Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Industrial Worker June 2009
Industrial Worker June 2009
Immigrant Detainees on Hunger Strike in South Texas
By Greg Rodriguez Removal to DHS, Dora Schriro, is also
RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas among the responsible heads for her
Nearly 100 immigrants being detained failure to report to the public on the
at the Port Isabel Detention Center conditions at PIDC.
(PIDC) began a hunger strike on April The hunger strikers are also de
22, 2009. The detainees have resorted manding due process. In an interview
to this form of nonviolent direct action with the Texas Observer, Rama Carty—
after months of relentlessly demanding one of the detainees and hunger strikers
adequate medical attention and an end at the Port Isabel prison—said to the
to abuses by guards. reporter: “It’s unjust…We are held here
PIDC is a prison used to detain beyond any reasonable time, period.”
immigrants arrested by the U.S. Depart Carty has been at the Port Isabel facility
ment of Homeland Security (DHS)/ for about 13 months now, according to
Immigration and Customs Enforce the report.
ment (ICE). It is located in an extremely Deplorable conditions and lack of
isolated area of the remote South Texas legal access are not uncommon at these
town called Los Fresnos. types of facilities nationwide. It is im
Those responsible for prisoner portant to note that the PIDC detainees
neglect and abuse are DHS, ICE and, have set a precedent for all the victims
!"#$%&'$()*(+,,-.%/)$,0%1)#$(2"#%3"#%456.% of immigration detention with this form
Michael J. Pitts, who has been trying to of direct action. They have called on
break up the hunger strike by planning the community to make their struggle
the isolation of participants, pressuring public.
them to eat, and calling for the speedy
deportation of detainees engaging in Community Action
the strike. These are tactics which will On the week when most class
not solve the problems, but instead conscious workers prepared to celebrate
deny justice to the struggling detainees. International Worker’s Day, members
Special Advisor on ICE and Detention/ Continued on 8 IWW stands for solidarity outside the PIDC. Photo: Anselmo Garza
First Independent Trade Union Forms in Egypt Starbucks Workers Organize In Chile
By Mathieu Dube cardcarrying members of the ruling By Diane Krauthamer
The workers of the Real Estate Tax National Democratic Party are either On May 5, 2009, the IWW Starbucks “We have seen some reprisals
Authority (RETA) have submitted their 8+77$0%"#%&)0$,)7$0.%+70%)2&%"3*()+,&%+#$% Workers Union (SWU) announced the against those who have voiced construc
+'',)(+2)"7%2"%8$("!$%29$%*#&2%)70$'$7 thus usually progovernment and pro 3"#!+2)"7%"3%29$%*#&2%D7)"7%"3%E2+#8D(?&% tive criticism to management about
dent union in Egypt. Around 300 mem employer. The Federation is a tool for workers in Latin America—Sindicato de such issues as dismissals and a lack of
bers of RETA’s General Assembly gath the regime to mass mobilize for parlia Trabajadores de Starbucks Coffee Chile promotions for baristas,” he added.
ered in Cairo to pressure the Ministry of mentary elections and to put on a show S.A. Much like the working conditions
Manpower into accepting their petition. for any given issue. Starbucks baristas and shift super in North America and Europe, Star
The formation of the union, which rep Initially struggling to bring equal visors in Santiago have organized for bucks coffee shops in Latin America do
resents 270,000 members, was built on ity between workers in governorates respect on the job, a dependable work not pay a living wage. In Santiago, for
struggles dating back to 2007. The work (regions) and their counterparts in the schedule, and a living wage, among instance, baristas and shift supervisors
ers voted to form the union in December main RETA in Cairo, 10,000 workers other issues. Currently, Starbucks Coffee only make $2 to $3 per hour, while they
2008 after a yearlong struggle. held a sitin in front of the prime minis Chile S.A. has 30 stores in the region, continue to sell overpriced specialty
Since the establishment of the Gen 2$#%"3%5+)#":&%"3*($%)7%1$($!8$#%;<<=>% with plans to open six more stores in the drinks for twice that amount. Mean
eral Federation of Trade Unions in 1957, The sitin was a culmination of a general near future. while, the cost of living has increased by
there have not been any unions outside &2#)?$%!"@$!$72%)7%A6BC%"3*($&%+,,%"@$#% “Starbucks has been in Chile for ;F%'$#($72%)7%29$%,+&2%*@$%-$+#&.%+(("#0
of the regime’s reach. Union democracy the country, and it succeeded in allowing six years now, and since they opened, ing to Giordano.
in the Federation is nonexistent—elec the General Strike Committee to have management’s communication with “Around the world, Starbucks jobs
tions are rigged, candidates that aren’t Continued on 8 the workers has been getting worse and must work for hardworking baristas,
worse,” said organizer Andrés Giordano. Continued on 9
Industrial Worker Periodicals Postage
PO Box 23085
Cincinnati, OH 452233085, USA
PAID New School Students, Workers Protest Union Busting
Cincinatti, OH By Thomas Good According to an unsigned “Facts
and additional NEW YORK At the New School stu At A Glance” statement, dated April
ISSN 00198870 !"#$#%&'()*+,-
dents and faculty are uniting to demand 22 and distributed to press at the rally,
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED embattled president Bob Kerrey’s resig 12 parttime Parsons faculty were not
nation, more studentworker participa rehired for the 20092010 academic
tion in university decisionmaking and year. The faculty members include “six
29$%#$9)#)7G%"3%+%0"H$7%3+(D,2-%*#$0%+&%+% probationary or postprobationary
result of “curricular changes.” parttime faculty whose assignments
On April 23, New School faculty— ran only through the spring,” “three
members of ACTUAW (United Auto probationary parttime faculty (who)
Workers Local 7902)—rallied outside the #$($)@$0%,$22$#&%("7*#!)7G%29$-%I"D,0%
New School’s main administration build not teach in the fall” and “three annual
ing on 12th Street in Greenwich Village. parttime faculty (who) received letters
A moving picket was followed by speak indicating they would not teach in the
ers, including representatives of elected Fine Arts program,” but who may be of
"3*()+,&.%D7)"7%"#G+7)H$#&.%+70%&2D0$72&% fered alternate teaching assignments.
and faculty from the Parsons School of B9$%+33$(2$0%&2+33%I$#$%7"2)*$0%)7%
Design, who were adversely affected by March via email that they would not be
the New School’s decision to declare rehired in the fall. The Parsons School
them “nonrehired.” Continued on 9
1BHFtIndustrial Worker t+VOF
‘Industrial Worker’ Mailing Issues Resolved
Fellow Workers,
C32$#%#$&",@)7G%+%7D!8$#%"3%!)&9+'&%+70%0$,+-&.%I$%*7+,,-%9+@$%&"!$%G""0%7$I&>%
The Industrial Worker’s mailing problems have been temporarily (and hopefully
'$#!+7$72,-X%#$&",@$0Y%ED8&(#)8$#&%&9"D,0%8$%#$($)@)7G%29$)#%("')$&%I)29)7%29$%*#&2%
week of each month. We apologize to every one of you who had to wait weeks to
Letters welcome! receive your newspaper(s), or to you who never received them at all.
In the past, we relied on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to tie bundles together
E$70%-"D#%,$22$#&%2"V%%)IU)II>"#G%
with “Letter” in the subject. with a plastic belt. Saltus Press, our printer and mailer, informed us that at some
'")72%)7%29$%!+),)7G%'#"($&&%29$%'"&2%"3*($%I+&%(D22)7G%29$%2)$&Z&"%8D,?%&D8&(#)8$#&%
Mailing address: were only receiving one IW in the mail, for instance, even if they were expecting 50
IW, PO Box 7430, JAF Station, New copies. Now, we are using the USPS to “polybag” bundles at an affordable cost, but
York, NY 10116, United States it took much longer than anticipated to reach this agreement between myself, GHQ
and Saltus Press.
[+7-%D7\,+8$,$0%("')$&%I$#$%#$2D#7$0%2"%]^_.%&"%',$+&$%("72+(2%29$!%+2%G9TU
Get the Word Out! iww.org if you would still like to receive missing back issues.
IWW members, branches, job shops and For the future, it is important that each person who is involved in the creation
"29$#%+3*,)+2$0%8"0)$&%(+7%G$2%29$%I"#0% of this newspaper understand how they can help expedite the process. The longer it
out about their project, event, campaign takes for content to come in, the longer it takes to lay out and mail the newspaper. So Graphic: iww.org
or protest each month in the Industrial please, if you are submitting a story, adhere to the deadline, posted on the masthead Correction
Worker>%E$70%+77"D7($!$72&%2"%)IU of each IW and on the international IWW email list. Dek Keenan’s article, “Multiple Fac
iww.org. Much appreciated donations If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the address listed tory Occupations in Scotland” on page
for the following sizes should be sent to below. Thanks for all of your patience. 1 of the May 2009 Industrial Worker,
IWW GHQ, PO Box 23085, Cincinnati states that the factory occupations were
OH 45223 USA. For the OBU, all in Scotland. The author would like
$12 for 1” tall, 1 column wide Diane Krauthamer to clarify that the occupations were in
$40 for 4” by 2 columns Editor, Industrial Worker Scotland (Dundee), Ireland (Belfast) and
$90 for a quarter page )IU)II>"#G 29$%&"D29%"3%67G,+70%W67*$,0X>%
Industrial Worker
The Voice of Revolutionary
IWW directory
Industrial Unionism
Australia Ontario Hobe Sound: P. Shultz, 8274 SE Pine Circle, 33455- New Mexico
ORGANIZATION IWW Regional Organising Committee: PO Box 1866, Ottawa-Outaouais GMB & GDC Local 6: PO Box 6608, 772-545-9591 okiedogg2002@yahoo.com Albuquerque: 202 Harvard SE, 87106-5505.
Albany, WA www.iww.org.au 52003, 298 Dalhousie St. K1N 1S0, 613-225-9655 505-331-6132, abq@iww.org.
EDUCATION Georgia
Sydney: PO Box 241, Surry Hills. Fax: 613-274-0819, ott-out@iww.org French: Atlanta: Keith Mercer, del., 404-992-7240, iw-
EMANCIPATION ott_out_fr@yahoo.ca. New York
Melbourne: PO Box 145, Moreland 3058. watlanta@gmail.com NYC GMB: PO Box 7430, JAF Station, New York City
Peterborough: c/o PCAP, 393 Water St. #17, K9H 3L7,
705-749-9694, ptboiww@riseup.net 10116, iww-nyc@iww.org. wobblycity.org
J3*()+,%7$I&'+'$#%"3%29$% British Isles Hawaii
IWW Regional Organising Committee: PO Box 1158, Toronto GMB: c/o Libra Knowledge & Information Honolulu: Tony Donnes, del., donnes@hawaii.edu Starbucks Campaign: 44-61 11th St. Fl. 3, Long
INDUSTRIAL WORKERS Svcs Co-op, PO Box 353 Stn. A, M5W 1C2. 416-919- Island City, NY 11101 starbucksunion@yahoo.com
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE99 4XL UK, Illinois
OF THE WORLD 7392. iwwtoronto@gmail.com www.starbucksunion.org
rocsec@iww.org.uk, www.iww.org.uk Chicago GMB: 37 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
K"&2%J3*($%L"M%;N<OP Québec: iww_quebec@riseup.net Upstate NY GMB: PO Box 235, Albany 12201-
Baristas United Campaign: baristasunited.org.uk 312-638-9155.
