Professional Documents
Culture Documents
O f f i c i a l n e w s p a p e r oF T h e I n d u s t r i a l Wo r k e r s o f t h e Wo r l d
Welsh Wobbly Imprisoned For 28 Days Union To Roll Through EPZs Of Central America By Aztatl Garza and Kenneth Miller Pittsburgh Anti Sweatshop Community
By Huw Jones for a month for steadfastly refusing
Imprisoned for 28 days in a Liver- to pay more than £1,000 of fines that Honduran workers at Russell Ath- Alliance began an online petition drive
pool jail for his part in direct action cam- he picked up in a slogan-painting and letic/Fruit of the Loom won a tremen- targeting University of Pittsburgh Chan-
paigns, activist Osian sticker campaign dous victory on Nov. 17, 2009. An agree- cellor Mark Nordenberg to do the same.
Jones sent greetings to against a number of big ment with Russell Athletics requires the Students were able to leverage their
Wobblies worldwide. businesses who, despite company to re-hire all 1,200 Honduran universities’ collegiate licensing with
Earlier this year much public pressure, workers that were fired for union or- Russell Athletics in the same way that
efforts were made to es- make little or no use of ganizing activities. The agreement also groups like the Pittsburgh Anti Sweat-
tablish an IWW branch the Welsh language in calls for the following: the reopening of shop Community Alliance intend to le-
in north Wales and their signs and advertis- the Choloma, the Honduras factory re- verage the apparel licensing of the Pitts-
Osian enthusiastically ing. The Welsh regional named Jerzees Nuevo Dia (New Day Jer- burgh Pirates Baseball Club. This kind of
signed up as a Wobbly government has long zees), which was closed to lock out strik- an escalation is required for there to be
even though all of his promised a change in ing workers; the recognition of the Sitra an actual global apparel union organiz-
time is already taken up legislation to expand the Jerzees Union; and that Russell Athletic ing drive.
with radical activism on right to use Welsh but cooperate with the Centro General de Centro General de Trabajadores is
behalf of Cymdeithas yr appears to be nervous Trabajadores (Workers General Central now in a race to organize workers in all
Iaith, the Welsh lan- to take further steps in union federation). In addition Russell of these Russell factories while the North
guage rights organiza- the face of considerable Athletic will educate their employees American anti-sweatshop movement
tion. opposition from the about their right to organize a union and remains poised to offer support.
It is no surprise to bosses’ organization, their right to freedom of assembly.The * How will this campaign affect Rus-
hear that he has a copy the Confederation of agreement will cover all eight Russell sell’s production volume in Honduras?
of "Wobblies! A Graphic Osian Jones. Photo: Huw Jones British Industries. Athletic factories in Honduras. * How will it affect workers produc-
History" in his cell. The legendary histo- Osian attended a hearing two weeks The victory for Honduras workers ing apparel for other companies in the
ry of the original Wobblies still inspires prior to the beginning of his jail sen- was affected in the U.S. by a coalition same industrial areas?
activists and numerous campaigns the tence, but proceedings were adjourned of university students, United Students * Will the organizing success spread
world over to this day. as magistrates feared uproar in the Against Sweatshops (USAS), which to the surrounding countries?
On Nov. 25, Osian was imprisoned Continued on 7 has chapters in 96 universities. The Continued on 11
Industrial Worker
The Voice of Revolutionary
IWW directory
Industrial Unionism Australia Peterborough: c/o PCAP, 393 Water St. #17, K9H 3L7, Georgia 10116, iww-nyc@iww.org. www.wobblycity.org
IWW Regional Organising Committee: PO Box 1866, 705-749-9694, ptboiww@riseup.net Atlanta: Keith Mercer, del., 404-992-7240, iw- Starbucks Campaign: 44-61 11th St. Fl. 3, Long
Organization Albany, WA www.iww.org.au Toronto GMB: c/o Libra Knowledge & Information watlanta@gmail.com
Island City, NY 11101 starbucksunion@yahoo.com
Education Sydney: PO Box 241, Surry Hills. Svcs Co-op, PO Box 353 Stn. A, M5W 1C2. 416-919-
Hawaii www.starbucksunion.org
7392. iwwtoronto@gmail.com
Emancipation Melbourne: PO Box 145, Moreland 3058.
