The IWW and the Unemployed
Apr 17 2009 19:24
Evening all. I've just registered at this fine forum and so I thought I'd better post something. 
Politically, I suppose I'd be classed as a Syndicalist. As such I've been looking into the IWW recently with a view to joining up. The problem is that I'm unemployed - since graduating in 2008 I've struggled to gain even the most rudimentary of employment. Apart from a couple of voluntary/work experience placements, the usual result of my hunt for employment is complete silence marked with the odd rejection letter.
Now I know that according to the IWW constitution, unemployment in itself is not a barrier to membership, but what purpose would be served by an unemployed person joining the One Big Union? I don't particularly want to join up 'just for the card' - I'm a working class youth who has made it through the middle-class education system with my political ideals intact, and the culture of 'being a worker ' is important to me and my family (probably why I find my current situation so difficult).
I know I'll get a job at some point - at which point I will do what I can to organise and build in whatever industry I find myself - but I was wondering, do the IWW organise amongst the unemployed? And do you feel there is anything particularly important the Anarchist/Syndicalist/Libertarian movement can gain from organising the unemployed?
Apologies if there are any massive flawed theoretical assumptions in the above post - I'm still getting to grip with all the nuances, you see. 
Apr 17 2009 19:32
#2
The first question is where do you live?
The second is can we put you in touch with anyone helpful in your area?
Apr 17 2009 21:10
#3
I believe you should join. If your unemployed its one pound a month dues if i remember right. But first find out if there is a branch near you as there aint much point joining if you can't go to the meetings and then your thing about just the membership card will come true.
The benefits are-
support.
learn the inner workings of a union and a grassroots one at that.
contacts (always good for work, although maybe not your dream one)
you can give the branch knowledge about the workings of the benefits system and the crappy courses they send you on during the new deal(get any job now bullying).
Hear about what these capitalist try to get up to with ppl who have had much experience with being fuked about.
learn about your rights and get up to date with current anti trade union laws etc.
Good Luck
p.s-I believe that organising the unemployed is just as important as organising the employed.
They need to know their rights in this temp, part time, no contract world and its good to include all the working class not just the ones who are lucky enough to have work atm.
the unemployed can be used as scabs as living on benefits is no utopia which the right wing reactionaries make it out to be.
Apr 17 2009 21:16
#4
Thanks for the repIies, guys.
Currently I live in South London. What kind of community groups are you talking about? I'm open to any suggestions.
As things stand I'm hardly in deprivation - I receive financial support from my family - at their insistence. Yet there is still the pervasive feeling of being inert, of being a 'failure' (though I suspect that latter feeling is due to years of 'education for the future workplace' turning out to be a lie).
Edit: Thanks for the reply, SD (You posted just as I was typing). That's the real reason I want to join. As someone who is not in employment and has very little experience of employment, I'm kind of 'out of the loop'.
I've heard there's a London Branch (or is it GMB?) Does anyone know anymore about it?
Apr 17 2009 21:15
#5
South london perfect. The IWW in whitechapel, east london 'aldgate east station' (freedom press) are friendly and politically active.
Community groups im not so sure about. Volunteer work is always good though for me personally as it kinda makes me feel like I have a stake in society although i dont. Don't worry about it your not a failure. Keep your chin up.
Apr 17 2009 23:04
#6
Thanks for that, SD. I don't really see myself as a failure, (other than at occasional, particularly low moments) - I know that as a human being I'm much more than just the work I do/don't do. I guess it's just a real shock emerging from the education bubble into the real world - a world in which most capitalist enterprises are, contrary to what you are told all through your higher education, NOT looking for 'bright young things'. Tired old hands are much better returns on the 'investment'.
Wow, the London IWW Branch is real close to me. It'd be a short train/tube trip for me to get there.
Thanks for the responses guys. I think I'll definitely give the IWW a whirl. One more recruit to a Libertatian cause can't hurt, eh?
Apr 17 2009 23:48
#7
I'm not a member, but the Solidarity Federation also has an active South London grouping, I think it would be worth getting in touch with them.
Apr 18 2009 01:15
#8
Auto, whether you have a job or not isnt (or shouldnt be) a barrier to you joining any of the groups generally represented on these boards....join a group based on your politics, not your employment status.
Apr 18 2009 09:04
#9
Auto, I'm from about your way (proper South London, not this half way up the Northern Line lark!), I can PM you my MSN or email if you want to talk.
Apr 18 2009 13:49
#10
The IWW is not a branch based union becaus it doesn;t have the density or numbers to have branches so what job you happen to do is largley irrelevant. In the same fashion it doesn;t really matter if your on the dole, loads of us are at the moment anyways.
