Aotearoa New Zealand
Any member can start a sub-committee or working group for any branch project, event they want to organise, or workplace they would like to get organised. Sub-committee’s report back to the branch at our monthly meetings on their progress, and to put forward any proposals for the branch to vote on.
Our existing sub-committee are:
Officer Committee
Where our branch officers convene and coordinate our administration efforts
Infrastructure Sub-Committee
Working on branch technology and infrastructure. Currently they are working on our new data-sharing system
Conflict Policy Sub-Committee
Currently finalising our branch Conflict Resolution Policy and then will be a group of members available to assist in mediating and facilitating conflict resolution within the branch
Communications Sub-Committee
Assisting the Comms Officer with our branch social media, website, and internal communications
Constitution Sub-Committee
Working on our branch constitution. We are looking into becoming an incorporated society once the new act is in place this October
IWW Aotearoa Social Chat
Not really a sub-committee but still an important part of our branch! This is where all members can socialise, get to know each other, collaborate, agitate, and have fun
AUSROC
The Aotearoa IWW Branch is our national branch for the Australasian Regional Organising Committee, or AusROC IWW.
AusROC’s aim is to administer regional-level aspects of the union, ensure that union’s constitution is being followed, and help branches and members communicate, organise, and co-ordinate activities. Beyond that, AusROC has no power to direct or tell branches what to do.
Local branches are the hub of most IWW activity. Our branch writes our own rules, makes our own decisions, and elects our representatives to AusROC.
The AusROC Quarterly Meeting is open to all union members to join and listen in on, and speak up in the general discussion time at the end. So keep an eye out on your emails for when they are coming up!
Wider IWW Structure
The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) has a unique organisational structure that is designed to promote rank-and-file democracy and decentralised decision-making. Here are the key components of the IWW’s structure
Industrial Union Branches
The IWW is organised into Industrial Union Branches (IUBs) based on industry or sector rather than specific crafts or trades. For example, there may be branches for healthcare workers, retail workers, or transportation workers. These branches bring together workers from various job types within a particular industry.
Delegate Bodies
Delegate bodies are elected bodies that represent the membership within a specific geographic area or industry. They may include delegates from various GMBs or IUBs and serve as a means of communication, coordination, and decision-making within the IWW.
Industrial Union Congress
The Industrial Union Congress (IUC) is a gathering of delegates from different IUBs and is responsible for discussing and making decisions related to industrial union matters. The IUC provides a forum for IWW members to come together, share experiences, strategise, and collectively address industry-specific issues.
Committees and Caucuses
The IWW also has various committees and caucuses that focus on specific areas or issues of interest to members. These may include committees for organising, education, gender equity, or anti-racism efforts. Committees and caucuses provide a platform for members to engage in specialised work and address specific concerns.
Local General Membership Branches
Local General Membership Branches (GMBs) are the primary units of the IWW. GMBs are geographically based and bring together workers from different industries and sectors within a specific geographic area. They provide a space for workers to meet, organise, and coordinate their activities.
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the IWW. It consists of elected delegates from different branches and is responsible for making major policy decisions, setting goals, and guiding the overall direction of the organisation. The General Assembly typically meets at the IWW’s annual convention.
Locals and Shops
Locals are subunits within GMBs that represent workers in specific workplaces or shops. These locals provide a space for workers within a specific workplace or industry to organise, coordinate actions, and address issues specific to their workplace or industry.
