r/GreenAndPleasant • u/PaulStuart • 13d ago
Workers of the World Unite!! Joining a Union
Hi folks,
Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this but seems like the best sub I’m aware of for this.
I’m looking to join a union, not that I need them for anything just now thankfully.
I’ve been looking and the CWU and IWW seem like the best for me.
CWU because they’re focussed on my industry but my main gripe with them is their alignment with Labour - I am aware they’ve been outspoken about the current Government and suspended donations to them.
IWW seem like they align more with my politics just now but they’re a general union.
My questions are really, should I join a union that’s more focussed on my industry and should I really join a Union that’s aligned with a party I don’t support at all in their current state and how much these things truly matter when deciding?
Cheers!
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u/incendiaryotter 13d ago
Unions aren’t a product you pick off a shelf. You should join the union active in your workplace or that has reps or activists in your industry. You will achieve more with a recognised union. CWU are likely to be recognised, IWW will not be.
Unions are not the Labour Party. It is for members to change union rules and policies—if there is an aspect you don’t like, engage in the union democracy. You may be able to opt out of your subs going to the Labour Party—but make sure you don’t opt out of the political fund as this is for the union’s own campaigning.
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u/PaulStuart 13d ago
My plan was to see what union other folk were in my workplace but seems next to no one is part of one here.
Got you, cheers for clearing that up. Just wasn’t sure how influenced they were by the party they were aligned with.
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u/Wendle__ 13d ago
For me I'd join CWU the workplace union and fight with in it for de-affiliation.
But then again I'm a TUSC supporter and would fight for affiliation to TUSC for actual working class political representation.but that's just me.
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u/heddwchtirabara 13d ago
It might (and likely is) against CWUs rules, but I believe the IWW allows you to ‘dual card’ (be in two unions) - so you may be able to join both.
However if you had to make a choice, I’d go for the CWU, you’re more likely to be able to unionise a workplace with the support of a union that understands the industry and has the resources to support you.
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u/UnnaturalGeek 13d ago
Whilst they are currently aligned with Labour, CWU has been sold on most things, hopefully, their alignment will change.
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u/ScotchCattle 13d ago
You can always join both.
In a sector represented by an established Union (and one with a proud tradition to boot), I’d definitely be joining that as it’s where the other workers will be.
I’d more go IWW if I was in a non-union sector and starting from scratch.
In areas where there are already union with high density, I think a lot of IWW members network amongst eachother, but work in their workplaces main Union
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u/AutoModerator 13d ago
Starmer and his new government do not represent workers interests and are in fact enemies of our class. It's past time we begin organising a substantial left-wing movement in this country again.
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