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Social Services & Health Care Industrial Organizing

Industrial Union 650

The I.W.W. IU 650 includes General, Legal, Public Interest, and Financial Office workers such as social work and office workers. We primarily organize workers across the non-profit industries. We believe in the work that we do, and we want to make it better for ourselves and the people we serve. Currently in Portland there are three public I.W.W. shops:

Workers in these shops negotiate contracts regularly. Over the years we have won higher wages, better benefits, tighter job security, and a stronger voice for workers in our shops. While these are contract shops, our primary organizing method is Solidarity Unionism, empowering workers through direct action to improve their lives at work. This means organizing with the fellow workers who work along side us, share the same industry and are our neighbors in our community.

Myth: non-profit workers are not concerned about salaries and working conditions because they love what they do.

Fact: non-profit workers are essentialized as having the “natural ability” to care for others and therefore our work is undervalued. Of course we love what we do – but love doesn’t pay the rent.

As service providers, our work cannot be outsourced – but we are still being exploited. While it’s common for non-profit executive directors to make six-figure salaries, most front-line workers are still making sub-standard wages and often working without benefits.

The I.W.W. is a union open to all workers. As a union member you gain:

  • “An Injury to One, Is an Injury to All” : Immediate access to a network of workers from similar industries in Portland who support each other.
  • “Every Worker an Organizer” : The opportunity to gain the skills and training to improve your working conditions through direct action. The Union is our organization: created by workers for workers. We are making gains on the job. Contact us to find out how you can, too.

This will be your union. You and your co-workers will set the agenda and determine your priorities. The I.W.W. helps to develop leadership skills by offering the support of experienced organizers and training on how to take action. I.W.W. members take an active role in improving their workplaces.

E-mail us or call to speak with a friendly organizer.

portland.iww@gmail.com
Phone: (503) 231-5488