When many people hear of the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World) they might think of historical events, such as its founding in 1905, the successful recruiting and militant strike-waves it organized in the US in the first two decades of the twentieth century, or the ruthless repression it experienced from the US Government during and shortly after the first world war. However, the IWW’s model of industrial unionism has also been experiencing a major resurgence in the UK over the past decade, which puts it in an ideal position to respond to the current crisis. In particular, the IWW’s lack of a union leadership to stifle its membership’s militancy means it is able to avoid the kind of situation seen in the recent postal workers’ dispute, where union leaders adopt a less militant line than that of their membership.

Whilst the IWW has for many years been viewed as a nice idea, but of little practical impact, its ability to actively affect workplace struggles has become increasingly apparent in recent years. In the UK, members have begun identifying new ways to agitate for a more militant approach to class struggle. Most members also join the TUC-affiliated trade unions within their workplace. This allows them to adopt a ‘dual-carding’ strategy, where they can both agitate within the mainstream trade unions, and present an alternative, more radical, approach to workplace organizing when they hit the inevitable limits experienced within those unions. Recent examples include the successful campaign to keep the Crichton campus of the University of Glasgow open, and the national campaign to oppose major cutbacks, plant closures, and restructuring in the National Blood Service. This dual-card strategy is becoming increasingly central to the IWW in Britain, with a national conference on the approach held recently. This conference also saw the creation of initial links with the National Shop Stewards Network.

The IWW is also undergoing important structural changes. A recent international ballot approved moves towards the creation of a European administration. This reflects the move away from its US-centred history, and will also ensure that the union remains accountable to its members in the regions in which it organizes. This is in part a result of its growing membership outside of the United States, with the UK membership more than doubling in the past three years, to around 600 members. The IWW’s brand of militant, member-led, unionism is therefore clearly becoming an important and effective response by workers to capitalism’s current crisis.

Further details:  http://iww.org.uk/

If you are a lapsed member, a former member or interested in how the IWWs approach can influence your workplace please get in touch via the contact below. Furthermore, if you would be interested in attending a short meeting discussing the IWW in the Sheffield area get in touch also.