Québec
Honolulu: Tony Donnes, del., donnes@hawaii.edu Upstate NY GMB: PO Box 235, Albany 12201-
British Isles Montreal: iww_quebec@riseup.net Illinois 0235, 518-833-6853 or 518-861-5627. www.
IWW Regional Organising Committee: PO Box 1158, Chicago GMB: 37 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607 upstate-nyiww.org, secretary@upstate-ny-iww.org,
Official newspaper of the Europe Rochelle Semel, del., PO Box 172, Fly Creek 13337,
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE99 4XL UK, 312-638-9155.
Industrial Workers rocsec@iww.org.uk, www.iww.org.uk 607-293-6489, rochelle71@peoplepc.com.
Denmark Central Ill GMB: 903 S. Elm, Champaign, IL, 61820.
of the World Baristas United Campaign: baristasunited.org.uk 217-356-8247 Hudson Valley GMB: PO Box 48, Huguenot,12746,
Aarhus / Copenhagen: danskerne@iww.org; +45 845-858-8851, hviww@aol.com, http://hviww.
Post Office Box 23085 National Blood Service Campaign: nbs.iww.org 2386 2328 Champaign: 217-356-8247.
blogspot.com/
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Helsinki: Reko Ravela, Otto Brandtintie 11 B 25, iww.org Ohio
513.591.1905 • ghq@iww.org Burnley: burnley@iww-manchester.org.uk
00650. iwwsuomi@helsinkinet.fi Waukegan: PO Box 274, 60079. Ohio Valley GMB: PO Box 42233, Cincinnati 45242.
www.iww.org Cambridge: IWW c/o Arjuna, 12 Mill Road, Cam-
bridge CB1 2AD cambridge@iww.org.uk Textile & Clothing Workers IU 410, PO Box 317741
German Language Area Indiana
Dorset: dorset@iww.org.uk IWW German Language Area Regional Organizing Cincinnati, OH 45231. ktacmota@aol.com
General Secretary-Treasurer: Committee (GLAMROC): Post Fach 19 02 03, 60089 Lafayette GMB: P.O. Box 3793, West Lafayette, IN
Dumfries: iww_dg@yahoo.co.uk Oklahoma
Chris Lytle Frankfurt/M, Germany iww-germany@gmx.net 47906, 765-242-1722
Tulsa: PO Box 213 Medicine Park 73557, 580-529-
Hull: hull@iww.org.uk www.wobblies.de Iowa 3360.
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84b Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX. Tel. Iowa City, IA 52240 easterniowa@iww.org Oregon
Sarah Bender, Jason Krpan, wordpress.com
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Diane Krauthamer Philadelphia GMB: PO Box 42777, Philadelphia, PA
iw@iww.org Leeds: leedsiww@hotmail.co.uk Switzerland: IWW-Zurich@gmx.ch 19101. 215-222-1905. phillyiww@iww.org. Union
Massachusetts
Manchester: manchester@iww.org.uk www.iww- Greece Hall: 4530 Baltimore Ave., 19143.
manchester.org.uk Boston Area GMB: PO Box 391724, Cambridge
Final Edit Committee : Athens: Themistokleous 66 Exarhia Athens Paper Crane Press IU 450 Job Shop: papercrane-
02139. 617-469-5162.
Maria Rodriguez Gil, Tom Levy, Norwich: norwich@iww.org.uk iwgreece@iww.org press@verizon.net, 610-358-9496.
Cape Cod/SE Massachusetts: PO Box 315, West Pittsburgh GMB : PO Box 831, Monroeville,
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Pigg, Ryan Boyd
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Grand Rapids GMB: PO Box 6629, Grand Rapids MI 76104.
uk. 49516. 616-881-5263
Next deadline is DC South Texas IWW: rgviww@gmail.com
West Midlands: The Warehouse, 54-57 Allison Street
January 7, 2010. DC GMB (Washington): 741 Morton St NW, Washing- Central Michigan: 5007 W. Columbia Rd., Mason
Digbeth, Birmingham B5 5TH westmids@iww.org.uk ton DC, 20010. 571-276-1935. 48854. 517-676-9446, happyhippie66@hotmail. Utah
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US IW mailing address: com. com
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IW, PO Box 7430, JAF Sta- Los Angeles GMB: PO Box 811064, 90081. (310)205- Minnesota Vermont
Scotland 2667. la_gmb@iww.org Twin Cities GMB: 79 13th Ave NE Suite 103A Burlington GMB: P.O. Box 8005,Burlington, VT,
tion, New York, NY 10116
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ISSN 0019-8870 Red River IWW: POB 103, Moorhead, MN 56561 Washington
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wordpress.com.
paid Cincinnati, OH. Dumfries and Galloway GMB: dumfries@iww.org.uk Job Shop and IU 410 Garment and Textile Worker’s WW@gmail.com 360-920-6240.
