The Independent Organizing Network (ION) is an initiative of the NLG Massachusetts Chapter, developed in 2023 with the goal of supporting rank-and-file workers organizing independent unions. Through ION, we provide training and educational resources ranging from basic workers’ rights on the job to union organizing and collective bargaining agreements. We also provide connections to pro bono legal services and mentorship to assist workers in every step of the independent union organizing process.
Why Independent Unions? We are living through a historic surge in labor activism, and while every workplace can and should be unionized, the question of who workers should affiliate with is less clear. Not all unions are created equally. Our goal is to support democratic, worker-driven movements, with strategies and ideologies that echo the politics of revolutionary class struggle. Unfortunately, many traditional “business” unions do not fit that criteria. In fact, a significant number of prominent unions do more to uphold the status quo than to challenge it (see here, here, and here). As a result, workers are forming their own unions, seeking to build something that better aligns with the needs and interests of their community. However, one of the biggest hurdles for independent unions face is finding and paying for movement-informed lawyers. This is where ION comes in. Our goal is to make it easier for workers to form their own unions, without having to choose between quality legal support or rank-and-file democracy.
Get Involved! We are constantly looking for pro bono labor attorneys to add to our network of supporters. We also welcome law students with any interest in labor and employment law to assist in research and provide trainings. Additionally, we are always eager to take in volunteer rank-and-file workers with experience organizing independent unions to help with organizing strategy and support for the campaigns we work with.
If you’d like to be involved in this initiative in any capacity (we’ll take any time or knowledge that you have) please email us at info@poweredbyION.com. You can learn more about the campaigns we support, our research on the NLRA, and our volunteers at poweredbyION.com.
