IWW Greater Chicago GMB

 

“We believe that direct action gets the goods. Direct action is when workers keep the fight on the shop floor instead of asking an outside body such as the courts to mediate a labor dispute. Our power as workers lies in our ability to withhold our labor to pressure employers to meet our demands. This can include the most famous labor tactic, the strike, as well as less drastic measures such as marching on the boss or refusing unsafe work. Unlike in many other unions, IWW strikes and other actions are organized by the members in the workplace and only end when those same workers see fit.”

 

“The working class and the employing class have nothing in common. There can be no peace so long as hunger and want are found among millions of the working people and the few, who make up the employing class, have all the good things in life.”

 

“The Greater Chicago IWW strives to build local and regional working class solidarity as a General Membership Branch of the IWW through organizing, advocacy and promotion of worker’s rights.

Membership in the branch is by voluntary association of members in good standing of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) who reside or work in the seven county Chicago Metro area, including Cook, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Lake, Will and McHenry Counties, plus fifty miles.

Greater Chicago GMB members are encouraged to integrate family members, friends and associates into the IWW community, including this branch. Family and friends may attend meetings as guests, but shall not count toward a quorum. Guests shall have no voice at a meeting unless a majority of members present grant such permission.

We strive to:

– Be friendly and patient

– Be civil and considerate

– Assume good faith

– Respect time and attention”

Excerpts from the Greater Chicago IWW Branch Bylaws, as amended through 2021-04-12