Lane IWW Time:

2009

We have been meeting every two weeks and showed films on labor history and various films about health care. Read for discussion "Horizontalism" and "The Great Turning"

2008

Met every two weeks, organized an educational and entertaing May Day celebration at Growers Market. Members worked in support of ESSN/JWJ and helped other unions with picket and other support. Sent funds to the injured Rhode Island workers. One member attended organizer training in Portland.

2007

We set up informational tables at local events, donated to the solidarity trip to Mexico, supported Teamsters on their picket lines. Organized a successful Mayday party with the local ISO and GTFF. Members work in support of ESSN/JWJ

2006

Members relieved EWEB strikers on the picket line and brought food to picketers. Members work in support of ESSN/JWJ

Wed. 09/19/07
World Cafe 7PM

EG, KC, KB

Information on upcoming IWW delegation to Mexico was presented see IWW.org for details.
KB shared his enjoyable experiences student teaching.

Wed., Sept. 5th, 2007
World Café, 449 Blair 7PM

Present: AR, EG, MR, KC, KB, NM, KD

Talked about the library. We are going to start entering books in October, perhaps at some type of work party.

AR looked into doing a benefit at the Wandering Goat, but was unable to get any response from the management. MR will look into the possibility of getting the coffee shop on RR Blvd and Van Buren. AR reports that the bands are still on for a show in the fall. Everyone keep your eyes open for a free (indoor) venue.

KC brought movies to donate to the library project.

July, 2007

Wed., June 11th, 2007
World Café, 449 Blair 7PM

Present: MR, NM, KD, JS, AR, EG, DN, KC

Planned to table at Rock Agains Racism. Talked about various social issues. Discussed venue options for fall benefit.

Wed., June 11th, 2007
World Café, 449 Blair 7PM

Present: NM, KD, KC, KB, AR, JS, MR, JM

General conversation about various topics, welcomed new members. Ideas for benefits and social connections. AR brought up the idea of tabling at Rock Against Racism on 8/4. He is looking into the possibility.

June, 2007 top

Wed., June 27th, 2007
World Café, 449 Blair 7PM

Present:  NM, KB, MR, KC, KD, JS, A?

We met breifly and discussed various issues and spoke about the IWWs national campaigns and the local's past union activities. The meeting was adjourned and a contingent of IWW members headed over to the Western Beverage Teamster's picket line.

Wed., June 13th, 2007
World Café, 449 Blair 7PM

Present:  EG, CS, KD, NM, MR, KC, EG

There was a great turnout this week.   After introductions, we discussed current events, local labor conditions, national politics, and the need for shorter working hours.  NM and KD gave an update on the drafting of a contract for BO, an IWW member and employee at a local non-profit.  We also discussed, in general, the “burnout conditions” faced by non-profit workers and the need for unions among our fellow workers.  Finally, we talked about the possibility of hosting an IWW social event during the summer.     

May, 2007 top

Wed., May 30th, 2007
World Café, 449 Blair 7PM

Present:  EG, MR, NM, KD, KC, DN and newcomer KB

EG gave a recap of the Michael Yates speaking event he attended on 5/29.  Yates spoke about his new book, “Cheap Hotels and a Hot Plate,” the story of his travel across the US.  EG mentioned the impact Yates’ stories about service workers had on him.  NM mentioned that Yates had also written “Why Unions Matter,” and writes frequently for “Monthly Review.”

EG took up a collection for the fellow workers going down to Mexico to learn from and share information with workers in Mexico.  We also voted to authorize a $10 donation of branch money toward the trip. 

FW KB told us all about his trials on the job.

NM was unanimously elected to delegate status by the members present.

KD will change the phone number on the website to NM’s number.

EG spoke about an opportunity to help local immigrant workers and will bring more information back to us about their situation.

Meeting was adjourned.

Wed. May 16th, 2007
World Cafe 449 Blair 7PM

Present: EG, KC, NM

EG opened the meeting with an informative history of Norway's Constitution Day (May 17th).  He connected Norway's history with current struggles for freedom and liberty.  We decided to contact and tlearn about The Labor Project--a branch of special collections at the U of O Library that collects historical documents and archives related to working-class and radical history in the Pacific Northwest.  We also discussed recommitting ourselves to putting together a Labor Lending Library, with books available online at the local website.  EG and NM will spend time catalouging and listing the books that we have so far at some point this month.  We talked about having books availabe at our regular meetings for check out (both by Wobs and community members).  We also discussed making some labor movie posters to put up in local video stores with IWW contact and meeting information.  Next meeting: Wed., May 30th at the World Cafe, 7pm.

