Iww

[Pogue]

Basically asking to any comrades in the IWW, why should I join? I appreciate and wholly support the idea of the group, but isn't it tiny now? I know membership is hardly costly, but is it worth it? Are there any benefits/potential for activism?

And does anyone know how long they take to send you your membership stuff after you send off your fees and application form?

**Edit**

Assume I'm already in a normal union for my current job.

[Incendiarism]

I would suggest joining if you are able to create or are in the vicinity of a strong core group around your area. I joined with only one other person and any attempt at starting a base of sorts didn't really work out.

If those conditions are met I would definitely say go for it, they have a really unique and excellent form of organization, but since they're so small they've restricted themselves a bit.

And for me they took about a few weeks to send me back my membership card and pamphlets, but I live in the south so it's bound to be different for you.

[Forward Union]

Why join the IWW?
It does not take long to figure out that workers and their employers do not have the same interests. Workers want shorter hours, higher pay, and better benefits.
We want our work to be less boring, less dangerous, and less destructive to the environment. We want control over how we produce goods and provide services. We want meaningful work that contributes to our communities and world. Our employers, in contrast, want us to work longer, harder, faster, and cheaper. They want fewer safety and environmental regulations and they demand absolute control over all decisions, work schedules, speech, and actions in the workplace.

Practical benefits of a union
The easiest way to stand up for each other in our workplaces and communities and the easiest way to improve our working conditions is to join a union. That is why employers fight so hard, and spend so much money, to keep unions out of their workplaces. Workers with unions generally have higher pay and job security, better benefits, and fewer scheduling problems. More pay equals fewer hours at work and more hours for enjoying the good things in life. Union workplaces are safer and have less harassment, discrimination, and favoritism. This is because a union gives workers the power to make workplace decisions. The less we let our employers make all of the decisions, the better our lives, our families lives, and our communities will be. Unions also provide mutual aid. This means assistance with problems at work, but it could also mean help with things outside of work too.

Why every worker should be in the One Big Union
Whether your job sucks or is “pretty good” (at least today), we in the IWW believe you should join us for the following reasons. We need to start sticking up for our coworkers in our workplaces and in our industries. Ask around on your next shift. How many coworkers have two or three jobs? How many are one payday away from an eviction? We have a duty to our co-workers and those who will follow in our footsteps to make things better, not only in terms of immediate gains but also as part of a bigger plan to build a radically new worker-run economy for the benefit of all. The only way to do this is to organise together. When we band together around our common experiences and interests, we can improve our jobs and industries. Our labour, not our bosses, is what makes our workplaces tick and we can use that power to improve our jobs and our communities. In a lot of ways, that is what unions are all about.

[Red October]

I joined the IWW about 2 months ago, and I'm one of two IWW members in my city. That said, I do see benefits in being a member. Right now there is an organizing campaign in my state I see a lot potential in and hopefully I will be able to work in. Obviously it would help if you already have an IWW presence in your area, though not all of us are so lucky. I live in the south-east US where there is very little union presence in general, IWW or not. To summarize: join the IWW! It may be small now, but organizations can't grow if people don't join. If you're a worker and you want a democratic, fighting union, the IWW is the place to go. Apart from on the job assistance, it's an excellent way to learn about radical unionism and meet other radical workers.

[Pogue]

I was basicaly thinking of joining because I agree with the ideas and if I was active in any small group it'd be that one. For actual union help I'd much rather rely on an established yet non radical union because they have members, money etc

Does anyone see any hope of a ressurection of the IWW to some extent of its once former glory?

[Forward Union]

Does anyone see any hope of a ressurection of the IWW to some extent of its once former glory?

As I keep saying, it has a 200% growth rate in the UK, a 15% growth rate internationally, and is rapidly becoming one of the biggest revolutionary left organisations in the UK. It's active in many industries now including (but not limited to) Construction, Health, Catering and Education.

The IWW also endorses a dual card strategy, you really should be in both the IWW and your appropriate trade union. But the IWW is a legally recognised union in the UK.

[Bilan]

Roughly, how many members does it have internationally? 2000?

[Trystan]

I sent an application away a while ago. I'm rejoining (long story). Haven't heard anything in a while though. I remember I had a long wait the last time, but could there be a problem somewhere along the line?

[Forward Union]

I sent an application away a while ago. I'm rejoining (long story). Haven't heard anything in a while though. I remember I had a long wait the last time, but could there be a problem somewhere along the line?

PM me your details, and where you sent the application (and the date sent) and I'll give them a kick.

[Pogue]

Are there any cases of them not replying or anything? How long does it take again? I ask because I am going to join but I don't want to be sitting after 2 weeks worrying that my cheque was lost or something.

[Red October]

Are there any cases of them not replying or anything? How long does it take again? I ask because I am going to join but I don't want to be sitting after 2 weeks worrying that my cheque was lost or something.

It depends on where you are and how you pay. It took them a while to sort out my electronic payment via paypal, but I had a delegate nearby who was able to get me my red card, pamphlets, and other stuff quickly. Now I just pay my dues in cash whenever I see him. Do you have an IWW branch or delegate nearby? You can find a list of branches and contact info on the website, and if you can't find anything near you, you can send them an email to see if they can put you in contact with the closest delegate or branch.

[Pogue]

Well I thought I'd just put my cheque and application form in the post and wait for them to reply?

[Forward Union]

Well I thought I'd just put my cheque and application form in the post and wait for them to reply?

You can do that, they're normally very good at replying. I believe you can pay by card now as well.