by G DeJunz
Seattle Worker, May-June 2025
Powerlessness. That’s the feeling we get when we hear the latest of many rapid outrages from the federal government. Or when it hits close to home, impacting our families, neighbors, and coworkers. Powerlessness is the feeling we get when our boss calls a meeting to announce regressive policies and blames them on “the new political climate.”
We feel powerless, because it’s become more clear than ever that it’s all about power. And what is also made clear to us is that we, as working people, don’t have it. And, it seems, never will.
At least, that’s what our bosses, the politicians of both parties, and the nonprofit philanthropists want us to believe.
As individuals, it’s true, we have very little power. While we’re allowed some choice as a voter or a consumer, we are kept at arm’s-length and divided from each other, preventing us from deciding for ourselves what is important and from making it happen.
We are taught powerlessness precisely because they are afraid of our power when we come together and organize. Organizing involves identifying a source of collective power and a clearly defined group. In this case, I’m talking about you and your co-workers in your workplace. All your coworkers, regardless of any preconceived ideas about them.
Collectively as workers, we have all the power. It is our labor and our skills that produce everything in our society.
As members of the IWW, we organize to build power. It’s true that we organize to win immediate gains to improve our lives, but we also work to shift the balance of power. Away from employers and towards ourselves, as workers.
The IWW has an organizing model that is more relevant than ever in “the new political climate.”
Our organizing is Direct. We use direct action to win demands and to defend ourselves from retaliation. This has always been the best way to do it, but recent events have made it more clear that we can’t count on government agencies to do it for us. (See the Industrial Worker article, “No NLRB No Problem”, to learn more at: https://industrialworker.org/no-nlrb-no-problem/)
Our organizing is Democratic. Goals and plans of action are determined by us directly through democratic committees of workers in our workplaces. With the daily assault on democratic institutions, building our power democratically is our strength and preserves our agency.
Our organizing is Caring. Through organizing, we build a culture of care and solidarity among our coworkers. We are stronger when we have each other’s backs than when we allow ourselves to be pitted against each other.
Organizing begins with growing a small group one by one, under the radar, in one workplace. Together we’re stronger than isolated individuals. As we grow further, we can start to take action, first in small ways. As we grow, build power, and gain confidence, we can choose larger and larger goals.
The big picture is daunting, and it can be hard to shake off your powerlessness. But it starts small. It starts with you. With a first step. Right now.
Take two minutes.
Grab something to write with: pen and paper or a note on your phone.
Write down the names of as many of your co-workers as you can. First names or vague descriptions are OK if that’s all you remember.
Do it right now.
The next step is to go to https://seattleiww.org/ and submit a request to be put in touch with one of our organizers. They can walk you through the basic nuts and bolts. In the meantime, stay careful and under the radar. Don’t start “talking union” before meeting with an organizer.
While you’re there, sign up to be notified about our next Organizer Training 101 as well: https://seattleiww.org/ot101registration/
Seattle Industrial Workers of the World 