(1) What is an IWW Branch?

A Branch is the basic unit of the IWW. It consists of 10 or more dues paying members who live within an hour's travel of each other. The essential difference between a branch and an IWW group is that a branch is an official Chartered unit of the IWW and is entitled to certain rights and responsibilities as defined in the IWW Constitution. Perhaps the most important benefit is a Branch is entitled to retain half of the dues it collects. Branches are required to make monthly reports and accountings of dues monies collected.

Types of IWW Branches

There are 3 types of Branches in the IWW:

• Industrial Union (IUB): The IUB consists of 10 or more members who work in one industry as defined by our Industrial Unions.
• General Membership (GMB): Consists of 10 or members in any industry not organized into a local Industrial Union Branch.

• Job Branch: When 5 or more wobblies organize in a particular workplace they may form a Job Branch. The Job Branch is not an independent branch and is responsible to the local GMB or IUB, to the international Industrial Union in their industry (if chartered) or to the General Administration of the IWW (if not).

Branch Charter

When you have over 10 members (or 5 if you seek to charter a job branch) you may petition the General Executive Board (GEB) or Regional Organizing Committee (ROC) for a Branch Charter. All members signing the petition will need to have paid dues in the last 2 months. You will also need to draft a set of branch bylaws. Send your petition, a copy of your branch byalws, and the minutes of the meeting where you drafted the bylaws to either General Headquarters (GHQ) if you are in the United States (or their is no Regional Organizing Committee (ROC) in your nation), your ROC Headquarters, or your Regional Administration.

Next Page: Building Your IWW Branch