implementation of the national companion policy following the decisions of congresses and general assemblies
- the promotion of the philanthropic work of the Companion Union
- representation in various institutional and private organizations
- the representation at Les Cayennes du Tour de France
- organization and direction of the various committees
- relations with other European and French companion movements
- dissemination of information to its members, the general public and partners
Its local organization:
The Companion Union is represented in the regions through its Cayennes.
Their actions include:
- the promotion of the philanthropic work of the Companion Union
- representation in various institutional and private organizations
- organization of professional development courses and evening courses
- management and maintenance of premises
- the transmission of companion customs and traditions to its members
2010: Companion entered in the inventory of the Immaterial Cultural Heritage of Humanity
In November 2010, the Companion was included in the representative list of UNESCO's Immaterial Cultural Heritage as « network for the transmission of knowledge and identities by the trade ».
The previous year, « the Tradition of the route in the French frame » was included in the same list: the recognition of the art of « Scope », peculiar to the carpenters' companions, foreshadowed that of companionship as a living conservatory of know-how.
To visit :
Departmental Museum of Companion:
MOPO Troyes : House of the Tool and the Worker Thought :
Sainte-Baume Regional Park:
Specialized bookstore:
Join the Companion Union Companions
The Companion Union welcomes young people, boys and girls, from 16 years of age, during the training or having a minimum C.A.P. After a period of observation and training, he became « Associate » and after performing a first job it is « Aspirant ». To become a Companion, he must be under the age of 37 and carry out a work of a very good technical level.
Since its creation, the Union Compagnonnique also addresses professionals who have not had the opportunity to make their Tour de France being younger; It is therefore possible to apply to the Union up to 37 years and to follow the path of companionship as a « sedentary ». Applications for derogations may also be the subject of special attention depending on the candidate's career path.
After the first contact with the Companions, you will be summoned to have a motivational interview and discover the Companions, Aspirants and Youth.
If your application is successful, you will be recognized as « Associate » Companion Union. Like all associations, it is requested to pay an annual contribution that varies from city to city.
One « Sponsor » He will follow you throughout your companion life. You can then start your « Tour de France ».
The Companion Journey
After a minimum year as a member, it will be time to present a first job in order to become Aspirant. This room must allow you to show your current knowledge and prove that you can live the job you are doing.
After this second step, you will have time (2 to 5 years) to complete your knowledge so that, at the request of the Companions, you can propose a Reception room: your « Head of Work » who will have to show your progress in professional mastery and companion knowledge.
From the companion point of view, other steps will be opened:
- Take the « Joints », these little gold rings worn in the ears, after at least 5 years as a Companion.
- Become a Companion Fini, after seven years. For this « Finish » you will need to present a She will prove your « Mastery » professional, your companion knowledge.
