The NLG Independent Organizing Network (ION) was invited to be on a workers’ rights panel during the Anarchist Bookfair in mid-October, held at the Cambridge Community Center.  Besides the ION’s representative, Dave Runkle, the panel had Rocky Prull (President of the Blue Bottle Independent Union which ION has helped), and Janet Shek (a co-chair of the New Seasons Labor Union).  Both unions are independent and currently in the bargaining phases after winning elections.

The panel discussed topics such as difficulties in organizing independently and reflected on the differences between independent unionism and working with larger unions.

Both worker panelists agreed that if independence is your goal as a union, it’s best to start independent rather than attempt to break away from the attention of larger unions after initial affiliation discussions.