0235, 518-833-6853 or 518-861-5627. www.
Cincinnati OH 45223 USA National Blood Service Campaign: www.nbs.iww. Finland Central Ill GMB: 903 S. Elm, Champaign, IL, 61820. upstate-nyiww.org, secretary@upstate-ny-iww.org,
PQN>PRQ>QR<P%S%G9TU)II>"#G org Helsinki: Reko Ravela, Otto Brandtintie 11 B 25, 217-356-8247 Rochelle Semel, del., PO Box 172, Fly Creek 13337,
00650. iwwsuomi@helsinkinet.fi Champaign: 217-356-8247. 607-293-6489, rochelle71@peoplepc.com.
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German Language Area Waukegan: PO Box 274, 60079. Hudson Valley GMB: PO Box 48, Huguenot,12746,
Burnley: burnley@iww-manchester.org.uk
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GENERAL SECRETARYTREASURER: Cambridge: IWW c/o Arjuna, 12 Mill Road, Cam- Committee (GLAMROC): Post Fach 19 02 03, 60089 Indiana blogspot.com/
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Dorset: dorset@iww.org.uk www.wobblies.de 47906, 765-242-1722
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Iowa
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London GMB: c/o Freedom Press, 84b Whitechapel
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Maine
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Unit 107, 40 Halford St., Leicester LE1 1TQ, England. Switzerland: IWW-Zurich@gmx.ch Oregon
Maryland Lane County: 541-953-3741. www.eugeneiww.org
EDITOR & GRAPHIC DESIGNER : Tel. 07981 433 637, leics@iww.org.uk www. Greece Baltimore IWW: c/o Red Emmaís, 2640 St. Paul
Diane Krauthamer leicestershire-iww.org.uk Street, Baltimore MD 21212, 410-230-0450, iww@ Portland GMB: 311 N. Ivy St., 97227, 503-231-5488.
Athens: Themistokleous 66 Exarhia Athens
)IU)II>"#G Leeds: leedsiww@hotmail.co.uk redemmas.org. portland.iww@gmail.com, pdx.iww.org
iwgreece@iww.org
Massachusetts Pennsylvania
Manchester: 0791-413-1647 education@iww- Netherlands: iww.ned@gmail.com
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Send contributions and letters Nottingham: notts@iww.org.uk Western Mass. Public Service IU 650 Branch: IWW, Paper Crane Press IU 450 Job Shop: papercrane-
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to: IW, PO Box 7430, JAF Reading: readingantig8@hotmail.com Po Box 1581, Northampton 01061. press@verizon.net, 610-358-9496.
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tion, New York, NY 10116 Washington
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iwwscotland.wordpress.com. Industrial Organizing Committee; Shattuck Cinemas)
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Union dues includes subscription. British Columbia Florida 53703. 608-262-9036.
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"./(012$3"-0#0"!. Winnipeg GMB: IWW, c/o WORC, PO Box 1, R3C 2G1. St Petersburg/Tampa: Frank Green,P.O. Box 5058, yahoo.com, wobbly02@yahoo.com eugene_v_debs_aru@yahoo.com.
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Press Date: May 18, 2009. org.za. Gmail.com Brook 07663. 201-873-6215. northernnj@iww.org 3557.
+VOF tIndustrial Workert1BHF
Contract Battle At ‘Boston Globe’ Exemplifies Industry’s Pain
By Matthew Andrews has threatened a 23 percent acrossthe
The New York Times Co. is demand board pay cut. The vote was slated to be
ing $20 million in concessions from held on June 8 or 9.
employees at the Boston Globe and it
looks likely they will get it. Divided by Lifetime Guarantees
craft into seven different unions, Globe The plan to eliminate lifetime job
employees have been forced to accept guarantees has been one of the most
concessionary contracts one by one. The controversial aspects of the contract un
New York Times Company, which pur der consideration. The lifetime job guar
chased the paper in 1993 for $1.1 billion, antees were given to Guild workers hired
has won nearly all the costcutting mea before 1992 in exchange for eliminating
sures they wanted. The Boston Newspa a “no layoff” clause in the contract. The
per Guild is the largest union and was guarantee only applies in the event of
the last of seven to come to an agree ,+-"33&>%a"#?$#&%(+7%&2),,%8$%*#$0%3"#%cD&2%
ment. For a few days the Times Co. even cause. Although 55 more Guild members
threatened that the paper would perma were given this protection in 1999, less
nently close, during which time three of than onethird of the Guild’s member
the remaining four unions settled their ship is now covered.
negotiations. The daily newspaper was once a
major manufacturing endeavor, requir
4"-#"!$5&6-313&%$78029$ ing skilled tradesmen who set type,
Graphic: iww.org
Concessions composed pages, engraved photos, ran
Under the proposed contract for the presses, and packaged the paper for and set a businessfriendly tone in order workers understand that the problem
Guild members, some 600 workers face delivery. With the advance of automa to satisfy the needs of their true custom goes beyond greedy bosses. The for
concessions of $10 million including an tion and computers, unions gave up ers, the advertisers. '#"*2%8D&)7$&&%!"0$,%I),,%7"2%&D&2+)7%
O>d%'$#($72%I+G$%(D2.%*@$%0+-&%"3%D7'+)0% minimum manning requirements and The cost of advertising is built into them any longer.
3D#,"DG9.%+%#+7G$%"3%8$7$*2%(D2&.%+70%+7% other job protections, allowing produc every consumer product. Each time we b$I&'+'$#%8"&&$&%+#$%*G92)7G%
end to lifetime job guarantees held by tion to be reorganized. In exchange they buy a product we pay for the cost of ad a losing battle against the inher
about 190 members. won employment guarantees to ensure vertising it. So we already indirectly pay ent openness of the internet. Efforts
The contract under consideration that workers would be reassigned to new for the journalism that advertising sup to make users pay for content have
includes a pension freeze, elimination tasks rather than eliminated. Neverthe ports, whether we like it or not. In truth, failed because the ensuing dropoff in
of company contributions to retirement less, the workforce shrunk as the need advertising is a wasteful enterprise with readership at payforuse websites un
plans, a cut of more than $800,000 in for these workers declined and union universally antisocial ends such as mak dercuts advertising revenue. Further
company contributions to the healthcare power receded. Although the decision )7G%D&%!"#$%!+2$#)+,)&2)(.%,$&&%("7*0$72% more, readers can switch to competing
plan, elimination of life insurance ben to not protect new workers may have in our own selfworth, and uncritical of sources in a matter of seconds.
$*2&.%$-$%(+#$.%2D)2)"7%#$)!8D#&$!$72&.% seemed like a minor concession in 1994, corporate messages. The journalism that Revenue at New England Media
+70%#$2)#$$%0$+29%8$7$*2&>%%B9$%("72#+(2% today the issue is dividing the union be it supports provides no incentive for us Group, the regional advertising wing
would also increase the workweek from tween new and old workers. Now it ap to challenge corporate power or market of the New York Times Co., plunged
37.5 hours to 40 hours. pears layoff protection could disappear forces. more than 30 percent in the last year.
C,!"&2%+%I$$?%+32$#%29$%*7+,%0$+0 completely. Workers must learn that a Now that advertising revenue is dry Under the additional challenge of a
line for negotiations passed, the Guild contract that protects their jobs is only ing up and unlikely to return, newspa general economic crisis, the owners of
made the unorthodox decision to pres as strong as the union that negotiated it. pers are cutting back or closing down the Boston Globe are predicting a $85
$72%29$)#%!$!8$#&%29$%*7+,%"33$#%"3%29$% across the country. The profession of million shortfall this year. It is unclear
Times Co., without making a recommen Changes in Production journalism is dying at daily newspapers if the Boston Globe )&%#$+,,-%D7'#"*2
dation for or against it. It appears the The traditional business model of in cities across the U.S. Newspaper able or if it is just making less than
Guild believes this is the best deal they newspapers has been to sell their audi workers still have the potential to exer enough to make investors happy. After
are going to get, yet they are not will ence to the advertisers. That’s where the cise collective power at work, but under the Baltimore Sun made similar claims
ing to sell it to their membership. If the money is made. It also has meant that the limits capitalism has placed on their 2"%*7+7()+,%9+#0&9)'%)7%"#0$#%2"%(D2%
contract is not approved, the Times Co. newspapers must attract wealthy readers employers, they see little point. These c"8&%+70%8$7$*2&.%)2%(+!$%2"%,)G92%29+2%
29$-%2D#7$0%+%N=%'$#($72%'#"*2>
IWW Constitution Preamble Join the IWW Today According to national statistics,
T
The working class and the employing he IWW is a union for all workers, a union dedicated to organizing on the 7$I&'+'$#%'#"*2%!+#G)7&%'$+?$0%+2%
class have nothing in common. There can job, in our industries and in our communities both to win better conditions about 23 percent on average in 2000.
be no peace so long as hunger and want today and to build a world without bosses, a world in which production and With access to the internet easier and
are found among millions of working distribution are organized by workers ourselves to meet the needs of the entire popu faster than ever before, many readers
people and the few, who make up the em lation, not merely a handful of exploiters. are making the switch for their daily
ploying class, have all the good things of news, while advertisers are switching
We are the Industrial Workers of the World because we organize industrially –
life. Between these two classes a struggle to target their audiences at a lesser
that is to say, we organize all workers on the job into one union, rather than dividing
must go on until the workers of the world cost. Are the same productive forces
organize as a class, take possession of the
I"#?$#&%8-%2#+0$.%&"%29+2%I$%(+7%'"",%"D#%&2#$7G29%2"%*G92%29$%8"&&$&%2"G$29$#>%
Since the IWW was founded in 1905, we have recognized the need to build a truly that destroyed union jobs and gave
means of production, abolish the wage 7$I&'+'$#&%9DG$%'#"*2&%)7%0$(+0$&%
system, and live in harmony with the international union movement in order to confront the global power of the bosses
and in order to strengthen workers’ ability to stand in solidarity with our fellow past now threatening to put them out
earth. of business?
a$%*70%29+2%29$%($72$#)7G%"3%29$%!+7 workers no matter what part of the globe they happen to live on.