Tue., May 1 (May Day Party)
World Cafe 449 Blair 7PM

A success! I hope everyone enjoyed themselves and came away inspired about the power and necesity of a general strike. Thanks to ISO and ESSN for all your help and support; it certainly wouldn't have been the same without you. Thanks, also, to all the speakers and performers! The music was perfect and I never knew May Day had such a varied history. Also, the Soapboxers were great! We need to hit the street with that act!

Solidarity,

KD

April, 2007 top

Sun., April 29 (May Day Party Organizational Meeting)
World Cafe 449 Blair 7PM

Present: KH, JH, NM, KD, MR, KC, H and T (sorry newcomers, I don’t know your last names)

We discussed last minute issues and details concerning the May Day Party and we also finalized the program.  Here is a list of individual responsibilities:

NM will bring a stereo to the party, provide buttons as a prize for the soap-boxers, bring a camera and take pictures.
KD will contact ESSN about who will represent them at the event, bring song-sheets, question banner, and cake.
JH will come up with an introduction for Matthew Dennis’ talk, and print out some copies of the NY immigrant organizing article.
KH will finish the fire ring, bring 3x5 cards, bring supplies for rigging up the screen, and check in with Scotty about doing an introduction to his song.
MR will bring the sound system to the World Café.

Here is the finalized program: (subject, of course, to flexibility based on unforeseen circumstances):

7:00-7:30: Trickle-In Time, Background Music
7:30-7:40: Welcome/Intros
7:40-7:45: Song by Chico Schwall
7:45-7:55: Scotty Perryman
7:55-8:00: JH Introduces Professor Matthew Dennis
8:00-8:15: Professor Matthew Dennis
8:15-20: Kate Introduces Mark Ross and Soap Box Question
8:20-8:40: Mark Ross
8:40-9:00: Soap Box
9:00-On: Fire Ring/ Labor Sing-Along

NM brought up the question of how we can continue the discourse on “May Day Issues” (general strikes, radical unionism, etc.).  H suggested a local internet forum, and JH suggested the title: “Eugene Left Forum Website.”  NM proposed collecting contact emails from people at the party who might be interested in participating and/or contributing to this project. 

If I have forgotten anything, please let me know.  NM.

Wed., April 18
World Cafe 449 Blair 7PM

Present: EG, DN, KD, KH, JBH, MR, KC, NM

Current Events/Announcements:

• CAUSA, Immigrant Rights Organization, is asking local activists to come out early in the AM on May 1st to give a send off to people going to protest at the Capitol.  Time is TBA, but early AM for sure.  KD will let people know when info is available.  KD will check into rides for those who might want to go up to Salem for protest and find out timeline for return.
• BugE folks are looking into ways to organize their company with the IWW model in a collective way.  How this would work realistically, how contracts/agreements should be written.  Nathan suggested contacting Mark Daemron at HQ and also Left Bank Books up in Seattle.
• JBH mentioned the UFCW Press Conference that ISO members attended on Monday.  A strike is on the horizon.  Those present talked about organization of Grocers Alliance and their universal lockout policy when/if one store strikes.
• EG spoke about unrest among employees at various local groceries not organized by UFCW.    Complaints of repetitive strain, under scheduling, etc.  KH suggested leafleting workers as they go into work.  Issue was tabled for a later organizing brain-storming session.

Who’s Doing What for the May Day Party

KD:  Flyer Downtown/Blair, Make Press Announcements, Update Flyers & Send to EG, Scan Art Images, Cake, sound system

NM:  Contact Academic/Labor Folk to advertise event, Make Mix CD for Beginning of event, Help KD with Flyering, Scanning art

KH:  Fire Ring, Look for back up sound system

JBH:  Get Flyer change to Evan (Industrial not International J), talk to Jonna about projector, Talk to Hannah about flyering her class

ISO:  Pass out flyers Campus area

MR:  Talk to Jim Garcia

EG:  Print Literature for IWW tabling, Bring projector/Screen as back ups for art show

Tentative Outline of Festivities

7:00-7:30  Music playing in Background (NM’s mix CD), Cake to Eat, Art show on loop
7:30-7:40  ISO/IWW/ESSN Welcome/Intro/Pass around hat for soap box
7:40-7:50  Scotty Perry
7:50-8:00  Prof. Matthew Dennis Speaks about May Day
8:00-8:20  Mark Ross
8:20-8:40  Soap Box
8:40-?       Sing Around Campfire

Meeting Again on Sun, 4/29 @ 5:00, World Café to work out final kinks

EG closed with the idea of making a movie poster with scenes from lefty movies with IWW contact info.  Could be posted at local video stores, film classes, bijou, etc. Mark Ross played a song to finish of the evening.

