The Industrial Workers of the World is a union open to all workers who want to see better conditions on the job and in the industries they work. We organize around two main strategies, direct unionism and industrial unionism. These two work hand in hand to bring about day to day changes and lasting organization within an industry.

Direct Unionism, also known as Solidairty Unionism is a strategy that the IWW has been working with over the last 10 years. Simply put, direct unionism is based around workers acting on issues and demands directly as a group. As the IWW we believe that workers acting in concert have the power to make the changes that they need, and we help them develop the skills and organization to be succesful. We do not see a role for third parties in our organizing, be they the state and the National Labor Relations Boards or paid beauracracies seperated from workers on the job. By dealing with things collectively and directly we develop an understanding of our power as workers, while at the same time developing stronger connections between each other.

The IWW believes in organizing the worker and not the job. Gaining recognition and contracts on the job is less a concern of us than making sure that workers have the skills and experience in organizing themselves. If workers have these, then we can build a real movement expanding on demands we win in the workplaces.

The IWW also adheres to Industrial Unionism. Industrial Unionism means that workers should be organized based around the industry they work in, as opposed to their specific job. If we want power than all workers within an industry must be organized into the same union, so that we can effectively assert ourselves and our demands in an industry. Moreover, the changes we need as workers, are changes that have to be pushed in a whole industry. We cannot organize a shop here or a shop there, this method does not give us as workers any strength. Rather we build up our forces, within and industry, and when the time is right we push for major changes we want to see.

The Industrial Workers of the World in Portland is currently active in organizing in 3 areas. These are Social Service Workers, Restaraunt Workers, and Food Production and Distribution (Grovery workers, delivery drivers etc.) If you are intereseted in learning more about the IWW or work in one of the above industries contact us at 503-231-5488.

JOIN THE UNION OF YOUR CLASS AND FIGHT FOR THE WAGES AND CONDITIONS YOU DESERVE!