November 8th meeting against Fracking. Venue: The University of Cumbria in Carisle.
The first main flashpoint is likely to be the village of Cannonbie, which is in the far east of Dumfries and Galloway. According to organisers of the meeting local residents are coming to the Carlisle event.
There has been some debate, carried out in a largely comradely fashion between members of the Dumfries IWW and the elected Officers of the Union. The main areas of difference have been, the decision by the IWW some years ago to become officially recognised by the state (accreditation). This meant paying a considerable accreditation fee and having open accounts, suject to legal review. To keep state approval, an effective bureaucracy is required to keep accurate membership record. The burden is becoming so great that some Officers are pushing to break long-term IWW principles by having paid officials. This move to state-legtimacy also necessitated a very large rise in Union fees, just as the Union should have been effectively dedicated to fighting austerity. The Dumfries group members because of an administratve error were not informed of the vote on approving or rejecting higher fees.
For many in the branch, who joined when the IWW was a more activist orientated group, and willing to have a more fluid membership, the latest moves seem to be repositioning the IWW as just another trade union, with the same fee level, but with fewer resources, albeit with a more democratic (but centralising structure).
It seems likely that Solway group memebrs, rather than dedicating their time to the IWW will be creating a new local radical group, which campaigns against poverty, assists workers in struggle and embraces supportive environmental and communal direct action. Some will remain in the IWW as well. Details of the new group should appear in the New Year. If you wish to be involved or offer advice or support, do contact us (comments below or on iww_dg@yahoo.co.uk).
Here is part of the Minute of the meeting of 5th October, which outlines the issues.
Main Item:
Members of Dumfries GMB were unanimous in their disappointment at the general direction of the IWW. The main criticisms were:
1. The growing centralisation of the IWW
2. Fee increases which:
a. Are putting off new members
b. Driving off old members
c. Giving the impression that the IWW is a ‘service union’
i. But one which does not provide value for money
ii. Is an abandonment of its direct action traditions
d. Dumfries branch did not have the opportunity to vote on despite all members having been in good standing (and fee shares banked by the centre) but were excluded from the referendum
3. That complaints were not satisfactorily dealt with
4. The decline in general radicalism and autonomous initiatives from local branches as bureaucracy and the demands of centralised administration increases
5. Inadequate support to anti-ATOS campaigns and similar initiatives aimed at unemployed FWs.
In addition
6. We note that that none of this is deliberate or the result of malice from any FWs. Even those Officers of the union are undoubtedly motivated by good intentions and are diligent and altruistic activists. Nonetheless, we feel that the current trajectory of the IWW is to ape existing unions, rather than acting as a direct action alternative.
7. This change in trajectory is partly a result of the decision to go legitimate by seeking state accreditation. Whilst the Dumfries group did not oppose this initially, sharing the hope that this might attract new members and give the union a wide hearing; it has instead placed such arduous demands in terms of bureaucratic accountability that it is taking time and other resources away from campaigns. The recent attempt to introduce paid administrators is illustrative of the problem.
8. Accreditation has placed pressures on Officers, which could be reduced by returning to more flexible structures and without the fears of failing to meet state requirements.
9. Whilst finding reliable figures on current membership are not always easy, it is clear that the move to accreditation (and state legitimacy) has either seen a slowing down of growth in membership to less than 2% per annum since accreditation or actually seen a drop The in membership and a corresponding decline in direct activism. Prior to accreditation, the five years before had seen considerable average per annum rises in membership.
10. However the possible solution to the problem has largely not been considered – the ending of accreditation and no longer seeking state legitimacy. Instead the concentration should be on gaining respect and mutual recognition from other workers, rather than meeting state legal requirements.
11. Unless there is a significant change in direction many (though not all) of the Dumfries group will allow their
membership to lapse in February 2014.
a. A local non-aligned group of industrial, community and environmental activists will be formed in its stead.
b. Those choosing to remain in the IWW will seek to transfer their membership to Clydeside or Tyneside IWW . They will continue to campaign for decentralisation and democratic reforms within the IWW.
The next branch meeting of the IWW union will be on Saturday 5th October at 1pm. Some of us will meet in the Tam O’Shanter at just before 1pm, beforehand.
Matters include:
Election of Officers
Campaigns (Bedroom Tax, ATOS)
Issues with ERA Executive
Fees – dual cards etc.
For more details contact iww_dg@yahoo.co.uk or leave a message
Here’s a lovely picture of Alex Fergusson, smiling in Castle Douglas.
Why the fuss? Well our local representative is delighted to be opening a Food Bank. Rather than being ashamed of being a member of a governing party that brought austerity, and destruction of the welfare state, such that many local people are dependent on charity, instead he sees it as something to smile about. He’s not the only member of the political class who sees destitution as a photo oppotunity.
Picture taken from the slightly dodgy http://wingsoverscotland. com/the-pride-of-britain/ (link deliberately broken)
There was a lively debate and good (though not spectacular) attendance at the Education workers meeting in Edinburgh last month. The outcome has been the setting of an xciting new initiative the Education Workers Network. Involving not just committed IWW members involved in education, but militants in other unions (and nne) and students too. Te aim is to build links of solidarity across the whole education sector and beyond rather than be divided by union membership or job role.
No doubt there’ll be more news soon…
The original IWW Dumfries and Galloway, has for a few years also extended into Carlsle (and also the Isle of Mann) and for that reason is often referred to as the Solway branch. The IWW was one of the first labour movements to pursue environmental goals. After all, if a radical re-organisation of society is required to create sustinable living, then it needs the active participation of the most affected. That us, – everyday, extraordinary folk.