Missouri
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Postmaster: Send address PO Box 11412, Berkeley 94712. 510-845-0540. Kansas City GMB: c/o 5506 Holmes St., 64110. TacIWW@iww.org
EH7 5HA. 0131-557-6242, edinburgh@iww.org.uk 816-523-3995.
changes to IW, Post Office Box Evergreen Printing: 2335 Valley Street, Oakland, CA Olympia GMB: PO Box 2775, 98507, 360-878-1879.
Canada 94612. 510-835-0254 dkaroly@igc.org. olywobs@riseup.net
23085, Cincinnati OH 45223 USA Montana
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SUBSCRIPTIONS Edmonton GMB: PO Box 75175, T6E 6K1. edmon- Colorado tworiversgmb@iww.org 406-459-7585. 206-339-4179. seattleiww@gmail.com
Individual Subscriptions: $18 ton@lists.iww.org, edmonton.iww.ca. Denver GMB: c/o P&L Printing Job Shop: 2298 Clay, Construction Workers IU 330: 406-490-3869, Wisconsin
Denver 80211. 303-433-1852.
International Subscriptions: $20 British Columbia trampiu330@aol.com. Madison GMB: PO Box 2442, 53703-2442. www.
Four Corners (AZ, CO, NM, UT): 970-903-8721, madisoniww.info.
Library Subs: $24/year Vancouver IWW: 204-2274 York Ave., Vancouver, BC, New Jersey
V6K 1C6. Phone/fax 604-732-9613. gmb-van@iww. 4corners@iww.org.
Union dues includes subscription. Central New Jersey GMB: PO Box 10021, New Bruns- Lakeside Press IU 450 Job Shop: 1334 Williamson,
ca, vancouver.iww.ca, vancouverwob.blogspot.com Florida 53703. 608-255-1800. www.lakesidepress.org.
Published monthly with the excep- Gainesville GMB: 1021 W. University, 32601. 352- wick 08906. 732-801-7001 iwwcnj@gmail.com
Manitoba 246-2240, gainesvilleiww@riseup.net New Mexico Madison Infoshop Job Shop: 1019 Williamson St. #B,
tion of March and September. Winnipeg GMB: IWW, c/o WORC, PO Box 1, R3C 2G1. 53703. 608-262-9036.
winnipegiww@hotmail.com, garth.hardy@union. Pensacola GMB: PO Box 2662, Pensacola, FL 32513- Albuquerque: 202 Harvard SE, 87106-5505. 505-
2662. 840-437-1323, iwwpensacola@yahoo.com, Just Coffee Job Shop IU 460: 1129 E. Wilson, Madi-
Articles not so designated do org.za. 331-6132, abq@iww.org. son, 53703 608-204-9011, justcoffee.coop
www.angelfire.com/fl5/iww
not reflect the IWW’s Ontario St Petersburg/Tampa: Frank Green,P.O. Box 5058, New York GDC Local 4: P.O. Box 811, 53701. 608-262-9036.
official position. Ottawa-Outaouais GMB & GDC Local 6: PO Box Gulfport, FL 33737. (727)324-9517. NoWageSlaves@ Binghamton Education Workers Union: bingham- Railroad Workers IU 520: 608-358-5771.
52003, 298 Dalhousie St. K1N 1S0, 613-225-9655 gmail.com
toniww@gmail.com eugene_v_debs_aru@yahoo.com.
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Press Date: December 20, 2009. ott_out_fr@yahoo.ca. 6608, 772-545-9591 okiedogg2002@yahoo.com NYC GMB: PO Box 7430, JAF Station, New York City Milwaukee GMB: PO Box 070632, 53207. 414-481-
3557.
