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The IWW is committed to working class emancipation. The working class is diverse and oppression is layered. As such, we strive to keep our common places free from oppressive action, behavior, and language.

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These oppressive actions and words include but are not limited to: racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and any expression of disrespect and/or intolerance of size, gender identity, sexual identity/expression, (dis)ability, age, educational level, and cultural background.

 

We want to learn from each other and we will each be responsible for addressing these issues. This policy is about opening a dialog that can result in all members feeling safe and free to fully participate in their union’s activities.

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If a member feels this policy is being / has been violated, the following steps should be taken:

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1. Reference the policy to the group: for example, “In the IWW, we have a ‘Safer Space Policy’ that all members are responsible to uphold. This policy has been violated by talk of ‘[comments made].’ Please keep the Policy in mind.”

2. If the policy is still being violated, the issue should be brought up to the person in violation directly and/or the chair, an officer, or a member advocate so that an effective plan of action can be instituted.

3. If you have no allies locally and invoking the ‘Safer Space Policy’ fails, reach out to the Gender Equity Committee for assistance at gec@iww.org.

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If this policy is being violated and a member is uncomfortable bringing it up, they are encouraged to seek an ally of their choosing to advocate for them. In a meeting, a person can ask for a point of personal privilege to take a break and discuss this with the necessary parties. 

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Further, space shall be defined as any office, meeting, event, internet platform that is IWW sponsored, which includes any body formally recognized by the IWW, such as General Membership Branches, Regional Organizing Committees and Regional Administrations, Industrial Union Branches, etc.