Wed., April 4
World Cafe 449 Blair 7PM

Present: DN, EG, KC, NM, KD, MW, MR and KH, JH (representing ISO)

Announcements/Current Events:  UMW are on strike for the first time in 13 years.  Starbucks Organizing Update:  According to the Starbucks Union,  “The National Labor Relations Board has accused Starbucks of breaking the law 30 times in fighting
union activity at four of its coffee shops in Manhattan”  Also, IWW in UK are holding a Spring/Summer Nation-wide organizing drive.

May Day Party—A lot of suggestions/ideas were presented about the IWW/ISO May Day Party.  ISO reps suggested a flier reading, “Fight Fascism, Celebrate May Day.”  A straw poll was taken and there was one dissent, MW.

Other Ideas are as follows:

• Ask Matthew Dennis, professor of history at UO who has done work around the subject, to do a brief speech about the history of May Day.  Power of a General Strike?  (KH will look into)
• MR (who will be performing/leading a sing-along) suggested getting a sound system for the event (KD will look into borrowing a system)
• KH will ask Scotty Perry, local musician, to perform a Victor Jara song
• KD and NM are working on Wobbly Literature
• MR is looking in his basement (scary!) for some copies of the “100 years of Wobbly Art.”   These could then be scanned and projected slide-style with EG’s projector.
• It was also suggested to have a “soap box”/open mic feature where individuals could read labor/working class poetry, speak about may day, etc.  Maybe a specific topic?
• EG suggested finding individual(s) from different countries to relate meaning of May Day outside of US
• NM will ask BO to talk to her contact at the Eugene Weekly about advertising/covering the event
• KH will look into a fire pit for the event, perhaps with the help of KC

Other issues around May Day party:  ESSN has not officially replied as to whether or not they would like to co-sponsor the event.  At the very least, BO, organizer for ESSN, has said she would advertise the event to the membership.

WobBlogs/Support Positions:  MR and KC will work on their support positions for the website and e-mail them to KD.  Anyone with working class/labor related articles or written work, pictures, etc., can e-mail the files to KD to be posted on the website.  www.eugeneiww.org

ESSN organizer, BO, signed up for the IWW today!  Her contract with ESSN is coming along well.  Further updates at next meeting.

Dues were paid.  Meeting adjourned.

March, 2007 top

Wed., March 14
World Cafe 449 Blair 7PM
Tonight, we opened the meeting with a current events discussion. FW MR spoke about the discovery of Joe Hill's will among Communist Party archives that were recently donated to NYU. NM brought up the current plight of farmworkers in California due to the citrus freeze, and urged those in attendance to sign an online petition for worker relief (located at the UFW website). We scheduled the May Day Party for the World Cafe, and members approved our co-sponsors (ISO and ESSN). NM will contact the various co-sponsors with the details. We will have IWW literature and sign-up materials at the event, along with a sing-along led by FW MR. FW KD also discussed our current local organizing. Present: DN, NM, KD, KC, MR

Wed., March 7
World Cafe 449 Blair 7PM
We discussed the possibility of tabling at an event sponsored by the Civil Liberties Defense Center. EG and MW volunteered to print out literature and be at the event. We also decided to host a video showing of the IWW Starbucks Union documentary. We will either present it at the GTFF film series along with another short film or hold an independent showing at another venue. NM will contact the GTFF about the Spring Series to find out about the themes, schedule, etc. We held an informal discussion about the use of technology to organize for social change. Next event: IWW will present film at GTFF film series on Wednesday, March 14th. Next meeting: Wed. March 21 at World Cafe, 7pm.

February, 2007 top

Wed., Feb 14
Espresso Roma Coffee 853 E. 13th. 6PM
Short meeting and movie "Burn" about colonial sugar plantation exploitation in the mid 1800's with GTFF. Reminded me of the current book "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man"

Friday, Feb.9
Campbell House "Wake UP Dormant Campus" table. Shared information about the IWW with atendees and other tablers. EG, MW.