January 2010 • Industrial Worker • Page 3
T
The working class and the employing
corporate leaders. With the breaking of
he IWW is a union for all workers, a union dedicated to organizing on the the Mexican Electricians Union, it is also
class have nothing in common. There can job, in our industries and in our communities both to win better conditions
be no peace so long as hunger and want a devastating attack on Mexico’s inde-
today and to build a world without bosses, a world in which production and pendent labor movement, of which the
are found among millions of working distribution are organized by workers ourselves to meet the needs of the entire popu-
people and the few, who make up the em- SME has historically been a bulwark.
lation, not merely a handful of exploiters. It is one major example of the
ploying class, have all the good things of
We are the Industrial Workers of the World because we organize industrially – increasingly aggressive campaign by
life. Between these two classes a struggle
that is to say, we organize all workers on the job into one union, rather than dividing Mexico’s government and business lead-
must go on until the workers of the world
organize as a class, take possession of the
workers by trade, so that we can pool our strength to fight the bosses together. ers to redistribute wealth from workers
means of production, abolish the wage Since the IWW was founded in 1905, we have recognized the need to build a truly and the public sector that serves them, to
system, and live in harmony with the international union movement in order to confront the global power of the bosses private investors in Mexico and abroad.
earth. and in order to strengthen workers’ ability to stand in solidarity with our fellow The broad-based resistance provoked
We find that the centering of the man- workers no matter what part of the globe they happen to live on. by this act is also symptomatic of a
agement of industries into fewer and fewer We are a union open to all workers, whether or not the IWW happens to have popular sentiment that Mexico’s ruling
hands makes the trade unions unable to representation rights in your workplace. We organize the worker, not the job, recog- elites serve themselves, at the expense
cope with the ever-growing power of the nizing that unionism is not about government certification or employer recognition of a population which has suffered from
employing class. The trade unions foster but about workers coming together to address our common concerns. Sometimes unemployment and precarious jobs in
a state of affairs which allows one set of this means striking or signing a contract. Sometimes it means refusing to work with a national economy among the bottom
workers to be pitted against another set an unsafe machine or following the bosses’ orders so literally that nothing gets done.
of workers in the same industry, thereby
three for growth in Latin America. Social
Sometimes it means agitating around particular issues or grievances in a specific and political tension will continue to
helping defeat one another in wage wars. workplace, or across an industry.
Moreover, the trade unions aid the employ- increase between these two irreconcil-
Because the IWW is a democratic, member-run union, decisions about what issues able visions, while next year Mexicans
ing class to mislead the workers into the to address and what tactics to pursue are made by the workers directly involved.
belief that the working class have interests mark 100 years since their nation’s first
in common with their employers. TO JOIN: Mail this form with a check or money order for initiation revolution.
Subscribe to the
These conditions can be changed and and your first month’s dues to: IWW, Post Office Box 23085, Cincinnati OH
the interest of the working class upheld 45223, USA.
only by an organization formed in such
a way that all its members in any one in-
dustry, or all industries if necessary, cease
Initiation is the same as one month’s dues. Our dues are calculated
according to your income. If your monthly income is under $2000, dues Industrial Worker
work whenever a strike or lockout is on in
are $9 a month. If your monthly income is between $2000 and $3500, Raise eyebrows! Get ideas!
any department thereof, thus making an dues are $18 a month. If your monthly income is over $3500 a month, dues
injury to one an injury to all. are $27 a month. Dues may vary outside of North America and in Regional 10
10 issues
issues for:
for:
Organizing Committees (Australia, British Isles, German Language Area). •• US
Instead of the conservative motto, “A US $18
$18 for
for individuals.
individuals.
fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work,” we __I affirm that I am a worker, and that I am not an employer. •• US
US $20
$20 for
for internationals.
internationals.
must inscribe on our banner the revolu- •• US
US $24
$24 for
for institutions.
institutions.
tionary watchword, “Abolition of the wage __I agree to abide by the IWW constitution.
Name: ________________________
system.” __I will study its principles and acquaint myself with its purposes.
It is the historic mission of the work- Name:_________________________________
Address:______________________
ing class to do away with capitalism. The State/Province:_______________
army of production must be organized,
Address:_ ______________________________
not only for the everyday struggle with City, State, Post Code, Country:________________ Zip/PC________________________
capitalists, but also to carry on production Occupation:_ ____________________________
when capitalism shall have been over- Send to: PO Box 23085,
thrown. By organizing industrially we are Phone:_____________ Email:________________ Cincinnati OH 45223 USA
forming the structure of the new society Amount Enclosed:__________
within the shell of the old. Membership includes a subscription to the Industrial Worker. Subscribe Today!