agement of industries into fewer and fewer We are a union open to all workers, whether or not the IWW happens to have
representation rights in your workplace. We organize the worker, not the job, recog A New Model is Necessary
hands makes the trade unions unable to
7)H)7G%29+2%D7)"7)&!%)&%7"2%+8"D2%G"@$#7!$72%($#2)*(+2)"7%"#%$!',"-$#%#$("G7)2)"7% Without a movement for a new
cope with the evergrowing power of the
employing class. The trade unions foster but about workers coming together to address our common concerns. Sometimes economic model, those newspapers
a state of affairs which allows one set of this means striking or signing a contract. Sometimes it means refusing to work with that remain will probably only become
workers to be pitted against another set an unsafe machine or following the bosses’ orders so literally that nothing gets done. more desperately subservient to cor
of workers in the same industry, thereby E"!$2)!$&%)2%!$+7&%+G)2+2)7G%+#"D70%'+#2)(D,+#%)&&D$&%"#%G#)$@+7($&%)7%+%&'$()*(% porate messages. Journalists who wish
helping defeat one another in wage wars. workplace, or across an industry. to continue working in the industry
Moreover, the trade unions aid the employ Because the IWW is a democratic, memberrun union, decisions about what issues should not be expected to go down
ing class to mislead the workers into the to address and what tactics to pursue are made by the workers directly involved. with this sinking ship while stockhold
belief that the working class have interests ers and executives plan their escape.
in common with their employers. TO JOIN: Mail this form with a check or money order for initiation Newspaper workers need radical ideas
These conditions can be changed and +70%-"D#%*#&2%!"729:&%0D$&%2"V%4aa.%K"&2%J3*($%L"M%;N<OP.%5)7()77+2)%J^% and bold action to avoid the demise of
the interest of the working class upheld 45223, USA. their industry and save their jobs.
only by an organization formed in such Newspaper workers must unite
Initiation is the same as one month’s dues. Our dues are calculated
a way that all its members in any one in 2"%'#"'"&$%7"2\3"#\'#"*2%+,2$#7+2)@$&.%
according to your income. If your monthly income is under $2000, dues
dustry, or all industries if necessary, cease such as readersupported community
are $9 a month. If your monthly income is between $2000 and $3500,
work whenever a strike or lockout is on in "I7$#&9)'.%7"7'#"*2%&2+2D&%+70%(""'
any department thereof, thus making an dues are $18 a month. If your monthly income is over $3500 a month, dues
are $27 a month. Dues may vary outside of North America and in Regional eratives. They must also demand that
injury to one an injury to all.
Organizing Committees (Australia, British Isles, German Language Area). their unions play a leadership role in
Instead of the conservative motto, “A
advocating, organizing and defending
fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work,” we ``4%+3*#!%29+2%4%+!%+%I"#?$#.%+70%29+2%4%+!%7"2%+7%$!',"-$#>
must inscribe on our banner the revolu these changes.
tionary watchword, “Abolition of the wage __I agree to abide by the IWW constitution. This could be a positive develop
system.” __I will study its principles and acquaint myself with its purposes. ment toward having a media that is
It is the historic mission of the work Name: ________________________________ more accountable to the public. But to
ing class to do away with capitalism. The get readers to pay when so much free
army of production must be organized,
Address: ______________________________ content is available online, newspapers
not only for the everyday struggle with City, State, Post Code, Country: _______________ themselves must change. They must
capitalists, but also to carry on production Occupation: ____________________________ offer more original news and analysis.
when capitalism shall have been over They must serve the public interest.
thrown. By organizing industrially we are Phone: ____________ Email: _______________ Readers must be given a stronger voice
forming the structure of the new society Amount Enclosed: _________ in shaping what news is covered and
within the shell of the old. Membership includes a subscription to the Industrial Worker. how.
1BHFtIndustrial Worker t+VOF
Lasting Lessons from the Class Struggle
By Matt Jones and MK But one thing is clear: none of the
“To build the new society you workers involved would have changed a
need new people, and people can be thing. For some it was the greatest work
transformed only in activity”—Martin experience they had ever been a part of.
Glaberman, “Work and Working Class There is consensus that the whole thing
Consciousness.” was nothing less than lifechanging.
March 20, 2004: Over the course Crappy work is no longer something that
of a year, a group of UPS loaders had must only be endured. It can be collec
developed a lot of camaraderie with one tively resisted.
another. They had the power, and they C2%*#&2%G,+7($.%"7$%(+7%,""?%+2%29$&$%
openly expressed it by refusing to work &9"'\e""#%&?)#!)&9$&%+70%&$$%0$3$+2>%%
at the speed demanded by the bosses. Gains were eroded, and no lasting orga
A new worker was nization was ever built.
brought in, and But through struggle,
management tried we don’t just produce
its best to isolate better working condi
him from the activ tions, resolve grievances,
ist group. When and build a union: We
this fellow worker produce new kinds of
0$*$0%!+7+G$!$72% people. A major part of
and lined up with our organizing has to be
the rest of the workers, working at their a change in consciousness. This is why
pace, calling management “blue shirts,” our tactics are so important. This type
and spending his breaks with other of change in outlook isn’t facilitated
militant workers, management brought as clearly through an NLRB election
even more pressure on him, pushing him campaign. Direct action, where workers
to change and work faster or he would themselves are making the change, gives
8$%*#$0>%^)&%("I"#?$#&%#$&'"70$0%+32$#% the feeling of power to us workers. Most
a break one morning by refusing to go members of our class have not felt this
back to work until a certain “blue shirt,” power, but once it has been summoned
the one mostly responsible for the pres up, it is much harder to push down.
sure brought on the new worker, was When we workers act as a group, we
taken off the line. It was a standoff, and are making a statement to each fellow
the tension was high, none of the work worker involved. This statement is clear:
ers having been involved in anything like I am willing to stand here with you if
this before. They won their demand, the you are here to stand with me. We may
supervisor was taken off the line, and I)7%29)&%*G92.%"#%I$%!+-%,"&$.%8D2%29+2%
29$-%I$#$%29#$+2$7$0%I)29%*#)7G&%)3%29$-% statement always stays with us. It reso
tried anything like that again. Over the nates with us as we go through our lives.
course of the next year, they all began When we organize and when we take
to leave the job, moving to other work, action that effectively challenges our
other shifts at UPS, or to other depart boss, we have the power to demand the
ments. changes we want to see. This is the key
Roughly a yearandahalf after the to understanding why these types of ac
action had taken place, two friends from tions change our lives. In the UPS story,
the UPS job get together. Chatting over a workers stood up, put themselves on the
beer, they talked about how one had quit line for another worker. In the Arrow
UPS but the other still worked there. The story, workers took action to strengthen
one who was still at UPS relayed how their position and to make a clear point:
he would bring the story up whenever we are united and without US you do not
he saw their old despised manager, how have a company. When we put ourselves
that “blue shirt’s” face would turn red on the line for one another, no one for
and he would storm off. Nostalgic for the gets what is possible.
old crew and their bold action at work, The concept of producing organizers
the worker who had since moved on at one company who scatter out to other
called another former coworker. He too companies has become a maxim for
$M'#$&&$0%'#)0$%)7%29$)#%0$*+7($%"3%29$% some IWW organizers in industrywide
boss and added that he looked forward efforts, and the concept is a good one,
to the next time he could stick it to but there’s something more to it. Not
management to show ’em who was really everyone is going to become an orga
in charge. Though the gains were long nizer, but everyone is going to have to
gone, the memory and experience still +&&$&&%29$%*G92%29$-:@$%cD&2%8$$7%29#"DG9%
lingered, with the workers holding onto and draw conclusions for their own lives.
a desire to take action next time they had When the dust settles from our action, as
the strength. it inevitably does, we are left to consider
May 17th, 2006: Messengers from what happened. We have seen the power
Arrow Messenger Service in Chicago we have as workers, a power unknown
gather for a special anniversary party at before. It may not occur to us imme
a fellow worker’s home. Exactly one year diately, but with any major change in
before, on a busy Thursday afternoon, our lives, there is a resonance—a white
they all had turned off the twoway noise that does not go away. It could be a
radios messengers use to communicate month later and we could be at the same
to their dispatcher. Having been through job, or a year later and we could be two
three fruitless negotiating sessions with jobs down the road, but we will remem
the company, this was their way of show ber. And when we have the chance, we Graphic: Mike Konopacki
ing Arrow that if the bosses wouldn’t line up with, or maybe even lead, an ef The Missoula Floods were enor
meet their terms, the company wouldn’t
run. After a pitched battle during the
fort to organize and take a stand against
the boss. This time we do it with less
mous, landscapechanging events Subscribe to theGraphic: Mike Konopacki
during the last Ice Age, some of which
ensuing month, the company agreed to hesitation than before, maybe with more discharged 2.6 billion gallons of water Industrial Worker
Raise eyebrows! Get ideas!
the workers’ demands. foresight and with more vigor, because every second, but they were only pos
As they gather at the anniversary now we know exactly what it means. sible due to sudden small ruptures of the
party, make little drunken speeches, and The bottom line is this: Our organiz ice dam on the Clark Ford River. Small 10 issues for:
reminisce about the drawnout struggle ing needs to have as its byproduct a new ruptures led to larger ruptures; they !"#$"%&'"()*"+,-+.+-/0123
of the year before, they realize only three increase in workers’ willingness to re built off each other, weakening the dam. !"#$"%45"()*"+,67*,06+),0123
or four of them—out of 20—still work at sist—an increase in our propensity to act In the IWW, our workplace committees, !"#$"%48"()*"+,26+6/6+),23
Arrow Messenger Service. Several were on our urges to resist the bosses, even "D#%(+!'+)G7&.%+70%"D#%*G92&%I)29%29$% Name: _______________________
*#$0%0D#)7G%29$%(+!'+)G7.%"29$#&%TD)2% if the resistance is individual. This is boss have ruptured production, but we Address: _____________________
in frustration, and others just decided to the revolutionary outcome. This will lay have seen companies rebound and get
move on. the groundwork for future organizing, back to business. The true ruptures are State/Province: __________ Zip/
There is virtually no organization in this industry or others. To “organize the changed individuals that come out PC________________________
left at Arrow and no existing struggle the worker, not the job” as we say in this 29$%"29$#%$70%"3%29$&$%*G92&>%J7$%0+-.% Send to: PO Box 23085,
against the boss to speak of. In another union, is to gradually create new kinds our years of struggles will turn these Cincinnati OH 45223 USA
year, the union will be completely gone, of people, people who are most likely to #D'2D#$&%)72"%+%#$@",D2)"7+#-%e""0%29+2%
and what will become of the gains made never again roll over and take the shit will forever change the landscape of the Subscribe Today!
in the winter of 2005 is anyone’s guess. the boss throws at them. world’s economy.
+VOF tIndustrial Workert1BHF
May Day and Violence: A Workers' Perspective from Istanbul
By “Macurata,” Unionbook.org Day in Taksim Square since 1977, when BD#?)&9%B#+0$%g7)"7&%WBhAi\jkX%G#"D'% have achieved this year.