Wed., Feb 7
Espresso Roma Coffee 853 E. 13th. 6PM
We collected funds for the Warehouse workers in New York. We were joined by 4 students from a campus housing co-operative who askedus to table at a house gathering "Wake Up Dormant Campus". We joined the GTFF for a movies "Wrath of Grapes", "Justice on the Table" and "For Export Only Pesticides", about herbicide/pesticide use and the effect on workers and the environment. MW, EG, KC, NM, KD

January, 2007 top

Wed,. Jan. 24
Espresso Roma Coffee 853 E. 13th. 6PM
We discussed an IWW social night at Ed's house, possibly on Feb. 17. Ed will look into the viability of this date.
Nathan observed that we could use pamphlets/literature similar to the ESSN brochure Ed brought to the meeting.
Ed brought up the topic of making contributions to the strike fund for whole sale workers at places like E-Z supply. This can be done online with paypal at http://www.iww.org. We joined the GTFF for the movie "The Ground Truth" http://thegroundtruth.net/ about the experiences and reflections of Iraq War veterans. It was another example of why workers must unite to take power from the greedy elite who continue to cause untold human suffering. EG KC

Wed., Jan. 10
Espresso Roma Coffee 853 E. 13th. 6PM
We discussed the labor market and issues of older workers and then joined the GTFF for the 1963 Italian movie "The Organizer" about the plight of turn of the century (1900) textile workers. The issues don't change , gender, immigrant, racial all threatened to undermine worker solidarity. EG, KC.

December, 2006 top

Wed., Dec. 27
Espresso Roma Coffee 853 E. 13th. 6PM
Proposals were presented for workshops covering labor history and tactics where attendees could break into smaller groups to discuss solutions to problems in their own workplaces. We agreed that fear hinders most workers from taking action. How can we sabotage fear? EG, MW, KC, NM, KD.

Wed., Dec. 13
Espresso Roma Coffee 853 E. 13th. 6PM
We gathered for a couple hours discussing educational, social, health and labor issues. We discussed the high level of activism during the 90's compared with now in Eugene. Most plan to join ESSN/JWJ on Saturday in support of the USW strike against Goodyear EG, KC, NM, KD.

November, 2006 top

Wed., Nov. 29
1415 Kincaid St. 180 PLC 7PM
We joined GTFF for the movie "Harlan County" a documentary about the UMW strike in the 1970's which led to the democratization of the UMW. We moved to Espresso Roma Coffee 853 E. 13th. for a short meeting and social gathereing. We decided to meet again at 6PM at Espresso Roma on Wed. Dec. 6, DN, EG, KC, NM, KD.

Wed., Nov. 15
1415 Kincaid St. 180 PLC 7PM

We joined GTFF for the movie "Out at Work" which documented the difficulties homosexual workers can face in the workplace and how Worker Solidarity can protect them. Wobblies present were EG, KD, NM, KC, CE, DL and a friend. We moved to Espresso Roma Coffee house on 853 E. 13th. where we discussed the work conditions of student labor. We plan to join the GTF again on the 29th with our meeting afterwards.

Wed., Nov. 1
Emerald City Coffee 347 5th. Eugene 7PM

A motion was carried to have the branch pay for bundles of the Industrial Worker to distribute in Eugene and Springfield (Thank you MW for covering this cost up until now). EG suggested the possibility of organizing a temporary employment service with the goal of gaining living wage employement in local socially-responsible industries. We discussed putting on an "IWW movie night" open to the general public sometime after the New Year. We will try to schedule a time to use the CALC building. JM also filled us in on ESSN activities and events (mailing party December 10th). Folks paid dues, and EG will send in the branch report. We ended the night with some folk music.

Metaphysical economic questions submitted by FW MW

"If a corporation is a legal human, then how can it buy and sell another corporation, if it is illegal to buy and sell another human."

"In most states, committing suicide results in restrictions in passing on money and debts. Yet why can corporations dissolve themselves to escape debts?"

October, 2006 top

Wed., Oct 18
Emerald City Coffee 347 5th. Eugene 7PM

Mark played the guitar and some songs were sung. We discussed the problem organizing child care workers, NM stated that many workers do not care about social justice issues and or are too tired to make any effort, especially if they are in a decent workplace. The importance of union support was discussed for those in adverse workplaces. Present were EG, KD, NM, MR, KC.

