The IWW is a member-run union for all workers, a union dedicated to organizing on the job, in our industries and in our communities. IWW members are organizing to win better conditions today and build a world with economic democracy tomorrow. We want our workplaces run for the benefit of workers and communities rather than for a handful of bosses and executives. We are the Industrial Workers of the World because we organize industrially. This means we organize all workers working in the same industry, or for the same employer are organized into one union, rather than dividing workers by skill or trade, so we can pool our strength to win our demands together. So if you work at a hospital, whether nurse, technician, clerical worker, or custodial staff, you would all stand together as health care industry workers. Since the IWW was founded in 1905, we have made significant contributions to the labor struggles around the world and have a proud tradition of organizing across gender, ethnic and racial lines - a tradition begun long before such organizing was popular. We invite you to become a member whether or not the IWW happens to have representation rights in your workplace. We organize the worker, not just the job, and recognize that unions are not about government certification or employer recognition but about workers coming together to address common concerns. Sometimes this means refusing to work with dangerous equipment and chemicals. Sometimes it means striking or negotiating a contract. Other times it means agitating around particular issues or grievances in a workplace or industry. Sometimes it means breaking the rules and refusing work you know is wrong and harmful to others. The IWW is a democratic, member-run union. That means members decide what issues to address, and which tactics to use and we directly vote on office holders, from delegates to national offices. Almost all of these duties are performed voluntarily by rank-and-file working class members rather than paid staff organizing from the outside. Why wait? Join the IWW and organize for a better future!