Some media reports are linking May Nd%'$"',$%0)$0%+32$#%D7)0$72)*$0%'$#'$ and all were allowed in at approximately Worse still, the newspaper fails to re
Day events worldwide with violence. For 2#+2"#&%"'$7$0%*#$%"7%29$%'D8,)(>f 8:20 am. Later, a group from the Con port anything from the Iranian capital of
example, a story in the New York Times, Last year was particularly nasty as federation of Progressive Labor Unions Tehran where the May Day plan by inde
“Anger and Fear Fuel May Day Europe the police did not even allow unionists (KESK) and the Confederation of Public pendent workers' organizations includ
Protests,” wrote of "riot police working 2"%,$+@$%29$)#%"3*($&>%a)70"I&%)7%"7$% Workers’ Unions (DISK) came. Police )7G%29$%4B/\+3*,)+2$0%E-70)(+2$%n+9$0%
overtime as unions and anarchists link building were smashed by water can did not allow all of their participants (the bus workers union) was crushed by
arms for May Day," and suggested that nons, and thousands were taken into to enter the Square. Here, a group of the police and intelligence forces.
29$%(D##$72%G,"8+,%*7+7()+,%(#)&)&%("D,0% police custody throughout the day. protesters battled with the police. Later, Now, if the state turns violent
spark more social unrest. This statement That is why the Turkish unions have BhAi\jk%!"@$0%2"%i+0l?m-%+70%"#G+ against the workers on May Day, there
lacks both accuracy and balance, at least been campaigning to make May Day a nized a march and a mass rally. is no space in the newspapers to report
from where I was—Istanbul, Turkey. national holiday again and to celebrate The Hurriyet Daily News described it? Although May Day today is celebrated
The report says that in Istanbul, their event at the Square. The Interna this development as: "In a historic peacefully in many countries, let us not
fW'",)($X%"3*($#&%D&$0%2$+#%G+&%+70%I+2$#% tional Transport Workers’ Federation march, laborers walk into the square on forget that there are some countries
cannons to prevent protesters from (ITF) setup its online petition page in [+-%Q%3"#%29$%*#&2%2)!$%)7%NQ%-$+#&>%ED#$ where the workers are not allowed to
entering Taksim Square." While the early April to support this initiative. ly, all confederations must now work express themselves freely and their basic
story correctly separated the trade union The Turkish government gave in to the more closely to pressure the government workers' rights are denied, like Iran. Let
organizations and groups of protesters unions' demand and announced in mid so that one full May Day rally will be us also recall that International May Day
that battled with the police, it did not say April to legislate May Day as a holiday. held in Taksim Square next year.” originates with the Haymarket Martyrs
why the demonstrators insisted to enter However, they did not give permission This is the background of the in Chicago. The founding congress of
Taksim Square. to any union confederation to hold a incident in Istanbul that the New York Second International, two years later, re
Today, all organizations in Turkey, mass rally at Taksim this year again. In Times referred to. Although the econom solved to organize international demon
except trade unions, are allowed to use the end, they compromised to allow a ic crisis is high on the unions' agenda in strations on the 1890 anniversary of this
the Square for their events. As my Turk "reasonable amount" of people to enter Turkey (and everywhere), I don't think it Chicago massacre and campaign further
ish union colleague said, "the venue has the Square and commemorate those who I+&%29$%!+)7%#$+&"7%3"#%29"&$%*G92&%"7% for the eighthour work day.
8$$7%+%&"D#($%"3%("7e)(2.%+&%I"#?$#&% were killed in 1977. the streets. Nor was it the main focus of Surely, that spirit of solidarity and its
have not been allowed to celebrate May I was with the Confederation of the day and what the Turkish colleagues practice must be carried on.
Vassar College Students & Workers Protest Budget Cuts
By MEChA de Vassar and the May enough for the President of the Col American/Black, Latina/o, Asian, and not waste time anymore with folks who
:1;$+"%<0!=$7%"83 lege, Catherine Bond Hill, to remodel Native American Center) and the Blegen are in positions to speak out every day,
On Friday, May 1, a group of staff, her bathroom ($60,000) and there is House (the GLBTQ Center, which was and only do so when it is advantageous,
students, and faculty held two rallies at enough money for the head of Human recently moved to a room in Main Build when they hope it is a good photoop.
Vassar College. We were loud. We were Resources, Ruth Spencer, to get a raise. ing). It will take action to accomplish The administration thought that no
0)&#D'2)@$>%/"#%29$%*#&2%2)!$%)7%-$+#&%&2D Even during the Great Depression what needs to be done. students would attend a rally in support
dents and faculty at Vassar are standing 29$%&(9"",%7$@$#%9+0%2"%*#$%"#%,+-"33% We want to let the administration of staff. They couldn't be more wrong.
in solidarity with staff with more than anyone. So we ask: why now? know that we are not fooled by their Each rally numbered over 100 people,
just words. Vassar College has lost $300 mil vague threats. We shout “Worker's with students calling their friends to join
Vassar traditionally has given its lion from its endowment. It claims that Rights!,” and they respond with “Finan us as we went along. We forced the rest
staff summer employment, generally 40 (D22)7G%(,+&&$&.%*#)7G%'#"3$&&"#&.%+70% cial Aid!” We refuse to allow the school of the student body, the administration
to 50 folks who work in dining centers systematically ridding the school of the to make students and staff antagonistic and the faculty to know that we are here,
on campus are assigned to assist in people who actually make it run, will towards each other. We stand in solidar and we're not done yet.
prepping the dorms and grounds for bring it back. We know that it will not. ity with staff because we can't let such We also ask that anyone who wants
autumn, another 20 or so people remain The school continues to run on the same an important part of our community be to voice support, especially if you're an
in the kitchens for summer programs. neoliberal corporate model that put the pushed around. alumni, to contact Catherine (Cappy)
This year the school, hiding behind the I"#,0%)7%29)&%!$&&%)7%29$%*#&2%',+($>%a$% This is why on May Day 2009 the Bond Hill and tell her what you think
*7+7()+,%(#)&)&.%9+&%#$0D($0%29$%7D!8$#% #$("G7)H$%29+2%(#$+2)@$%*7+7()+,%29)7?)7G% students, organized under MEChA de of Vassar's method of dealing with this
of jobs overall to around 20. This puts a is important, not this mimicry of bank Vassar & the May Day Working Group, f*7+7()+,%(#)&)&f%8-%+)!)7G%3"#%29"&$%+2%
large number of folks who are a part of ing giants (Why do these people make up stood in solidarity with staff organized the bottom of the campus hierarchy.
our community in precarious situations our board of trustees?). under the SEIU and CWA locals for not Please help us force President Hill to
for the summer; many do not know how We want to tell other students, one, but two rallies. do what is right. Let Cappy and every
they will be able to feed their families the ones who claim we just need more We marched all around the campus, one else in the administration know
or keep their houses. And who are those dialogue, more debate, more facts, including outside of a fancy luncheon that they should be getting creative and
most affected? Working class folks, more numbers, that the only thing we that Catherine Hill was attending in one developing programs that allow for full
mostly women, people of color and/or need more of is action. That we've spent of the dorms. We marched into Ruth year employment for all employees. Not
immigrant folks who keep our school months talking and debating and the E'$7($#o&%"3*($>%a$%)G7"#$0%&$(D#)2-%"3 attacking the little folks. Not making
running. administration always sets the terms and *($#&o%',$+&%3"#%D&%2"%,$+@$.%+70%,$32%I9$7% members of the Vassar community risk
The Vassar administration claims rules. So it's time to be unruly. Noth we were good and ready. We marched homelessness and hunger while mem
there is nothing they can do. That only ing at Vassar (or the world) was ever into Main Building, making as much bers of the administration keep making
so much money was allocated to Opera achieved by asking nicely. In the 1960s noise as possible, and watched as Dean 29$)#%&)M\*GD#$&>
tions (Well, allocate more!). Or that they it took a takeover of a building for black 59#)&%A"$,?$%&2"#!$0%"D2%"3%9)&%"3*($% You can reach the President to po
are not under a contractual obligation students to achieve some respect on and down the stairs. litely share what you think:
(We say: "So what?!"). The school does campus, including the implementation We were pumped. Our student body Contact President Catherine Bond
not have enough money to support the of a Black Studies department. It took president showed up at the end asking ^),,%8-%$\!+),%+2%(9),,U@+&&+#>$0D.%"#%8-%
employees at the bottom, but we do have a takeover to get the ALANA (African to speak, and we sent him away. We can phone at 8454377200.
1BHFtIndustrial Worker t+VOF
Wobfest 2009 Celebrated in Scotland Spirited May Day in London
By Tom Morton By x355622
and Dek Keenan More than 500 people par
Edinburgh, Scot ticipated in the annual May Day
land Wobs celebrated march through London. IWW
May 1 with a great members had mobilised for the
evening of music and 0+-.%I)29%7$I%e+G&%+70%8+7
comedy. Seven local ners that came from the G20
artists came together demonstrations in April, where
to wow the thronging a number of Wobblies had been
masses on a packed beaten and arrested. After an
May Day evening at D7"3*()+,%#"D70%"3%&'$$(9$&%
the Forest Café “art 3#"!%@+#)"D&%#+7?\+70\*,$%
space.” trade unionists, anarchists,
The night opened troublemakers, a visitor from
with David Ferrard, the anarchosyndicalist SAC
singersongwriter and union in Sweden and IWW
producer of the anti members, we headed off.
war compilation CD The march itself was the
“Not in Our Name,” usual affair, with the trade
and his own debut unions only sending out their
album “Broken Sky.” banners and a handful of poor
The tradition of IWW Wobblies rally in Edinburgh. Photo: Bill J. souls to carry them, alongside
songwriting was not I$#$%"D2%)7%3"#($.%&'"#2)7G%7$I%e+G&%+70% various kinds of socialist parties
ignored, with Edinburgh Wob Enradgey an impressive new branch banner. The selling each others’ newspapers.
entertaining us with blues and cool slide march also heralded the debut of the The IWW led a contingent that
guitar. Aberdeen Wobbly Fiona Keenan branch’s Wobbly Kazoo Marching Band comprised of speakers and
played traditional IWW tunes as well as who delighted the crowds with their &D''"#2$#&%"3%29$%D7"3*()+,%
original songs before the night was com noteperfect renditions of “Bella Ciao,” rally before the march. With a Waving the banner in Trafalgar Square. Photo: x355622
',$2$0%8-%n$#&)*(+2"#.%I)29%29$)#%&2#)(2,-% the “International” and the everpopular contingent of a dozen or so IWW minutes' notice. As we arrived, we heard
old school hardcore! Lots of IWW t “A las Barricadas!” Edinburgh Wobs 3",?&.%$+(9%I)29%$)29$#%+%e+G%"#%"7$%9+,3% 29+2%!+7+G$!$72%9+0%*7+,,-%("!$%2"%
shirts and other materials were sold, and were joined by One Big Union members of the banner to carry, our presence was them with an offer—an offer which com
the branch welcomes three new mem from Fife, Stirling, Clydeside and Inver felt as we happily marched on. prised of the largest payout that Ford has
bers who signed up on the night. And the gordon, on what was a memorably sunny As we reached Trafalgar Square at ever made in the U.K. Of course, redun
Wobblin’ fun continued! day in the Scottish capital. The IWW the end of the march, rather than listen dancy payments are nothing compared
The traditional Edinburgh May Day stall proved popular, with two people to the usual fat cat Trades Union Council to a decent job, but their struggle has
!+#(9%+70%#+,,-%2""?%',+($%"7%29$%*#&2% signing up and a number of new contacts (TUC) leaders depress everyone with really shown us all that direct action gets
Saturday after May 1. Originally organ made. The branch has used the events their empty rhetoric, we headed down to the goods. Workers are still occupying
ised by the mineworkers unions, the around May Day as an opportunity to join the picket line of the Ford Visteon the Prisme plant in Dundee, and parents
event has in recent times attempted to launch a number of outreach initiatives workers. have occupied schools facing closure in
recapture the spirit of May Day’s gone which will spread into the summer and These workers had been occupying Glasgow and London. Things are heat
by. beyond. There are exciting times ahead their factories for a month or more, after ing up here in the U.K., and the IWW
In this spirit, the Edinburgh GMB in Auld Reekie. their bosses sacked them all with six intends to stay on the front lines!