Page 4 • Industrial Worker • January 2010
Flaum Workers Reinstated, Not Allowed Back NJ Solidarity With Puerto Rican Workers
By NYC IWW May By Andrew Spina branch.
On the morning of Nov. 25, workers 2008 On Oct. 15, members and support- This is
along with members of the New York for ers from the Central New Jersey IWW just one
City IWW marched to Flaum, a kosher engag- and Hub City Food Not Bombs gathered of the
food distributor in Brooklyn, after ing in in downtown New Brunswick to show many
hearing of a National Labor Relations a work our solidarity for the striking workers in solidarity
Board (NLRB) ruling which ordered the stop- Puerto Rico. We distributed Spanish and actions
boss to reinstate the fired workers with page English language leaflets that expressed we intend
back pay. Instead, the boss wrongfully over our solidarity for the Puerto Rican to orga-
demanded that the workers reauthorize the general strike. Free food and bread was nize on
their immigration status and denied right Photo: Benjamin Ferguson provided by our local Food Not Bombs behalf of Photo: Andrew Spina
them their right to return to work. to form a labor union and payment in chapter as IWW members handed out workers both in Puerto Rico and New
The workers were illegally fired in accordance with the law. information about joining our local Brunswick.
Obituary Obituary
Goodbye FW Skip Porter Rank-And-File Hero Who Led Mount Isa Miners' Strike: Pat Mackie, 1914-2009
Feb. 12, 1946-Nov. 28, 2009
By Malcolm Brown could be visited on erring employers. Elizabeth Vassilieff and struck up a
When in 1964 the Queensland gov- At some point, perhaps to distance long-term relationship. Vassilieff was to
ernment of Sir Francis Nicklin decided himself from his past troubles, misspell- write that Mackie ''sees his own needs
to call on all its powers to crush a strike ings of his name on pay slips and other very simply, voices them fearlessly and
by Mount Isa's miners, one man stood in confusions, Mackie adopted the name became a phenomenally effective work-
their way—the union radical Pat Mackie. Eugene Markey. That was later changed ers' spokesman and trade union orga-
He led the strike, inspiring the miners to to Maurice Patrick Markey, Pat Markey nizer, a power to be reckoned with in the
keep going, in a period when police were and finally Pat Mackie. Mackie got into industrial world. His strength lies in his
given carte blanche to suppress them. trouble with the law and served several formidable combination of his mag-
The townspeople, in response, painted prison sentences overseas. That included netic personality with high abilities in
the town with swastikas by night. The time in several Montreal prisons on three functions of leadership: in clearly
32-week strike, which extended into charges indirectly related to union activi- analyzing the workers' situations; in
1965, resulted in a victory for the miners ties. In one incident, he was to claim in democratizing their organization; and in
but Mackie was targeted by an enraged his 2002 autobiography, “Many Ships brilliant powers of oratory, enabling him
federal government, which investigated to Mount Isa,” police loaded him with to unite the rank and file and fire them
ways to deport him. drugs. Mackie was deported to New Zea- with unshakable loyalty.''
Mackie, whose father was Australian, land and in 1949 he ended up in Sydney. The Australian Council of Trade
was born in New Zealand on Oct. 30, Mackie heard there was money to Unions threatened a statewide 24-hour
1914, and according to the nationality be made mining in Mount Isa. He went strike in Queensland, which caused the
laws in Australia at the time, he was an north and worked for a few weeks in Nicklin government to call off its state
Australian citizen. His family name, ac- Brisbane until another brush with the of emergency. The strike ended when
cording to the scant information avail- law sent him north to Bundaberg, where the Industrial Relations Commission
able on his personal life, was Murphy. again he clashed with the police—this granted most of what the unionists were
Photo: milwaukee.indymedia.org Mackie went to sea as a teenager because time for having the cheek to complain striking for.
