Category Archives: Uncategorized

From the Milwaukee Independent – “The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which represents about 100,000 workers, has been pushing to include in the contracts it negotiates, including at Barnes & Noble, a guaranteed right to sit during work that can be done seated, said Stuart Appelbaum, the union’s president. During one bargaining session, anContinue reading “Good Praxis – The Right to Sit”

The Washington State Labor Council is reporting that these operational student employees intend to change current Washington State law that bars them from unionizing. Read more here. Occupational Student Employees celebrating filing for their union. Photo: WAWU-UAW

3RD SATURDAYS 4:30 – 7:00 PM, JANUARY THROUGH JUNE @ KARATE CHURCH, 519 E MAPLE ST, BELLINGHAM, WA 98225 January 17th: The recently released PBS/American Experience Documentary Hard Hat Riot. An important history lesson about the massive and bloody 1970 post-Kent State-massacre riot on NYC’s Wall Street that pitted anti-war “elite” college students from NYUContinue reading “JOIN US THIS WINTER/SPRING 2026 FOR FREE MOVIE NIGHTS”

More than 1000 workers disrupted their employer’s busiest day of the year, their so-called “Red Cup Day”, by striking at 65 separate locations across the United States. The Associated Press’s article and video can be found here: https://apnews.com/article/starbucks-workers-strike-stores-union-6d9a5c8761fb7a251cb9bf7c13908877

Friends and fellow workers,The campaign to raise funds for the MONUMENT TO THE IWW VICTIMS OF THE 1919 CENTRALIA TRAGEDY is underway. Please contribute here.https://www.gofundme.com/f/centralia-iww-monument-fundAn ad hoc committee of Wobblies from around the Northwest are working to raise funds for an IWW monument in Centralia Washington. We want to tell our side of the story-Continue reading “IWW CENTRALIA MONUMENT FUND”

There are now 6 fruit packing houses on strike in Yakima and Selah. Workers at Matson Fruit in Selah walked out Friday AM. Safe working conditions in the crowded packing sheds is the immediate concern, but other safety and wage issues are ever-present. The son of the owner at Hansen reputedly referred to the strikersContinue reading “Strikes expand and continue in Yakima Valley”

There has been a wave of strikes and job actions by largely Hispanic fruit packing house, winery, and other farm workers in the Yakima area. A 5-day strike at Allan Bros Winery in Naches won pay raises today. Workers at Roche Fruit Co. in Yakima won a pay raise on May 11. New strikes haveContinue reading “Fruit industry workers go on a wave of strikes in the Yakima area”

Unions and bosses have different outlooks on safety. Employers say illnesses and injuries are caused by worker carelessness: he didn’t wash his hands enough; she touched her face. That’s the way the boss wants you to think, too. But the union realizes that it’s the hazards themselves that cause injuries, and that it’s the bossContinue reading “(Labor Notes) Safety: Bosses Want to Fix the Worker, Unions Want to Fix the Job”

“Well, first of all, we should recognize that unless we get to the roots of this pandemic, it’s going to recur, probably in worse form, simply because of the manipulations of the capitalist system which are trying to create circumstances in which it will be worse, for their benefit. We can see that in theContinue reading “Noam Chomsky: Bosses Are Making Coronavirus ‘Worse, for Their Benefit’”

IN BELLINGHAM February 29- March 1, 2020. 9AM-4PM both days. $10 donation requested at the door A two day workshop for workers gearing up to plan or help out with a union campaign on the job, whether formal or ‘guerilla style’. This workshop is taught by IWW’s certified trainers. It focuses on the IWW’s modelContinue reading “IWW’s ORGANIZER TRAINING 101”

The General Executive Board recently passed the following statement: As an internationalist union, the IWW has always stood in opposition to the wars brought upon the world by the capitalist class. As one of the founders of the IWW, Eugene Debs, once said in his famous Canton speech (1917), “The master class has always declaredContinue reading “IWW General Executive Board Statement on the Iran Conflict”

IWW’s Rebel Worker Movie Night returns for our third winter series! BELLINGHAM PREMIER OF SORRY TO BOTHER YOU [2018] Thursday, December 6, 8 PM Alternative Library, 519 E. Maple $5 donation requested, to support the Library and the IWW Organizing Fund. No one turned away for lack of funds. How did a film this radicalContinue reading “IWW Movie Night: SORRY TO BOTHER YOU”