+VOF tIndustrial Workert1BHF
Swedish Radical Unionists Celebrate Violent May Day Repression in Iran
By Klas Rönnbäck, SAC vibe throughout the day. There were no By the Trades Union Congress moved on to arrest a large number of
Gothenburg witnessed a really great bad incidents either, as in some years (TUC) people in the streets surrounding Laleh
May Day. There were an estimated there were problems with Nazis, for Attempts by Iranian workers to Park.”
3,0003,500 people in the march held by example. While marching, we received celebrate May Day through a peaceful The May Day rally in the city of
the Svensk Arbetaren Centralorganisa news from Stockholm that the previous demonstration called by independent Sanandaj was also attacked by security
tion (SAC), the central organisation of night, our comrades had won a massive trade union organizations were violently 3"#($&%+70%',+)7%(,"29$&%"3*($#&%+70%
Swedish workers. We had the best pos victory against a posh restaurant. This repressed by the Iranian government, many were beaten and arrested. Of ap
sible weather, and a there was a positive improved the day even further. according to eyewitness reports. proximately 80 people arrested on May
Following days of intimidation of the Day, 30 people were released on May 2.
organizers, including demands from the Prior to the demonstration, the Al
Iranian government that a rally in Laleh lied Workers’ Associations (IUF), the
Park in Tehran be called off, about 2,000 International Trade Union Confedera
people gathered in the park at 5:00 pm tion (ITUC), Education International
on May Day. (EI) and the International Transport
Before the rally started, police and Workers’ Federation (ITF) jointly wrote
security forces closed the park entrances a statement to the government of Iran
and started punching, kicking, verbally that they expect workers to be able to
abusing and arresting demonstrators. publicly celebrate May Day 2009 free
Cameras and mobile phones were of the customary violence and arrests.
smashed to prevent reports of the dem The union internationals announced the
onstration and the violence from being declaration of an action day in coun
seen by the wider public. Using batons, tries across the world to protest at the
tazers and tear gas, police forced protes continuing attempts to crush Iranian
tors out of the park, and at 8:00 pm they workers’ rights.
were still surrounding the park. Along In the statement, the IUF, ITUC,
side government agents, security guards EI and ITF also called for an end to the
from certain companies and factories repression of independent trade unions
where independent trade unions have and their members in Iran, and for the
8$$7%+(2)@$%I$#$%+,&"%'#$&$72.%*,!)7G% immediate and unconditional release of
and photographing demonstrators. jailed trade unionists including Mansour
Eyewitness observers report that “a Osanloo, Ebrahim Madadi, and Farzad
&)G7)*(+72%7D!8$#%"3%I"#?$#&%+70%"29$#% i+!+7G+#.%+70%29$%*@$%,$+0$#&%"3%29$%
participants were assaulted and subse Haft Tapeh Sugarworkers Union, who
quently arrested, many with bloodied were each recently sentenced to one year
heads and faces. Following their massive in prison.
Swedish SAC marches through Gothenburg. Photo: Erik Hjärtberg / SAC
assault on the crowd, the security forces !"#$%&'()%*+,-%'./,0+)#.+#1,+2
Pittsburgh IWW Join Baltimore's Human Rights March for Living Wages
By Kenneth Miller remedy violations of their rights.
Ten people from Pittsburgh trav The enforcement of workers’ human
eled to Baltimore on April 18, 2009, for rights is different from traditional union
the Baltimore Fair and a Human Rights organizing in that it emphasizes work
March hosted by the United Workers As ers knowing their rights and exercising
sociation (UWA). them. The emphasis is not on achieving
The UWA is the human rights a union contract, but on the community
organization that organized the Cam of workers who educate and provide sup
den Yards cleaners, parttime workers, port to one another on a daily basis.
“temporary” workers hired through There is an obvious similarity be
a contractor, by putting pressure on tween the Human Rights Zone and the
Maryland’s Stadium Authority and Peter 5"!!D7)2-%L$7$*2&%CG#$$!$72&%+2%29$%
Angelos, owner of the Baltimore Oriels new Penguin’s Hockey Arena in Pitts
Baseball Club. They coined the term burgh. In both cases, community groups
“SweatFree Baseball” in reference to try to leverage the huge tax subsidies to
the sweatshop working conditions at ensure respect for workers on the job.
Camden Yards at the same time as the However, a Human Rights Zone is built
Pittsburgh AntiSweatshop Community on the job .*#(+ the permitting process
Alliance (PASCA) coined the term in and tax subsidy is in place— the imple
reference to its demand that the Pitts mentation strategy is focused on workers IWW joins UWA for a march in Baltimore. Photo: Mike Pesa
burgh Pirates accept the testimony of demanding their rights rather than on that the International Declaration of high school students, known as the “Red
sweatshop workers sewing apparel. The the mobilization of political support on Human Rights is indeed a living docu X Party,” and the Algebra Project. The
UWA came to Pittsburgh for the All Star the boss’s development time frame. ment. The proclaiming of Human Rights Algebra Project uses the pedagogy of Bob
Game in 2006 and joined with PASCA The symbol chosen to advertise and Zones in Baltimore is similar to the Moses in a peertopeer algebra tutoring
to demand that our local baseball teams educate about the Human Rights Zone best organizing that has occurred in the program. The tutoring programs have
respect the rights of all workers. was Harriet Tubman, emphasizing her world’s Export Processing Zones, where demonstrated success in improving stu
The UWA interviewed 150 workers leadership in the struggle against slav sweatshop workers have to organize at dent test scores, and describe education
at three restaurants in Baltimore’s Inner ery. Members of the UWA have traveled multiple work sites simultaneously and as a right derived from the U.S. Con
Harbor development. The interviews along the Underground Railroad and cannot rely on local legal systems to stitution. The Algebra Project pays its
demonstrated systemic violations of educated themselves about the struggle protect them. Members of the Pittsburgh tutors through grants and some funding
workers’ rights, such as poverty wages against slavery, thus identifying them AntiSweatshop Community Alliance from the Baltimore Public Schools. The
and sexual harassment. The UWA has selves as being part of a continuous have long asserted that the workers leadership that has developed through
begun to process these violations by struggle for human rights that has lasted &$I)7G%K)#+2$&%+''+#$,%I),,%8$%*#$0%3#"!% the Algebra Project has taken up other
using the International Declaration of throughout American history. In that their jobs, or worse, when they try to kinds of organizing amongst the student
Human Rights like a union contract. By spirit, members of the Pittsburgh delega exercise their rights. The “Civil Rights body and advocacy for public policies
declaring the Inner Harbor a “Human tion stopped at Harpers Ferry before ar L#)0G$p%I$%+#$%8D),0)7G%3#"!%29$%e""#%"3% that affect young people. Members of
Rights Zone,” the restaurant bosses, the riving in Baltimore to learn about John global sweatshops is a necessary precon the Algebra Project will be hosted in
0$@$,"'$#.%'D8,)(%"3*()+,&%I9"%'#"@)0$0% Brown and the armed resistance he lead dition for their success. Pittsburgh by BPEP’s Regional Equity
subsidies to the Inner Harbor develop more than 20 years before the outbreak The most exciting Pittsburgh/Bal Monitoring Project and the Community
ers and the Baltimore community are of the Civil War. timore connections made on our trip Empowerment Association in the near
made aware that the workers intend to C,,%I$#$%&2#$7G29$7$0%+70%+3*#!$0% were with Baltimore’s organization of future.
Immigrant Detainees on Hunger Strike in South Texas ICE Facility Continued from 1
spearheading this move on ICE and Detention/Removal to DHS should inspire us, and remind us that
ment. The hunger strike Dora Schriro—holding them directly ac even in the most repressive conditions,
was organized collectively countable for the health and conditions organized workers engaging in direct ac
with the support of many of the detainees. tion are the driving force for change.
people.” It is important for the community to
Some detainees went take action. Many of these people have Solidarity
without food for 11 days, serious medical conditions such as dia We must ensure victory for PIDC
and engaged in a rotat betes and high blood pressure, making detainees. Several of you have responded
ing hunger strike in order every day on hunger strike more danger with words of support and questions on
to prolong their strategy. ous than the last. The groups organizing how you can show your solidarity with
Their goal was to have at outside the facility, including the IWW, the international workers being detained
least 100 detainees partici stress this urgency as they continue to at PIDC.