By Gerry Gunderson he wanted to see America. In his own about their treatment of an Aboriginal Mackie said it was “a living lesson in
Skip was a member of the Masters, account of his life, he said he was a man. Mackie arrived in Mount Isa in the constructive potential of rank-and-
Mates and Pilots Union, a millwright stowaway and that he complained to the 1950 and worked for Mount Isa Mines file working people … a triumph of the
in the Carpenters Union, and most im- captain about the unsatisfactory state of but was quickly branded a troublemaker. human spirit.” But the Nicklin govern-
portantly to him, a member of the IWW his accommodation. For 15 years, as a He decided to move out of town to mine ment had a totally different view. Mackie
(Wobblies). He contributed articles and seaman, he travelled the world. independently and did so for 10 years, was referred to as ''a vicious gangster.”
photos to Indymedia and the Industrial Mackie was attracted to the IWW. with the aim of buying a small ketch and Sir Francis said the strike was part of
Worker. He worked with communists and nearly travelling the world. a ''communist strategy'' to wreck every
Although his presence on picket joined a branch of the Communist Party Instead, in 1961, he started again at major development in the state. The
lines and in demonstrations for justice in Canada. Labor historian Greg Mallory Mount Isa Mines, operated by one of the federal government liaised with the Aus-
was ubiquitous, he often derided speak- said Mackie did not become a com- world's largest mining companies, the tralian Security Intelligence Organisa-
ers and “piecards” at such events as munist but vigorously opposed forces American Mining and Smelting Corpo- tion (ASIO) on whether it was possible to
“therapists.” His interests and knowl- that tried to drive communists from the ration. Mackie was initially a contract deport Mackie, and they received advice
edge were encyclopedic, and he humbly union movement. At some stage in his ''truckie,'' and later a contract mine that it was not possible.
and willingly shared them, along with life in Canada, Mallory says, Mackie was timber worker. The strike that began in Loyalty to Mackie was not universal
good food and drink. He especially married, but there are no records of his August 1964 was initially over the issue in the trade union movement. He was
encouraged young folks in their radical ever having any children. of adequate showers for the men at the expelled from the right-wing Australian
activism. He demanded to know, “Why Mackie got object lessons in how end of their shift. It escalated into a de- Workers Union.
aren’t we out in the streets?”—not just the workers could control workplace mand for a four-pound a week wage rise In 2002, Mackie published his au-
to show disapproval of the cause of the situations. He became engaged in union and better conditions. The company op- tobiography. A reviewer wrote: ''When
day but to shut the whole thing down activities and was a ''captain of picket posed the claims and had vigorous sup- confronted as to his ideological posi-
and create the world anew. captains'' in a lengthy New York water- port from the federal and Queensland tion, he would clearly define himself as
He lived a principled life. I was front strike in 1948, in which police used governments. Wearing a distinctive a Wobbly, working tirelessly to improve
privileged to have known him. horses specially trained to rear up and red cap, Mackie found himself leading the working and living conditions of
Editor’s note: FW Gunderson is kick at picketers, and gangsters acting 4,000 mine workers from more than 40 the rank and file.'' Mackie's achieve-
putting together a more thorough on behalf of the agent provocateurs who countries. ments were later celebrated in 2007 in a
obituary for future use. If you would were infiltrating union lines. Mackie Publicity over the strike turned Queensland musical, “Red Cap,” and his
like to contribute to this, send your learnt a lot about union tactics in North Mackie into a household name through- legacy to Mount Isa was good working
thoughts to gergun1@wi.rr.com. America and the sort of mischief that out Australia. During the strike he met conditions and community facilities.