In terms of orgainsing the unemployed, your best bet atm is LCAP, who also do workers rights stuff but have quite a big focus on benefits case work. Its not strictly an anarchist group, but its got loads of anarchists in. Theres a south london branch of LCAP thats recently been set up with mostly atm by A&S and Solfed people to do LCAP's homelessness gatekeeping roadshow. Like the main groups involved in setting it up thats all based in deptford and lewisham if thats not too far south of the river for you.
Apr 18 2009 15:17
#11
Thanks for all the replies guys. It's all being taken on board. 
Notch, that's kind of what I meant to ask. I want to join the IWW as it is a group that matches my politics - but I was wondering about what I would do, how I could help out the union as an unemployed person. What I had read seemed to suggest it was predominantly focused on the employed, but it seems that's not exactly the case, (thanks cantdocartwheels ).
Oh and Roger, I live in Lewisham. Is that Sarf enough for you? Feel free to PM me, if it is.
Apr 18 2009 15:50
#12
If you're in lewisham and a syndicalist, i'd definitely get in touch with South London solidarity federation. Mostly lewisham based, and good lads! Send me a private message if you're interested and i'll get you a contact.
Apr 18 2009 19:12
#13
Haha. I had there were so many anarchist/syndicalist types wandering about my neck of the woods. You learn something new every day.
So what are the politics/general activities of SolFed? I must admit, I know very little about it.
Apr 18 2009 19:36
#14
They are anarcho-syndicalists. Their focus is mostly to try to encourage workers to take collective direct action over issues which affect them.
But you probably be best talking to them yourself. Their website is at www.solfed.org.uk or else they have a forum in here where you can ask them questions.
Apr 18 2009 20:12
#15
Cheers Steve... I'll definitely take a look.
Apr 18 2009 22:48
#16
If employers are turning you down because you do not have any work experience, it might help to find others in your situation or those who have quit every recent job on bad terms, and make up stories about previous work experience, and pretend to be each other's former bosses on resumes.
Also, I would add that the struggle of the unemployed should be vigorously supported by the employed. Ronald Reagan saw that organized labor was stronger when it had a social safety net to fall back on. They were more likely to rebel at work, less likely to accept crap jobs....The two groups are in the same class.
Apr 19 2009 09:26
#17
howdy Auto - i just got sent a link to this thread by someone. i'm the London IWW branch secretary, so i thought i'd weigh in and say a few things...
Firstly, we welcome unemployed people to the union. you don't have to have a job, although of course unions are most useful to people with jobs. depending on what sort of industry or sector you want to work in, our people might be able to give some tips as to how to maximise your chances.
Presumably you're on the dole, no? if so, then LCAP, as someone mentioned, have a lot of expertise in terms of supporting people on benefits, the New Deal and so on. (incidentally, a lot of IWW members are also involved in LCAP)
ok and finally, with regards SolFed. they're a nice bunch, and we've co-operated on stuff in the past. if you like what they're about then go for it. if you were to join the IWW, you'd be more than welcome to join solfed too, at least from an IWW perspective. i know of one IWW member who's either thinking about or actively trying to join solfed at the moment. so we're by no means exclusive
so yeah, i'd recommend having a look around, and thinking about what purposes you're interested in joining the IWW or whatever other group. i can't say that the IWW will be especially helpful for your immediate needs, but you're very welcome to join and we'd be happy to support you in whatever way we can.
drop me a PM if you want to ask other questions.
ps.
cantdocartwheels wrote:
The IWW is not a branch based union becaus it doesn;t have the density or numbers to have branches
i presume you mean industry-specific branches? if so, you're right, we only have a few of those at the moment. most of our branches are mixed-industry and have subcommittees for particular workplaces or industries.
Apr 19 2009 18:00
#18
ftony wrote:
cantdocartwheels wrote:
The IWW is not a branch based union becaus it doesn;t have the density or numbers to have branchesi presume you mean industry-specific branches? if so, you're right, we only have a few of those at the moment. most of our branches are mixed-industry and have subcommittees for particular workplaces or industries.
I would assume he meant branches like union branches. I.e. usually a branch for an employer.
Apr 19 2009 18:59
#19
To be fair, my use of 'branch' was probably the wrong word.
But I knew that the IWW aren't employer-specific... Am I right in understanding that they organise by location at the moment?