pating in the action. gather community support and engage We ask that you call the numbers
“We estimate approxi in solidarity fasts and protests. bellow and tell them what area of the
mately 200 participating As IWW members, let’s not forget country you are calling from. Tell them
Many remain detained at the PIDC. Photo: Anselmo Garza in the strike. Staff at the the concept of solidarity. We should you know about the hunger strike at the
and organizers with Southwest Worker’s prison continues to falsely report that recognize that the detainees at the Port Port Isabel Detention Center. Tell them
Union (SWU), the Rio Grande Valley prisoners are taking their trays of food Isabel facility are, in fact, international you support the detainees on hunger
IWW and other community and student when they clearly haven’t,” Garza said. workers. These workers have been forced strike, their families, and the Rio Grande
organizations approached the holiday She has been visiting with some of the to migrate to the U.S. by dire economic Valley community working to make
with a much more somber attitude. On detainees. ("70)2)"7&Z(+D&$0%8-%*#&2\I"#,0%8D&) the issue public. Tell them you demand
April 29, 2009 the groups organized a PIDC detainees are wellorganized ness and their local puppet governments an end to the abuses at PIDC, demand
protest and solidarity fast with detainees and will continue the hunger strike until —in search of quality labor conditions, adequate medical attention for all PIDC
of PIDC. justice is served. However, our support I9)(9%+#$%7$+#%)!'"&&)8,$%2"%*70%)7%29$)#% detainees, and you demand transparency
At the protest, organizers announced is critical in their victory. Apart from homelands; once in the U.S, they are ar and community monitoring of all those
a solidarity fast that lasted until May 1, ensuring that the PIDC hunger strikers’ rested and locked up by the same institu on hunger strike!:
at which point the groups made yet an demands are met, the SWU has made it tions that caused their migration in the \%[)(9+$,%s>%K)22&.%/)$,0%J3*($%1)#$(
other public declaration in support of the a priority to gain access to hunger strik *#&2%',+($>%47cD&2)($%("72)7D$&%8$9)70% tor, Central South Texas: 210/9677056
hunger strikers to local justice organiza ers in order to ensure their wellbeing. the walls of immigrant detention centers Department of Homeland Security,
tions rallying for immigrant and work 47%+%,$22$#%0$,)@$#$0%2"%456%"3*($#%C>% all over the country, where immigrants Operator: 202/2828000, Citizen Com
ers’ rights. Also on May 1, communities Machacek , the SWU writes, “Our main are subject to abuse and treated as less ment: 202/2828495
in San Antonio, Texas and Philadelphia priority is to ask for you to recognize the than human. The Rio Grande Valley IWW also en
engaged in public solidarity fasts with hunger strike publicly and allow commu Every member of our Union should courages your branch to hold a solidarity
the PIDC detainees. nity members...into the facility to moni view these prisons as part of the U.S. and +(2)"7%+2%29$%456%"#%1^E%"3*($&%(,"&$&2%
Organized tor the detainees on hunger strike so that its capitalist agenda that aims to keep 2"%-"D>%5"72+(2%D&%+2%#G@)IIUG!+),>
SWU organizer Anayanse Garza tells we can have a transparent process.” The poor people in poverty and international com if you plan on having an action or
us this: “Prisoners we spoke to stressed letter was addressed to ICE Field Direc workers repressed and in fear of speak once you have called any of the numbers
that no one person is responsible, or tor Michael J. Pitts and Special Advisor ing up for their rights. The detainees above.
First Independent Trade Union Forms in Egypt
0)#$(2%7$G"2)+2)"7&%I)29%6G-'2:&%*7+7($% newspaper to inform the workers about was transferred to the Administrative
Continued from 1
The union demanded international sup
minister, Youssef BoutrosGhali. This their right to establish an independent Prosecution for collecting signatures for port to counter this systematic harass
victory prompted workers to mandate union. The committee also started to the Union. Mohamed Khalaf was pre ment of their members.
the Strike Committee to establish an collect endorsement signatures from the vented from collecting signatures in the The struggle won some improve
independent union. The committee thus members. Finally it started to develop Suhag governorate. The State Security in ments between RETA workers in Cairo
contacted boards in every governorate relations with the international trade Beni Suef governorate summoned Abdul and workers in other governorates. In
to consolidate the push for an indepen union movement to earn support and Nasser Hussein for interrogation over some cases, they achieved a 300 percent
dent union which led to subcommittees increase exposure of their movement. his organising activities. One of the main salary increase for workers outside of
in various regions to ensure a real link The union delegates have been under leaders of the Strike Committee, Kamal Cairo. The union also succeeded in es
between the general committee and the pressure by the government. Khaled Abu Eita, was given many administrative tablishing a social and health care fund
#+7?%+70%*,$>%B9$-%&2+#2$0%2"%'D8,)&9%+% Mubarak from the Aswan governorate sanctions for his role in the campaign. for RETA workers.
+VOF tIndustrial Workert1BHF
Anzac Day Commemoration of the IWW AntiConscription Campaign
By the Melbourne Protests Blog at a time when conventional wisdom tion was based on a famous Wobbly
As in past years, while tens of thou would have us believe that the Austra cartoon …. That capitalist is telling the
sands at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remem lian labour movement was very much soldier/worker tending the tree that
brance and elsewhere around the coun I9)2$&%"7,->%q$2%29$%4aa%I+&%)7eD$72)+,% he can keep its fruit, i.e. Death, for his
try did what they thought appropriate, enough to lead the labour movement op wages; the cappo only wants the roots.
others, numbering hardly more than ten, position to the war and to conscription “The cartoon, in turn, was presum
met outside the former headquarters of and to actually defeat conscription. ably inspired by an old and widespread
the Melbourne branch of the IWW in a “The IWW deserves to be remem folk tale about a devil who demands half
("!!$!"#+2)"7%I)29%+%0)33$#$72%e+@"#> bered, and so does its anticonscription of a farmers crop … the farmer offers
As one speaker recalled, it was the victory. I hope that this year we can to give the devil everything that grows
IWW that spearheaded the WWI era organize a more largescale event than in above the ground and the devil agrees
anticonscription campaign, without previous years. to accept this (and like all magical be
which Australia’s already appalling tally “We can still learn from the history ings, its word is binding). The farmer, of
of dead and wounded would undoubted of the IWW and from its greatest victory course, grows carrots or turnips. Next
ly have been far greater. It may be worth in Australia. time the devil insists on having every
reproducing here a January 2007 post “The purpose of the IWW commem thing below the ground, so the farmer
from Melbourne Indymedia, which set oration is not a publicity stunt; more to grows wheat or barley, etc. The folktale
out some of the reasons for this gather ‘honour those to whom honour is due,’ tells the story of a shrewd peasant trick
ing: and to start creating a healthy tradi ing a powerful but stupid oppressor.
“One of the greatest popular victo tion. With a largish turnout, the event Sadly, as the cartoon shows, the reality
ries in Australian history was the defeat could also be very useful for networking, tends to be the other way around.”
of conscription in World War One in a of course. The event is not intended to The street corner is now on the
campaign spearheaded by the IWW. The physically confront or tangle with the edge of Melbourne’s Chinatown, and its
Australian union movement owes much other thing happening that day.” history is probably not widely known
to the IWW and the traditions it cre The centerpiece of the event was a (though anyone interested could take a
ated; this despite its brief existence as a “WarTree,” based on a famous cartoon look at the relevant chapters of “Radical
largish organization. (The IWW survives of the period. Here is how the tree’s Melbourne – A Secret History” by Jeff
as a smallish organization). maker explained the background in a and Jill Sparrow), but there was talk of
“Just an example taken at random: report of a previous year’s action: making use of the conveniently situated Photo: melbourneprotests.wordpress.com
the IWW was resolutely nonracist “The ‘WarTree’ at the IWW celebra “dustbin of history” next year. The "Wartree" in Chinatown.
New School Students, Workers Protest Union Busting the faculty members be rehired.
Continued from 1
tempt to keep the sidewalk passable. The
At the end of March, faculty mem crowd included a large number of young
bers from Columbia University’s visual faces—a fact noted by faculty member
arts division sent an email to the New Peter Drake. “We really appreciate the
School signed by the department chair student support,” he said.
!+7%+70%*@$%"29$#%'#"3$&&"#&>%B9$%$!+),% A number of students carried signs
$M'#$&&$0%0)&!+-%+2%29$%0$()&)"7%2"%*#$% saying “Kerrey = Chaos.”
the faculty members. Greg Tewksbury, a professor from
To keep pressure on, the union called the Eugene Lang College of the New
the April 23 rally, which was attended School, told the crowd that “we want
by students and faculty from the New the university to immediately drop all
School and New York University (also charges against students arrested on
represented by ACTUAW) and members April 10,” referring to the student occu
of the Central Labor Council, including pation of the vacant Graduate Center on
representatives of the Teamsters and 65 Fifth Avenue—the second occupation
the American Federation of Musicians of the New School property.
(Local 802). Assembly member Deborah Tewksbury said that “the milita
Glick and state senator Tom Duane sent rization of the campus must stop,” in
representatives and city council member response to Kerrey’s decision to have
John Liu spoke at the rally. the NYPD arrest the occupying students,
Liu demanded the New School ad rather than pursue negotiations. The
ministration “show some respect” to the second takeover generated controversy
faculty and students of the New School. when video showing police beating a
Students and faculty rally at the New School. Photo: Thomas Good
“This is not a corporation, this is a New School student appeared on You
of Design has a total of 42 Fine Arts situation in a timely manner.” Towards school,” Liu said. Tube.
professors. this end, Marshall created a faculty Marie Dormuth, ACTUAW’s Unit Tewksbury demanded that the
The statement concluded by noting taskforce which includes fulltime and Chairperson for the New School, moder New School rehire all of the Fine Arts
that “these decisions were not driven by parttime members. ated the rally, introducing speakers and faculty. He also demanded an end to
economic concerns of the university but The union, whose New School con offering commentary. administrative delays in making socially
academic needs.” tract expires on September 1, responded Dormuth told the crowd “Here’s the responsible investing a reality. Socially
However, the economic situation was 2"%29$%[+#(9%*#)7G&%8-%)&&D)7G%+%&2+2$ worst of it, now they’re telling us what responsible investing was a demand of
raised as an issue in a statement released ment rejecting the “corporate model of art is,” referring to the Kerrey admin the Radical Student Union that Kerrey
by Provost Tim Marshall. The “Provost’s topdown educational planning” and ac istration’s involvement in the disputed agreed to in December 2008—when he
Statement On Parsons Fine Arts,” dated cusing the New School of union busting. curricular changes that resulted in 12 and students negotiated an end to the
April 22 and distributed at the rally, ACTUAW Local 7902’s “Statement On faculty being given the Orwellian status *#&2%2+?$"@$#%"3%29$%]#+0D+2$%5$72$#>%
said that the goal of the university is to Faculty Dismissals In Parsons Fine Arts” of “nonrehired”. New School graduate student Geeta
enroll the “most talented and diverse deplored the “unjust action ... and the “The only thing they’ve perfected is Das, a longtime supporter of ACTUAW
incoming class possible” because “in a administrative mentality it represents.” union busting,” said Dormuth. “We’re Local 7902, was one of the last to speak,
delicate economic climate like the one The statement noted that, on March 10, going to be making the curriculum!” she telling the crowd that “Bob Kerrey
we currently face, it is imperative that we 29$%D7)"7%*,$0%G#)$@+7($&%#$,+2$0%2"%29$% said. shoots from the hip.”
all do everything possible to succeed on dismissals. The statement also said that The rally drew a few hundred people, “But who gave this man a gun?” she
this front.” New School administrators were “trying and police set up metal barriers in an at asked.
