The I. W. W.: A Study of American Syndicalism

by Paul F. Brissenden

Only two constitutional amendments of importance were passed at the ninth convention. One was a further development of the machinery of the referendum and constituted a victory for the decentralist boosters of the "rank and file." The first three clauses read as follows:

(a) Any local union in good standing with the General Office may institute or initiate a call for a referendum to be submitted to the General Office at once, with reasons and arguments for same.

(b) Upon receipt of the initiative call for a referendum the General Office shall publish same with arguments for and against, and must submit it to all Local Unions, National Industrial Unions and Industrial Departments for seconds within 30 days.

(c) Before any referendum shall be submitted, the call for the same must be seconded by at least ten [local] unions in good standing in at least three different industries.[672]

The other amendment expressed in more specific terms than ever before the attitude of the organization toward agreements between employers and employees. It replaced the former blanket prohibition with a clause which specifically defines the kinds of agreements which must be avoided, and, inferentially, permits the making of agreements which are free from the objectionable features specified. The amendment is to Article III., and is as follows:

No Local Union affiliated with the General Organization, Industrial department, or National Industrial Union of the I. W. W. shall enter into any contract with an individual, or corporation of employers, binding the members to any of the following conditions:

1. Any agreement wherein any specified length of time is mentioned for the continuance of the said agreement.

2. Any agreement wherein the membership is bound to give notice before making demands affecting hours, wages or shop conditions.

3. Any agreement wherein it is specified that the members will work only for employers who belong to an Association of the employers.

4. Any agreement that proposes to regulate the selling price of the product they are employed in making.[673]