Apr 19 2009 20:07
#20
the late show wrote:
If you are serious about revolutionary activity, or even just basic union representation, the IWW will be a mistake. It's a profoundly corrupt organization whose leadership has no accountability whatsoever....even to the extent that the membership has allowed massive acts of embezzlement go unchecked, where the funds taken - what would be your dues money - were 'reinevested' in private businesses. Atleast one member of the current General Executive Board has a history of pilfering from volunteer organizations and could very well be described as a 'serial embezzler'.In other words your dues money may very well be used to pay some 'anti-capitalist' landlord who is also a member, or robbed outright so some pseudo-anarchist can set themselves up as a small capitalist. This all pretty well established fact that has been met with no denials or even qualifications by the membership or those accused..
There is no transparency in the IWW, 'leaders' can and have disposed of dues money pretty much as they please without account. It also attempts to represent itself as a broadly egalitarian organization when it is in fact dominated by petit bourgeouis white collegiate politicians- and small capitalists- in training. The trend as of late has been to centralize decision making power in the hands of a 'delegated' elite, taking power away from the base as much as possible.
Save your money, and some of your belief in the value of radical organizing, and take a pass on the IWW.
For just a little bit of proof, it's a safe bet that the members of the IWW who post here - and want things to remain as they are in the IWW- will petition to censor this post and block even discussion of the facts revealed.
Cos that's how they roll.
You got some proof to back up your allegations?
Apr 19 2009 20:09
#21
the late show wrote:
Cos that's how they roll.
Hi Wills.
You've not revealed any facts, just made accusations that are fairly vague and with no proof. I don't know if it will be censored although you've written in a more believable style than previously.
edit: should have put removed rather than censored. These allegations have been made before and have never been properly substantiated, although his play on the subject had its moments. I always wondered if the David in the play was davidinatlanta, I guessed not though.
Apr 19 2009 20:12
#22
I don't think it should be censored. If he has no proof like i suspect he will be exposed as a liar. If he does he will be taken seriously.
Apr 19 2009 20:12
#23
you got some wills to your wild?
Apr 19 2009 20:15
#24
sickdog24 wrote:
I don't think it should be censored. If he has no proof like i suspect he will be exposed as a liar. If he does he will be taken seriously.
he is a person that has been banned numerous time from this board for stalking, physical attacks on posters and a series of other unacceptable acts. he has created a number of other accounts to post here and the policy of the board( last time i checked) is to re-ban any new accounts from people that have received perm bans in the past
Apr 19 2009 20:18
#25
x357997 wrote:
sickdog24 wrote:
I don't think it should be censored. If he has no proof like i suspect he will be exposed as a liar. If he does he will be taken seriously.he is a person that has been banned numerous time from this board for stalking, physical attacks on posters and a series of other unacceptable acts. he has created a number of other accounts to post here and the policy of the board( last time i checked) is to re-ban any new accounts from people that have received perm bans in the past
Is he national front or something?
Apr 19 2009 20:20
#26
here comes the swarm bahaha. you parasites are so predictable.
hey 'x357whatever'?
have you ever heard that Fugazi song, 'Great Cop'?
you know, as in, 'You'd make a great cop?"
bahah you make me laugh you lying, sniveling little douchebag. you toadie for thieves and politicians. speak louder, i can't hear you with oliver's dick stuffed in your mouth.
Apr 19 2009 20:24
#27
the late show wrote:
here comes the swarm bahaha. you parasites are so predictable.hey 'x357whatever'?
have you ever heard that Fugazi song, 'Great Cop'?
you know, as in, 'You'd make a great cop?"
bahah you make me laugh you lying, sniveling little douchebag. you toadie for thieves and politicians. speak louder, i can't hear you with oliver's dick stuffed in your mouth.
That'll be your evidence then!
Apr 19 2009 20:47
#28
Yes. Oh yes, the Evidence.
Simply asked the accused. They won't and cannot deny it. They're proud of it in fact. It's common knowledge.
Yet true to type, attack the critic. And throw in some actionable lies while you're at it.
He is sincere in trying to keep this kid from making a mistake, it's not mere personal rancor. The IWW is a sham.
Displays of anger and mockery are totally 'unacceptable' to a pack of hypocritical, conspiratorial, irredeemably soulless, lilywhite middle class shitbags who use 'anarchism' as an excuse to rob from the working class and call it revolution.
We're in the Brave New World here...we don't feel strongly about things. Let us make our little black-and-red fashion statement in peace while we prepare to become politicians and business owners. Let us do it without having to bear the noisome little 'opinions' of uneducated working class trash.
yawn
Apr 19 2009 20:30
#29
I know fugazi means fake. I like that song. I aint got wires, neither have the majority of ppl on here.
Apr 19 2009 20:37
#30
"The late show" is a crazy poster previously banned several times. He has now been banned again.
You'd do better looking around your local area for any community groups that you can work with.