Cumbrian IWW members are supporting the Film Screening of Chasing Ice
It is at 7pm, Thursday 5 September 2013, with an introduction from Mark Lloyd of Sustainable Carlisle & followed by speaker John Reardon.
This fascinating film, Chasing Ice (PG-13) will be screen at Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Street Carlisle in >association with Sustainable Carlisle. Chasing Ice is the story of James Balog’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering> undeniable evidence of climate change. In 2005, the environmental photographer headed to the Arctic to capture images for National Geographic. Using time-lapse cameras, his videos compress years into seconds and capture ancient mountains of ice in>motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate.
A bar will be open from 6.15pm. The introduction and screening start at 7.00pm. The Q&A session at the end of the film is optional.
A big “well done” to Edinburgh IWW who are helping to co-ordinate a day to assist workers employed in the education sector, whether as teachers, lecturers, researchers, IT staff, secretaries or maintenance. Whilst the first part of the day (10.30-1pm) is largely for those in, or interested in the IWW. The sessions from 1.30pm is not just for members of the IWW employed (or interesed in) education but for those in other unions or none.
The event will be held in the meeting room in Abbey Mount Meeting Centre, Sunday 28th July between 10.30am and 5pm. It’s at the crossroad on Abbeymount and Regent Terrace, next to the excellent real ale and LGBT-friendly Regent pub and a 15 minute walk from Waverley train station, see the map attached. The address is: 12/4 Abbey Ln, EH8 8EJ.
10.30-11 – Coffee/tea & biscuits
11-1pm: Session 1 – IWW organisation
Brief introductions
Agreeing chair and minute taker
Finalising the EW’s document and discussing its distribution
Finalising dual carder leaflet
Amendment to budget motion for quarterly meeting
Formalising the email list – deciding adminsistrator
Other organisational issues
1-1.30 lunch
1.30 – 3.30pm Session 2 Organising outside IWW
Link to anti-cuts/bureaucracy agitation
How can education workers promote an anti-capitalist agenda
3.30-3.45 pm break
3.45 – 4.45 Discussion topics e.g.
Inclusive education
Challenging authority
The nature of expertise
‘Being out’ as a trade unionist in UCU, EIS, Unison etc
Equality issues in education
4.45 – 5pm
Reflecting on meeting, Network coordnation
Conclusions
Imagine an annual event, held in the south of England, in which tens of thousands (mybe close on to 80,000) middle class people met up to debate, listen to live music, speeches, enjoy funfair rides, drink and socialise. Just how much publicity would the national news give it, given how many radio and TV prograammes are given over to Glastonbury, Glynebourne and the Hay Festival? But when the event is organised by the trade unions – in particular the NUM – for, and by, working class people, held in Durham (only 2 hours from Dumfries), you can be sure that it will gain no national coverage. No national radio programmes will be broadcasting live from it. No special BBC 3 day dedicated to its coverage. There’ll be a breif mention on the local news and that is it.
Yes, on Saturday 13th July it is the Durham Miners’ Gala (the big meet). A great, free day out. Local Tynesde Wobs will be there, no doubt with a stall or two. Its a great day out, with something for every person (unless you’re a toff). Yup, there’ll be pompous speakers from bigwig union bureaucrats, but there’s so much else to enjoy.
More details from the official website.
Allan Johnston the highly successful Queen of the South (QotS) manager has departed the club to become the new manager of Ayrshire SPL team Kilmarnock. The resignation taking place just before the start of pre-season. Whilst moving from a newly promotes Division One team to an SPL one is understandable, ‘Magic’ Johnston must be concerned that his career diesn’t go the same way as other successful QotS who left the club for apparently bigger clubs…
Rowan Alexander left Queens for millionaire’s plaything Gretna, only for the team to be liquidated and a promising young manager to be last seen in semi-pro Juniors football. John Connolly left Queens for SPL team St. Johnstone, with the Perthshire team only just avoiding relegation and Connolly is no longer in management; Ian McCall left QotS to join Partick Thistle, only to never get them promoted and after several seasons of continued failure was fired in 2011. He is no longer in management. Gordon Chisolm who managed QotS on their famous FA Cup run, left the club as the team was in a promotion struggle for fellow promotion candidates Dundee. Dundee failed to win promotion and went into administration. Chisolm is no longer in management and is reduced to a coaching role under the fascist leadership of Paolo Dicanio at Sunderland.
We wish new man Jim MacIntyre all the best for the new season.
The IWW has long been committed to environmental action (see for instance the heroic Judi Behr), indeed the radical social change required to alter consumption and poduction habits requires the active co-ordination of the workers.
Cumbrian based Wobs are involved in Cumbrian Action for Sustainability (CAfS), who have their AGM in Penrith. 27th June. Mike Berners-Lee will be speaking at CAfS’s AGM on Thursday 27th June at 6.30pm (see poster here). He will be covering the current position on climate change, the relative impact of various options for reducing emissions and the action that community groups could be taking to have the biggest impact. The event is free and will take place in the Ballroom at The George in Penrith.
Mike is director and principal consultant at Small World Consulting is involved in sustainability research at Lancaster University and has>worked on energy and emissions with a wide range of organisations. He is the author of ‘How Bad are Bananas? The Carbon Footprint of Everything’ and ‘The Burning Question’.
IWW Dumfries & Galloway (Solway) 
