The I. W. W.: A Study of American SyndicalismBrissenden, Paul F. (Paul Frederick)
History
The I. W. W.: A Study of American Syndicalism
Brissenden, Paul F. (Paul Frederick)
Industrial Workers of the World; Syndicalism
... The ignorance of the working class is the reason for the
continuation of the war.... The [German] Social Democracy
was a movement that engendered a spirit of patriotism within
political boundary lines. The industrial movement will wipe out
all boundaries and will establish an international relationship
between all races engaged in industry.... We, as members of the
industrial army, will refuse to fight for any purpose except
for the realization of industrial freedom.[671]
Only two constitutional amendments of importance were passed at the
ninth convention. One was a further development of the machinery of the
referendum and constituted a victory for the decentralist boosters of
the "rank and file." The first three clauses read as follows:
(a) Any local union in good standing with the General Office
may institute or initiate a call for a referendum to be
submitted to the General Office at once, with reasons and
arguments for same.
(b) Upon receipt of the initiative call for a referendum the
General Office shall publish same with arguments for and
against, and must submit it to all Local Unions, National
Industrial Unions and Industrial Departments for seconds within
30 days.
(c) Before any referendum shall be submitted, the call for the
same must be seconded by at least ten [local] unions in good
standing in at least three different industries.[672]
The other amendment expressed in more specific terms than ever before
the attitude of the organization toward agreements between employers
and employees. It replaced the former blanket prohibition with a clause
which specifically defines the kinds of agreements which _must_ be
avoided, and, inferentially, permits the making of agreements which are
free from the objectionable features specified. The amendment is to
Article III., and is as follows:
No Local Union affiliated with the General Organization,
Industrial department, or National Industrial Union of the I.
W. W. shall enter into any contract with an individual, or
corporation of employers, binding the members to any of the
following conditions:
1. Any agreement wherein any specified length of time is
mentioned for the continuance of the said agreement.
2. Any agreement wherein the membership is bound to give notice
before making demands affecting hours, wages or shop conditions.
3. Any agreement wherein it is specified that the members will
work only for employers who belong to an Association of the
employers.
4. Any agreement that proposes to regulate the selling price of
the product they are employed in making.[673]
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