Wed., Oct. 4
Emerald City Coffee 347 5th. Eugene 7PM

Nathan donated two more books for our lending library, Karen brought DVD's for people to borrow, Mark brought a copy iof the 1937 documentary "Spanish Earth" and fresh picked pears were distributed. A secretary was elected in order to reestablish the branch. We discussed the importance of training and disipline to control anger in light of the compassionate reaction of the Amish to the recent tradgedy and how the IWW set such good examples in keeping strikes peaceful. Present were EG, KD, NM, MR, KC.

September, 2006 top

Wed., Sept. 20
Emerald City Coffee 347 5th. Eugene 7PM

The books and materials were removed from the office and will be kept at EG's. We decided to begin selling labor books and labor materials at various public events and continue to work towards establishment of a co-operative book store. A secretary will be elected so funds can be raised for the branch. MW shared thoughts about self determination being a major cause of homelessness and unemployment which led to a very lively thought provoking conversation. A fellow worker brought fresh picked grapes to share and distribute.

Wed., Sept. 6
Emerald City Coffee 347 5th. Eugene 7PM

It was decided to vacate the office growers market and insure that rent was paid to date. Excess books will be donated to libraries as needed. A suggestion was made to investigate the possibility of a co-operative book store which would fill the need for progerssive books and movies in the area.

August, 2006 top

Wed., Aug. 23
Emerald City Coffee 347 5th. Eugene 7PM

We watched the documentary "Wobblies" a short discussion of the dedication and bravery of many IWW members followed.

Wed., Aug. 9
Emerald City Coffee 347 5th. Eugene 7PM

The mother of a high school student laborer shared stories of how her son was exploited by the school district. The boy was not paid fairly for the IT work performed and was often called from classes to fix computers. Of course the district was trying to save money.

The difficulties Burly is facing in securing loans was discussed again and there was general sadness that another co-op had so much difficulty surviving.

July, 2006 top

Wed., July 26
Emerald City Coffee 347 5th. Eugene 7PM

Mark Murphy the designer of the Gizmo electric car shared his experiences in starting a business to build the cars. He related how difficult it is to secure loans or funding if the business is a cooperative enterprise. The Gizmo effort went bankrupt. Mark currently assembles kits for electrathon racers the components are built by small local shops. He is currently designing a small electric car to be sold in kit form. We also discussed Burley's recent economic problems and the fact that they have had to incorporate in order to secure funding.

Mark Ross related the story of a retired longshoreman and IWW member who used his retirement savings to open and staff an IWW office in Missoula, MT in order to help workers in that area.

Examples of the belief in many owner class families that even though they possess great wealth and income many times that of union workers, the owner class sees the union as a huge threat were shared by a member who grew up in an affluent area but never saw the owner class suffer from fairer compensation for union workers.

Black on red cards with the text "

Protect Yourself and Your Neighbor
Support a Union - Join or Donate
EugeneIWW.ORG

Your workplace may be safe
and you may be treated fairly, millions are not
they need your help
Support a Union

IWW.ORG

" were distributed

A discussion began about who could serve as branch secretary.

Wed., July 12
World Cafe on Blair 7PM

We moved across the street to CALC to view the Documentary "Betrayed" the story of the Canadian Seamen's Union which brought fair pay and working conditions for Canadian Seamen during WWII. The union was destroyed through company, business union and government collusion during the 1950's using the fear of communism to galvanize citizens against the union.

June, 2006 top

Wed., June 28
World Cafe on Blair 7PM

We learned that some of our IWW members have picketed, brought food, and donated money to the IBEW strikers at EWEB. The strong IWW tradition of worker solidarity continues. We agreed that our current goal should be to build membership and solidarity to gain strength in order to be effective in helping workers.

Wed., June 14
World Cafe on Blair 7PM

An 80+ year old newspaper worker came to the meeting and joined the IWW. She believes the IWW offers the best hope for workers in the world.

She was deeply inspired by reading the book "Sticking to the Union" by Sandy Polishuk. The book is about the life of Oregon's own Julia Ruuttila

We discussed reading the book and sharing our impressions.

Wednesday, June 7
7PM, World Cafe New Day Bakery on Blair

Mark Ross played and sang a couple of labor songs.

May, 2006 top

Saturday, May 27
World Cafe
Richard Seymour, Tim Acott and Morgan Miller came down from portland to offer encouragement and assistance to local IWW members and friends. Karen Carlson, Mark Ross, Ed Gunderson, Jeanine Mailito, Dennis Sopher, and Melissa Mona shared their reasons for supporting the IWW and hopes for it's future and some of the local IWW recent history.