The Pickford Cinema in Bellingham will show “BISBEE ’17” about the deportation of over 1000 IWW miners from Bisbee Arizona in 1917 during “Doctober”. Heavily armed cops and Phelps-Dodge Corporation gun thugs rounded up union members and community supporters, loaded them onto boxcars, and dumped them without any provisions in the desert.  The film discussesContinue reading “Movie about IWW at Pickford Cinema, Oct 7 and 16”

Yesterday’s picket in front of the Grassroots Campaign Inc offices was impressive. Lots of Wobblies and some friends showed up in Fremont [ a Seattle neighborhood], including 4 from the Whatcom-Skagit IWW branch. We marched around on the narrow sidewalk, chanted, and sang rabble-rousin’ songs. IWW members in Industrial Union 650 won a union electionContinue reading “Photos from IWW picket in Seattle, June 15”

IWW members recently won a union election at the Seattle field office of Grassroots Campaigns Inc. The local management agreed to negotiate but corporate [in Boston] gave the word to bust the union. So much for ‘progressive’ liberal businesses. [That’s GCI’s own term.] The union held a 13-hour march on the boss Friday the 8thContinue reading “IWW picket line in Seattle”

Monthly general meeting of Whatcom-Skagit IWW is Sunday June 17. All workers are welcome. An informal social begins at 5:30 [meet us, ask questions, pay dues]. The business meeting call to order is at 6:30. The meeting is not thrilling but if you are interested in IWW you can see how we do things. ForContinue reading “June 17: IWW meeting in Bellingham”

All are invited to celebrate May Day on Tuesday, May 1. This is the International Labor Day. Bring food and stories to share. No alcohol, please. Kids welcome.

PICKET LINE!!! Support STRIKING AT&T Workers in Bellingham. Stand With Communications Workers of America (CWA) Saturday and Sunday! [Thanks for the notice, Janet McK!] Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21, from 9 am to 7 pm during store hours: 4291 Meridian St, Bellingham 1820 S Burlington Blvd, Burlington Communications Workers of America members acrossContinue reading “CWA Union STRIKES in Whatcom, Skagit Counties”

“20 FEET FROM STARDOM” Tuesday, May 9, 7PM Alternative Library, 519 E. Maple $5 requested, but all welcome. Proceeds benefit IWW Organizing Fund and the Library. The film is a documentary about the lives of the mostly black women who were the vocalists behind R&B and Rock’s greatest hits. They are largely uncredited, but ifContinue reading “IWW’s Rebel Worker Movie Night!”

VERY IMPORTANT picket at corner of Ellis and Squalicum [near St. Joe’s entrance] 9-10:30 AM Sorry for last minute, folks, we just found out. Lab workers union is meeting with PeaceHealth admin Friday AM over the plan to sell the labs to for-profit Quest Diagnostics megacorp. Need AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE to show thatContinue reading “Picket in support of PeaceHealth Lab Workers. Friday Apr 14, 9-10:30 AM”

From Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States, we have this passage to share with you: “In early September 1917, Department of Justice agents made simultaneous raids on forty-eight IWW meeting halls across the country… 165 IWW leaders were arrested for conspiring to hinder the draft, encourage desertion… One hundred and one wentContinue reading “April 1918: Trial of the Century”

“THE TAKE”  A documentary by Naomi Klein and Avi Lewis [2004] Argentine workers expropriate shuttered shops and keep them going! Thursday February 28 7 PM Alternative Library’, 519 E. Maple [the ‘Karate Church’] $5 recommended donation. Proceeds to IWW organizing projects In 2004, workers throughout Argentina occupied and then expropriated factories, work shops, health clinicsContinue reading “Rebel Worker MOVIE NIGHT Feb 28”

FEBRUARY 25-6 IN BELLINGHAM 9-5 BOTH DAYS Whatcom-Skagit IWW is hosting a two-day organizing workshop. If you ever wanted to organize your fellow workers, or think you might try in the future, this is for you. It emphasizes direct action solidarity unionism over bureaucratic National Labor Relations Board procedures. All are invited to register [butContinue reading “Organizer Training in Bellingham”

We will be on the radio WEDNESDAY NOV 30, not today. Sorry.