Starbucks Workers Organize In Chile
The provost’s statement acknowl to hide behind a smoke screen of ‘cur
edged “a lack of communication and par ricular changes’ and other management
ticipation between administration and priorities to justify what amounts to the Continued from 1
3+(D,2-p%)7%+##)@)7G%+2%29$%0$()&)"7%2"%*#$% decimation of a department.” not just senior executives,” said Chrissy Starbucks to adhere to their values of
faculty, offered “sincere apologies” and On March 18 staff from Parsons sent Cogswell, a Starbucks employee in ‘Corporate Social Responsibility.’ The
pledged to “transparently remedy the a petition to the New School asking that Chicago and a member of the IWW company isn’t following these principals,
Starbucks Workers Union. “The Chilean which are the base of our daily work and
baristas have created a voice at work behavior in the stores,” said Giordano.
to make sure their contribution to the Giordano said the union workers in
company is respected.” Chile are “glad and proud” to announce
Missteps by management at Star their union, and they look forward to
bucks, including over expansion and lack more international solidarity with the
of value on the menu, have resulted in IWW.
serious hardships for baristas. Starbucks “We believe our purpose will be
workers are facing mass layoffs and stronger, as we strive together,” he
employees who manage to avoid losing added.
their jobs are seeing their hours drasti Supporters of Sindicato de Tra
cally cut. bajadores de Starbucks Coffee Chile
“As an union, we are making reason S.A. can learn more about the effort at:
able demands, such as a wage increase, http://sindicatosbux.blogspot.com/.
decent working conditions, and for !"#$%&'()%*+,-%)#.+/034)05",51,+21
1BHFtIndustrial Worker
June 2009
Industrial t+VOF
Worker
Obituaries
The IWW Mourns Fellow Worker Franklin Rosemont
By Joe Grim Feinberg Without ever holding a university post,
Franklin Rosemont, celebrated poet, he wrote or edited more than a score of
artist, historian, street speaker and sur books while acting as a great resource for
realist activist, died Sunday, April 12, in a host of other writers.
Chicago. He was 65 years old. With his He became perhaps the most pro
partner and comrade, Penelope Rose ductive scholar of labor and the left in
mont, and lifelong friend Paul Garon, the United States. His spectacular study,
he cofounded the Chicago Surrealist “Joe Hill: The IWW and the Making of
Group, an enduring and adventuresome a Revolutionary Working Class Coun
collection of characters that would make terculture,” began as a slim projected
the city a center for the reemergence of volume of that revolutionary martyr’s
that movement of artistic and political rediscovered cartoons and grew to a gi
revolt. Over the course of the following ant volume providing our best guide to
four decades, Franklin and his Chicago what the early twentieth century radical
comrades produced a body of work, of movement was like and what radical
declarations, manifestos, poetry, collage, history might do. His coedited volume
hidden histories and other interventions Haymarket Scrapbook stands as the
that has, without doubt, inspired an most beautifully illustrated labor history
entirely new generation of revolution in publication of the recent past. Indis
the service of the marvelous. pensable compendiums like “The Big
Franklin Rosemont was born in Red Songbook,” “What is Surrealism?,”
Chicago on October 2, 1943 to two of “Menagerie in Revolt,” and the forth
29$%+#$+:&%!"#$%&)G7)*(+72%#+7?\+70\*,$% coming “Black Surrealism” are there to
labor activists, the printer Henry Rose ensure that the legacy of the movements
mont and the jazz musician Sally Rose that inspired him continue to inspire
mont. Dropping out of Maywood schools young radicals for generations to come.
after his third year of high school (and In none of this did Rosemont separate
instead spending countless hours in the scholarship from art, or art from revolt.
Art Institute of Chicago’s library learning His books of poetry include “Morning of
about surrealism), he managed none the Machine Gun,” “Lamps Hurled at the
theless to enter Roosevelt University in Stunning Algebra of Ants,” “The Apple of
1962. Already radicalized through family Photo: Thomas Good / 6(7#%8(*#%6,#() the Automatic Zebra’s Eye” and “Penelo
tradition and his own investigation of digenous surrealist group, characterized to be critics of the frozen mainstreams '$>p%^)&%!+#@$,"D&%*$#($.%I9)!&)(+,%+70%
political comics, the Freedom Rides, and by close study and passionate activity of art and politics. The Rosemonts soon funny artwork—to which he contributed
the Cuban Revolution, Franklin was im and dedicated equally to artistic pro 8$(+!$%,$+0)7G%*GD#$&%)7%29$%#$"#G+7) a new piece every day—graced countless
mediately drawn into the stormy student duction and political organizing. When zation of the nation’s oldest labor press, surrealist publications and exhibitions.
movement at Roosevelt. Breton died in 1966, Franklin worked Charles H. Kerr Company. Under the Indeed, between the history he
Looking back on those days, Frank with his wife, Elisa, to put together the mantle of the Kerr Company and its himself helped create and the his
lin would tell anyone who asked that *#&2%(",,$(2)"7%"3%C70#t:&%I#)2)7G&%)7% surrealist imprint Black Swan Editions, tory he helped uncover, Franklin was
he had “majored in St. Clair Drake” at English. Franklin edited and printed the work never without a story to tell or a book to
Roosevelt. Under the mentorship of Active in the 1960s with the IWW, "3%&"!$%"3%29$%!"&2%)!'"#2+72%*GD#$&% write—about the IWW, SDS, Hobohemia
the great African American scholar, he the Rebel Worker group, the Solidarity in the development of the political left: in Chicago, the Rebel Worker, about the
began to explore much wider worlds of Bookshop and Students for a Democratic C.L.R. James, Marty Glaberman, Ben past 100 years or so of radical publishing
the urban experience, of racial poli Society (SDS), Franklin helped to lead jamin Péret and Jacques Vaché, TBone in the U.S., or about the international
tics and of historical scholarship—all an IWW strike of blueberry pickers in Slim, Mother Jones, Lucy Parsons, and, network of Surrealists who seemed to al
concerns that would remain central for Michigan in 1964 and put his consid in a new book released just days before ways be passing through the Rosemonts’
him throughout the rest of his life. He erable talents as a propagandist and Franklin’s death, Carl Sandburg. In later Rogers Park home. As engaged with and
also continued his investigations into pamphleteer to work producing post years, he created and edited the Surreal excited by new surrealist and radical
surrealism, and soon, with Penelope, he $#&.%e-$#&.%7$I&'+'$#&%+70%8#"+0&9$$2&% ist Histories series at the University of endeavors as he was with historical ones,
traveled to Paris in the winter of 1965 on the SDS printing press. A long and Texas Press, in addition to continuing Franklin was always at work responding
where he found André Breton and the fruitful collaboration with Paul Buhle his work with Kerr Co. and Black Swan. to queries from a new generation of radi
remaining members of the Paris Sur began in 1970 with a special surrealist A friend and valued colleague of cals and surrealists, and was a generous
realist Group. The Parisians were just issue of Radical America. Lavish, funny &D(9%*GD#$&%+&%E2D0&%B$#?$,.%[+#-% and rigorous interlocutor. In every new
as taken with the young Americans as and barbed issues of Arsenal/Surrealist Low, the poets Philip Lamantia, Diane project, every revolt against misery, with
Franklin and Penelope were with them, Subversion and special issues of Cultural di Prima, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and which he came into contact, Franklin
as it turned out, and their encounter that Correspondence were to follow. Dennis Brutus, the painter Lenora Car recognized the glimmers of the free and
summer was a turning point in the lives The smashing success of the 1968 rington, and the historians Paul Buhle, unfettered imagination, and lent his own
of both Rosemonts. With the support World Surrealist Exhibition at Gallery David Roediger, John Bracey, and Robin boundless creativity to each and every
of the Paris group, they returned to the Bugs Bunny in Chicago announced the D.G. Kelley, Rosemont’s own artistic struggle around him, inspiring, sustain
United States later that year and found ability of the American group to make and creative work was almost impos ing, and teaching the next generation of
$0%C!$#)(+:&%*#&2%+70%!"&2%$70D#)7G%)7 a huge cultural impact without ceasing sibly varied in inspirations and results. surrealists worldwide.
Goodbye, Fellow Worker Jennie Cedervall North of 49° Assembly, June 1314, 2009
By Evan Wolfson 1950s. During the 1970s, she drove with The North of 49° Assembly Committee is pleased to announce that the Win
The IWW recently learned of the her husband on an IWW speaking tour nipeg GMB of Manitoba, Canada, has agreed to host the Assembly on June 1314,
passing of longtime member and through the West Coast of the United 2009. The committee is now working in earnest on putting together a program
supporter, Jennie Cedervall, who died States. of panels, workshops and presentations that will help build the One Big Union in
in Willoughby, Ohio, on January 22, Jennie and her husband retired to Canada.
2009, at the age of 95. Born as Eugenia Willoughby, Ohio, while continuing their
Anekite near Montreal, Canada to Ro union support. FW Cedervall was able Program proposals to date include:
manian immigrants and IWW members to attend the IWW’s Centenary event Building Industrial Union Branches
George Anekite and Victoria nee Galason in Pittsburgh in 2005, where she was from General Membership Branches,
(Galtzan), she moved as a child with her recognized for her many contributions the IWW and Canadian labour law,
family to Minnesota where she lived on to the union. She stressed that while it race and organizing,
a farm, and then to Detroit, where she is important to have a vision of a better the Working Homeless in Canada
worked as a book keeper at the Mt. El world with a radical analysis, this is of and the U.S., and
liot Coal Company, which housed IWW little importance if it is not put to practi the IWW and the Canadian labour
workers. cal use, through bread and butter gains movement.
FW Cedervall later worked as a for workers.
stenographer, and was involved with FW Cedervall contributed her time Is something missing from the list
several IWW locals in Detroit and Cleve in her later years to many organiza above? Have a program idea? Want to pres
land over the years. While she was not tions, including the Clean City Associa ent or be part of a panel? It’s not too late. Get
getting the publicity reserved for other tion of Willoughby, Edison Elementary in touch right away with your idea and we
members of the union, FW Cedervall School, and the Lake County Historical will discuss at our next committee teleconfer
nevertheless contributed tirelessly to the Society. Services were held for her at ence. Want to participate in the teleconfer
union and helped to keep the organiza the DavisBabcock Funeral Home, with ence? Send us your Skype name and we’ll link you in.
tion running through some bleak times. Rev. Arthur Severance of the East Shore Want to register? Send us a note and we will let you know when the Assembly’s
She met her future husband, IWW orga Unitarian Universalist Church. online registration form is available.
nizer Frank Cedervall, at an IWW event We will remember FW Jennie Ceder The North of 49° Assembly is an event open to all IWW members, regardless of
in Michigan, and later relocated with vall for helping all of us “get the goods.” whether you’re on the north or south side of 49°.
him to Cleveland, where some of the She is survived by daughter Pat and son Hope to you see you there!
IWW’s most important work took place inlaw Don Lewis, and many nieces and
with the Metal and Machinery Workers nephews. The family welcomes contri Publicity Contact, North of 49° Assembly:
Industrial Union from the 1930s into the butions to the IWW in her name. %K$2$#%[""#$%+2%'!""#$;FU-+9"">("!
