Industrial Workers of the world iww.org.uk

Everyone working within the print and publishing industry can be a member of the “Fightin’ 450s”. Not only can this include printers, photographers, book binders, journalists, editors, lithographers and others usually associated with this industry, but it can also include other workers for printing and publishing companies such as cleaners, admin workers, and secretaries. If you work in printing and publishing, whatever your job, you can be a member.

Our membership is steadily increasing in this sector, and it is not surprising. While the industry is worth over £14bn, the workers see only a tiny proportion of it, even though it is the workers who produce that wealth. The sector is increasingly casualised, with workers such as photographers being pushed out into freelancing and an increasing number of casual, piece-work and temporary contracts. Businesses in this sector range from tiny establishments to massive multinationals, and the IWW’s international scope, stretching across the globe, recognises as many borders as the bosses do – none!

What’s more, printing and publishing workers are increasingly looking to a radical, grassroots union to organise with. Our members are active in a range of areas, and all over the UK. We want to see a better print and publishing sector, run by the workers, for the workers. Whether you’re a permanent worker, a freelancer or a print co-op, join the Fightin’ 450s and help build a militant, grassroots union at your workplace.

Contacts

The IWW has members organising in the following areas:

North West England: ppw@iww-manchester.org.uk

West Midlands: westmids@iww.org.uk

Norwich: Norwich@iww.org.uk

London: London@iww.org.uk

If you can not find your area in this list, please contact the general membership branch in your area – click here

Other Industries

Because of the nature of the print and publishing industries, there is some overlap with other Industrial Unions of the IWW. For example, we have some members in the new media who identify as computer and communications workers, rather than as publishing workers. Similarly, you may be more suited to our Pulp and Paper Manufacturing section. If you are unsure, contact us, and we will help you work out where you should be. Of course, whichever section you join, you will still be a member of the One Big Union for ALL workers.