Friends and fellow workers, Two members of the Industrial Workers of the World from Bellingham will be interviewed live on the Joe Show, KBAI 930 AM, noon to 1 today [Wednesday]. Topic is the IWW’s attitude toward the election, though it will likely evolve into more of a discussion of IWW’s methods and goals. ItContinue reading “IWW on radio in Bellingham WEDNESDAY”

A message to the working class in the wake of the 2016 United States Presidential election from the General Executive Board of the Industrial Workers of the World Submitted on Tue, 11/22/2016 – 2:41pm   https://iww.org/ Official Statement – IWW General Executive Board, November 22, 2016 These are difficult times for the working class, times ofContinue reading “Official IWW response to US election”

The election of Donald Trump sends ripples of fear and uncertainty around the world, and terror into the hearts of people who are his targets for hatred and discrimination: immigrants of all kinds, the LGBTQ community, Muslims, and minorities. Union-organized workers are expected to feel the heat, too, especially once his Supreme Court begins toContinue reading “Dont Mourn: Organize. Message from Swedish SAC to IWW”

Two “Intro to the IWW” presentations in Everett for prospective members and the curious. All are welcome. Thursday November 10, 7-9 PM, Firewheel Coffeehouse 2727 Colby Saturday November 19, 3-5 PM, Anchor Tavern, 1001 Hewitt. Find out how the IWW organizes and what we are up to today. IWW members from Whatcom-Skagit and Seattle branchesContinue reading “Intro to IWW in Everett”

Tuesday, 7 PM, Public Market Building Meeting Room [behind the Film is Truth counter]. $5 suggested donation, proceeds to the IWW organizing fund. No one turned away for lack of funds. MATEWAN [1987] is a drama about the 1920 mine wars in West Virginia. White miners are fighting coal company thugs to protect their union.Continue reading “Rebel Worker Movie Night Oct 25”

The famous Singing Servers and other restaurant workers at Ellen’s Stardust Diner continue their protest over illegal firings of union members. So far, 15 IWW members have been fired at the popular tourist destination just off Broadway. The organizing campaign of the Stardust Family United IWW union continues. http://www.stardustfamilyunited.com/ New management at Ellen’s decided toContinue reading “IWW cafe workers campaign in NYC continues”

Wednesday, August 31, 4-6  PM Rally in front of Western Washington University offices Herald Building, corner of Chestnut and State, Bellingham Join members of Public School Employees [the classified staff at WWU] to show support for negotiations for a union contract. Bring signs supporting these workers, who truly make WWU function. When an institution suchContinue reading “Picket to support WWU staff union”

Friends, A reminder that the first “Meet the IWW” event is tonight, July 25th, 7-9 PM at the Alternative Library, 929 N. State in Bellingham. A chance to meet IWW members, cool down with some ice cream, learn what we do, and how we do it. Free and open to all workers. We will wantContinue reading “Meet the IWW- REMINDER! Tonight”

All workers are invited to an introductory presentation about the Industrial Workers of the World. Monday, July 25th, 2016 7-9 PM Alternative Library, 929 N. State Hosted by Whatcom-Skagit IWW . A public presentation on the IWW and how we organize, and  our goal of the One Big Union for all workers. All are invited.Continue reading “Meet the IWW in Bellingham!”

IWW is proud to join with Familias Unidas por la Justicia in the annual Farm Workers March for Dignity on INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY, May 1, in Bellingham. Farmworkers begin their long walk down Guide Meridian from Lynden to Bellingham. We urge you to join the march at Costco, 11 PM. There will be an informationalContinue reading “MAY DAY MARCH with Farmworkers in Bellingham”

Wednesday, May 4th 7 pm – 9 pm 1st Congregational Church 2401 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham Throughout the world, the oppressed bear the brunt of Climate Change.   Going it alone is not an option.  To save ourselves, we must save each other.  How are we all connected?  The Blue-Green Committee of the Industrial Workers of theContinue reading “CLIMATE, CLASS, and CAPITALISM Panel”

Friends and Fellow Workers, Most of the pages on the Whatcom-Skagit IWW website have been updated including new photos. If you have photos of any IWW or related actions, please email them to iwwbellingham at gmail dot com

JOE HILL 100 CONCERT Featuring Linda Allen, David Rovics, George Mann, and Rebel Voices Commemorating the 100th anniversary of the murder of IWW songwriter and organizer Joe Hill. Scroll down to learn more about Joe Hill and the tour. Sunday, November 15th Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship 1207 Ellsworth Street, Bellingham Doors at 6:30, Show at 7:00Continue reading “The Joe Hill commemorative show- November 15, Bellingham”

Friends and Fellow Workers, Work has begun to update the Whatcom-Skagit IWW website. It is still a work in progress. Some new pages have been added (see tabs at top). Still work to be done, but in the meantime subscribe to the website and tell us what you want to see on it, and sendContinue reading “Whatcom-Skagit IWW website is being updated!”

Contact the local IWW via email : IWWBellingham at gmail.com. There is also a Whatcom-Skagit IWW Facebook page. Solidarity forever!