1BHFtIndustrial Worker t+VOF
Unilever Denies Employment to Lipton Workers
By the IUF
While Unilever corpo
rate managers were meet
ing with the International
Union of Food, Agricul
tural, Hotel, Restaurant,
Catering, Tobacco and Al
9$(%:!!%*,+-(;%#$(%:5#(+5.#",5.'%<,'";.+"#=%>,--"))",5%#,%$('?%#$(%05",5%/0"';%
lied Workers' Associations
#$(%@,+4(+A#,A@,+4(+%),'";.+"#=%#$.#%3.5%'(.;%#,%(**(3#"B(%.3#",5%.2."5)#%#$(%/,))()%
(IUF) in London, in talks
,*%#$(%@,+';1%9,%3,5#.3#%#$(%:<>C%(-."'%),'";.+"#=D"@@1,+21
under the aegis of the U.K.
government, the company's
By Michael Ashbrook In November, the company an
Pakistan management
>4"--$ !1330!=-?$ 1!9$ >"./(&$ #%1-) nounced it might have to slash up to 9,000
was engaged in vicious,
0!=-?$-6&&3$1(%"--$@8%"3& jobs worldwide, including 6,000 in Eu
discriminatory reprisals
Managers at FM Logistic, Caterpil rope. Recently, workers at the ArcelorMit F!02&I&%$6"%<&%-$J8029$3;%1K09$#&1G Graphic: iuf.org
against workers
lar, 3M, Continental, and Sony in several tal plant in the Belgian city of Liege have
employed under the "no
locations across France found themselves walked out on strike to protest these cuts. intended to punish Action Committee
work, no pay" system at its Lipton tea
,"(?$0%)72"%29$)#%"3*($&%8-%+7G#-%I"#?$#&% members and supporters and create new
factory in Khanewal, Pakistan.
I9"% I$#$% *G92)7G% 3"#% 8$22$#% &$@$#+7($% divisions and competition for poverty
In response to the IUF's latest
packages as companies downsize or go out level wages in an area where few jobs are
Unilever submission to the Organisa
of business. The blue collar “bossnappers” on offer.
tion for Economic Cooperation and
released their poor hostages unharmed Unilever Pakistan has descended
Development (OECD), the U.K. govern
after getting some real concessions. to new levels of abusive discrimination
ment called for good faith negotiations
A union rep with a megaphone told in its continuing efforts to thwart the
to resolve issues arising from Unilever
workers at one company that they had i9+7$I+,%I"#?$#&o%*G92%3"#%cD&2)($>
Pakistan's egregious abuses of employ
been sheep long enough and should now Slaves built the pyramids—Unilever
ment and trade union rights, beginning
become lions and have good time. When casual workers build pyramid tea!
I)29%29$%#$2+,)+2"#-%*#)7G%"3%(,"&$%2"%
a TV journalist asked him whether he felt Photo: libcom.org Shortly before this new assault took
L0-#&"!$6"%<&%-$0!$@!/&29. 300 workers at the company's factory in
29+2%29$%$70&%cD&2)*$0%29$&$%,+I,$&&%!$+7&%
Rahim Yar Khan. While these talks were place, the "Ethisphere Institute" placed
,he replied that the closure meant the end E((831#0"!-$0!$#)&$FGHG$("!#0!8& Unilever high on its 2009 rankings of
beginning in London, the IUF learned
for up to a thousand families who might Three plants belonging to the Visteon "the world's most ethical companies".
that nearly twothirds of the 237 con
be homeless within two years. group were temporarily occupied in Brit "Unilever has proven to be one of the
tract agency workers who have joined
ain. After serious threats of mass arrest the world leaders in upholding high ethi
the Action Committee to demand per
A"!#0!&!#12$"((831#0"!$0!$B%1!(& occupiers agreed to continue the protest as
manent employment status at Khanewal cal standards, making it a true standout
Two Continental tyre plants in Ha pickets outside the factory gates. Consider in its industry, especially as unethical
had been sent home without pay due to
nover, Germany, and Clairoix, France, ing the murderous brutality of Her Maj business actions and decisions grab
a “production downturn” for the week
announced plans to shut down by 2010. esty’s Police at the recent G20 summit in headlines each day," said Alex Brigham,
of April 27 to May 2. This included the
Following this announcement, between London, their caution is understandable. A Executive Director, Ethisphere Institute.
shutdown of the entire night shift (and
;P<%+70%N<<%I"#?$#&%"((D')$0%29$%"3*($&% document that is several years older than "The competition for this year’s World’s
the denial of employment to 120 work
of the sou préfecture (the local representa the current crisis has come to light; it is Most Ethical Companies was very strong
ers). This has never happened before—
tives of central government) in Hanover. a detailed plan for closing down Visteon. and we applaud Unilever for rising to the
the customary practice is to reassign
When the labor tribunal ruled against top."
night workers to the two earlier shifts.
their demands to halt the plant closure Join the IWW Delegation to Pales Tell corporate management to halt
"Seasonal" demand for tea is unknown
on suspicion of fraud, they trashed the tine! repression and retaliation: http://www.
in Pakistan, a nation of tea drinkers.
place thoroughly while the police looked The IWW International Solidarity iuf.org/cgibin/campaigns/show_cam
At the same time, new contract
on. They told the TV crews “We regret Commission is leading a delegation of paign.cgi?c=404. The Lipton Khanewal
workers are being engaged to handle
nothing!” workers to the Occupied Palestinian Ter temporary workers must be given
a considerable increase in production
According to the France 24 televi ritories and Israel. The IWW delegation to permanent employment status and the
beginning on May 2, but they won't be
sion station, “trade unions at the Clairoix the Occupied Palestinian Territories is be way to implement this is through direct
hired from among the group of those
Continental plant say management be ing organized to build solidarity between
I9"%+#$%*G92)7G%+G+)7&2%0)&'"&+8,$%c"8&>% 7$G"2)+2)"7&%I)29%29$%+3*,)+2$0%b+2)"7+,%
trayed an earlier deal to save the factory IWW members and Palestinian workers. Federation of Food, Beverage and To
The "no work" part of "no work, no pay"
until 2012. In 2007, they agreed to work The delegation hopes to educate ourselves
looks set to continue. The move is clearly bacco Workers of Pakistan.
more hours and scrap the 35hour week, about the conditions in the Territories and
in return for guarantees the plant would
not be closed.”
build broad based solidarity with workers
in the Middle East. Human rights and
CUPE Locals 82 and 543 On Strike in Windsor, Ontario
Additionally, the factory made €17 workers rights are inextricably linked, and By CUPE Ontario city reeling from the economic crisis,
!),,)"7%)7%'#"*2%,+&2%-$+#.%0$&')2$%29$%3+(2% by reaching out to Since midApril, two locals of the some city politicians are trying to pit
that management said the French plant is Palestinian workers in an effort to Canadian Union of Public Employees public and private sector workers against
one of their least productive sites. build support for their struggle we ad (CUPE) have been on strike. Local 82, one another.
vance the Wobbly tradition of forming which represents some 300 outdoors Support our Windsor City Workers
the structure of the new society within the municipal workers, and Local 543, and send a message to governments and
shell of the old. The delegation will be held which represents 1,600 indoors munici employers that workers didn’t create this
)7%J(2"8$#.%I)29%0+2$&%*#!)7G%D'%+&%"D#% pal workers, have been holding the line economic mess. Workers are part of the
)2)7$#+#-% )&% *7+,)H$0>% B9$% 2$72+2)@$% ("&2.% 3"#%29$%9+#0%I"7%I+G$&%+70%8$7$*2&%29+2% solution. Bargaining concessions won’t
including airfare, is $2000. sustain their local community in Wind help the local economy. We know that
Space is very limited! Applications sor, Ontario. This strike could be hap the best way out of this economic crisis
are due July 16th and should be emailed pening anywhere in Ontario. Across the is for our governments to invest directly
2"% ?+2$H+)0+7UG!+),>("!>% b"2$% 29+2% province, more employers are using the in local communities, to expand our
once you are accepted to the delegation current economic crisis to try to extract public services, and to promote green,
we are asking for a $200 nonrefundable concessions from workers. Help to send sustainable jobs.
deposit which will go to overall delegation a clear message that CUPE members Get updates and send web support
Steel6"%<&%-$3%"#&-#0!=G Photo: netzeitung.de expenses. (However, this will be refunded won’t let that happen. by visiting the locals’ strike websites:
if there are extenuating circumstances 47&2$+0%"3%*70)7G%&",D2)"7&%2"% http://www.82.cupe.ca or http://
C#&&26"%<&%-$3%"#&-#$0!$D8xembourg that prevent you from going at the last 8$7$*2%8"29%29$%,"(+,%("!!D7)2-%+70% www.543.cupe.ca.
In neighbouring Luxembourg, steel minute an illness or death in the family municipal workers, Windsor’s mayor Checks can be made payable to
workers from several countries converged for example.) The idea for the deposit is to and city council have fuelled a city work “CUPE Local 543 and Local 82 Strike
on the annual stock holders’ meeting of Ar lock people into the delegation so we can ers’ strike affecting nearly 2,000 CUPE Fund,” 1576 Parent Avenue, Windsor,
celorMittal, the world’s biggest steelmak 9+@$%*#!%7D!8$#%2"%G)@$%"D#%3$,,"I%I"#? members and their families. Now in a Ontario N8X 4J7, Canada.
er, to protest the payment of dividends of ers in Palestine—there have been problems
slightly over $1 billion while thosands of with previous IWW delegations where Paid Maternity Leave for Working Mothers in Australia
jobs were being cut. The AFP reported that people have committed, then bailed out By the ACTU hospitality and retail where there’s been
'",)($%*#$0%#D88$#%8D,,$2&%)72"%+%(#"I0%"3% at the last minute which creates awkward Unions welcome the historic intro very limited access to paid maternity
approximately 1,500 workers after a few situations with our hosts. duction of a universal, government leave,” reported the ACTU.
of them stormed the plant. Call 2674559279 with questions! funded paid maternity leave scheme cov B#$+&D#$#%a+-7$%EI+7%("7*#!$0%
ering the majority of Australian women that a universal paid maternity leave
and their families. scheme will go ahead, with funding to be
Support international solidarity! “The campaign to win this essential
piece of social infrastructure has taken
committed in the near future.
Burrow said the 18week scheme
Assessments for $3, 30 long years,” said Sharan Burrow, would give mothers time to bond with
presidents of the Australian Council of +70%8#$+&23$$0%29$)#%8+8)$&%I)29"D2%*
$6 are available from Trade Unions (ACTU). nancial stress forcing them back to work
your delegate or IWW “This is a major achievement for the too early, sometimes within weeks, as is
headquarters PO Box thousands of women and men who have currently the case.
23085, Cincinnati, OH worked so hard to bring this scheme to “The ACTU and unions will continue
fruition. The scheme will cover hundreds to help working women bargain for
45223-3085, USA.
of thousands of women in lower paid measures to help balance their work and
jobs with poor job security, especially in family responsibilities,” said Burrow.