Page 6 • Industrial Worker • January 2010
Thousands of of workers demonstrate on Oct. 23. Photo: ozzip.pl London IWW demonstrates at the Polish Embassy on Nov. 27. Photo: Nic Lane
Continued from previous page also influenced shipyards in Germany the shipyard workers in the back of the ment, which at the moment is trying to
and China, which were major customers office building, clashes with the police increase the price of water and public
the workers achieved an approximate 25 of Cegielski. This could be seen in factory broke out, and the shipyard workers transport in the city of Poznań. Unfor-
percent increase. orders in mid-2009. In June 2009, mass retreated as they were told to do by their tunately, the IP activists from Cegielski
layoffs of about 500 workers were an- leaders. Three policemen were hurt and have been facing repression. In addition
Reprisals for the Płytas nounced. While other trade unions were some activists might expect legal pro- to the sentence of Szary, four workers
On Nov. 3, 2009, the Polish court cooperating with management, IP began ceedings against them for attacking the active in the IP from its very beginning
found Marcel Szary guilty of organiz- to organize protests, including several policemen. were incarcerated, and were just recently
ing and leading three wildcat strikes in pickets and demonstrations in front of released. Therefore, we are also orga-
Cegielski in 2008 and imposed on him the factory, against the firings. On Oct. The Present Situation nizing support and protest against this
a fine of 3,000 złoty (~$1,050). The 23, 2009, almost 4,000 workers from IP continues to fight to save jobs in repression. This struggle is important
the bosses of the Cegielski plant also different trade unions and various plants the Cegielski factory. We are also try- not only to the workers of Cegielski, but
demanded a verdict banning him from took part in a demonstration for work- ing to organize the fired workers who to all members of our union, which basi-
holding office in the management of the ers’ rights. Members of IP and anarchists remain unemployed to carry out protests cally was created and developed through
factory. The court ultimately decided to participated in that protest. that put pressure on the local govern- the activity of the Cegielski workers.
limit the verdict to the financial fine. The demonstrators first gathered
It is worth noting that Szary, who on the premises of the factory and then Update: End Of Collective Dispute At Cegielski Factory
was born in 1964, has been a member of moved towards its provincial office. The By The Workers’ Initiative ed by the Union Law. All fired work-
the trade union Solidarnosc (Solidarity) common bloc of IP and Sierpień 1980, An agreement was signed on Nov. ers were also members of the strike
since 1980. Between 1988 and 1991, he together with the anarchists, chanted 25, 2009, between the Workers’ Initia- committee established by IP during
was head of the Cegielski plant-based slogans such as “Government out to the tive (IP) and HCP SA (the owner of the the industrial dispute, which started in
Solidarnosc in the W-2, the largest and pavement, paving stones on the govern- Cegielski factory), ending the collec- August 2009.
most important department of the fac- ment,” “One, two, three, four, stop those tive dispute and allowing the five IP As a result of the IP protests, some
tory, which produces ship engines. In damn dismissals,” “A worker dismissed, activists who had been illegally fired to of the workers' demands are now met;
2000, not agreeing with the conciliatory a boss hanged,” and “Capitalism isn't return to work. HCP SA also recognized for instance, regular wages are paid
policy of Solidarnosc, he gave up his working! Factories under the control of union protection for the five activists. to the workers for the work stoppage
membership in the union, and in June workers.” Rhythms of Resistance, a sam- The Workers' Initiative agreed to sus- time in accordance with the Labor
2004 he founded a new union: Workers' ba group from Poznán, supported the pend protests, while the management Code (before, the employer had signed
Initiative (IP). Today he is still one of its demonstration with its rhythms. A ban- promised not to make further redun- individual agreements with employees,
key activists. ner saying “A worker dismissed, a boss dancies. which is illegal). What is more, the em-
hanged” was dropped from one building The five IP activists were fired in ployer could not reduce wages in 2009.
Result of the Crisis: 500 Workers on the route of the demonstration. mid-October, just a few days after IP IP fought to push through the same
Fired, a Demonstration of 4,000 When the demonstration reached the had informed HCP SA that the union agreement for 2010, but the manage-
In 2008, a very deep crisis erupted provincial office of Cegielski, the leaders had gotten support from enough fac- ment refused, stating that the shipping
in the Polish shipyard industry that af- of Solidarnosc declared a radical fight tory workers to be able to represent industry was in a difficult situation and
fected Cegielski, as ship engine produc- in defense of the workers, threatened to them. The IP had chosen these workers it was impossible to say what will hap-
tion is one of the most important in the “burn the offices” and burned car tires. as representatives, so they are protect- pen this year.
factory. Some time after that, the crisis When IP members and anarchists joined
Not In Service: Ontario Transit Workers On Strike Welsh Wobbly Imprisoned For 28 DaysContinued from 1
Continued from 1
Graphic: ozzip.pl
the current economic downturn. She pus to a secondary downtown campus packed court. When
also vowed to wage a public-relations that houses the college’s drama depart- the officials left the
war to inform Londoners of the “true ment. Fanshawe’s administration has room a sit-in and
costs” to the LTC and taxpayers of meet- been quick to avoid having the shuttle “peoples’ court”
ing the union’s demands. service labeled as strike-breaking. were held at which
The union responded by pointing to “We are not trying to mount a re- the government was
the fact that they are paid significantly placement bus system to London Tran- found guilty of ig-
less than their counterparts in other mu- sit, which is a vital service . . . We respect noring the rights of
nicipalities, and their benefit packages the right to strike,” said Fanshawe the people of Wales.
