There is a crucial difference between pulling “stunts” on the boss, and deploying tactics: only the latter mobilizes collective power. There’s a moment in the IWW organizer training when we describe the scenario of a […]
The IWW Campaign at Star Tickets: Part I
This is the second entry in our “Anatomy of a Campaign” series. We will be publishing it in two parts. What I love about Deirdre’s storytelling is the way it demonstrates how, in so many […]
Boom Without Bust: Solidarity unionism for the long term
MK Lees and Marianne Garneau describe what a solidarity union looks like in the long term, and what it can accomplish. More to the point, they argue against the popular perception that contracts are needed […]
What Solidarity Unionism Also Isn’t (A Reply to Don White)
Healthy debate is the lifeblood of progress, in unions too. Here, we have a spirited rejoinder to the last piece we published, by Don White: “Solidarity Unionism: What it is and what it isn’t.” MK Lees argues […]
Solidarity Unionism: What it is and what it isn’t
Don White clears up a common misconception: solidarity unionism is not just direct action. There is quite a bit of confusion around the definition of solidarity unionism. When I speak to people, long-time IWW members […]
The Stardust Campaign in NYC
One of the features we will run on Organizing Work will be stories of campaigns, from the perspective of the workers and organizers involved. These stories will give a sketch of the workplace, how the […]
Wobbly Franchising Opportunities! Please Inquire Within
This piece was originally written five years ago, in response to some activity in the IWW, but never published. I learned about it a few weeks ago and was shocked by its contemporary relevance. It […]
Before you file for that election…
A checklist of things a workplace committee should have in place before petitioning for an election with the National Labor Relations Board. The IWW has a good track record when it comes to winning workplace […]
The Momentum-Killing Strike
This will be the first in our series “Reconsidering the strike.” Strikes are probably the most idolized of all the tactics workers use in their struggles, and the one people most equate with worker power. […]