trail far behind workers in most other College spokesperson Jeff Sage upon an- The subsequent
unionized sectors. nouncement of the shuttle service. hearing was moved
The day the strike started, the Uni- The days following the announce- to a brand new
versity of Western Ontario announced ment of the strike have seen a back- high-security court
the creation of a “community van” lash, perhaps best epitomized by radio building where only
program for students living off campus. announcers on London’s CJBK 1290 a few members of
Union representatives responded by recently supporting callers to spit on bus the public were ad-
labeling the initiative a form of strike- drivers when they eventually return to mitted to the public
breaking and threatened to picket the the job. Popular social networking sites gallery.
university. Despite receiving the sup- Facebook and Twitter have also seen a Osian's selfless Photo: Huw Jones
port from the university’s faculty union, spike in groups and individuals heaping determination, tire- In January 2007, Osian Jones joined a sit-in at a super-
the resulting outcry from students, who scorn on the city’s transit workers. less enthusiasm and market that refused to put up Welsh language signs. The
make up a large percentage of the LTC’s Despite this, the union remained bubbly personality sign reads "Your Language, Your Right. "
75,000 daily fares, eventually drove the steadfast in their demands for better are an inspiration to all of us who have branch.
ATU 741 rank and file to vote against benefits and modest wage increases that encountered him at meetings, demos Anyone wishing to send him a mes-
picketing the school. would set their salaries in line with their and picket lines. We look forward to his sage of solidarity can write to: Osian
Fanshawe College quietly announced counterparts in Windsor and Kitchener. release and hope he will be able to spare Jones. Prison No.DX8265. HM Prison
a new contingency plan of their own—a This article originally appeared in some of his valuable activism time to Altcourse, Fazakerley, Liverpool L97 LH.
shuttle service connecting the main cam- the December 2009 issue of Linchpin. help us set up that north Wales IWW England.
Page 8 • Industrial Worker • January 2010
Union To Roll Through EPZs Of Central America Community Collective Bargaining With The Home Team
Continued from 1 By Kenneth Miller
The power of a global justice move- a repressive military coup, could have The National Basketball Association
ment, including the student movements, worldwide repercussions and will be an (NBA), much like the National Football
is a powerful inspiration for League (NFL), conducts all of the licens-
display of other libera- ing for all of the teams and distributes
internation- tion struggles. the revenue from apparel licensing to
al unity for The each of the teams through a “Revenue
the struggle International Sharing Agreement.”
of working Solidarity Sweat-Free Baseball is committed
people. It Commission to turning these agreements on their
shows that (ISC) of the head by demanding that the Pittsburgh
the power IWW is mak- Pirates assert themselves to protect the
of capitalist ing inquiries rights of workers sewing our team’s logo.
colonialism to determine This ongoing campaign targeting the
and occupa- whether or NBA would be exponentially more pow-
tion in Latin not an actual erful when a local group brings its con-
America union label cerns to the local team. The Pittsburgh
and Mexico, was ever a Anti Sweatshop Community Alliance
which has subject of and the IWW International Solidarity
enslaved bargaining Commission (ISC) are asking our col-
workers at between Cen- leagues in the anti-sweatshop movement
low wages, tro General de to support our efforts by redirecting any
can be Trabajadores discussion about workers’ rights in the
Photo: Paul Poulos
broken. The USAS at SUNY Binghamton in Nov. 2008. and Russell apparel supply chain to local groups
experience Athletics. and their respective teams. This was
also demonstrates the unity between To read the agreements between made explicit in an IWW ISC Resolution
people in spite of racism, sexism, and the union and the company, visit the delivered to the AFL-CIO Union Label
national chauvinism. The victory of the Workers Rights Consortium website at Committee and the 6th Annual Sweat-
Free Communities Conference. Graphic: Tom Keough
Honduran working class, in the face of http://www.workersrights.org
Page 12 • Industrial Worker • January 2010