This piece was originally published in the latest print edition of Rebel City (page 9).

In the last few years there’s been an upsurge of independent trades unions such as the United Voices of the World, the Cleaners and Independent Workers Union, and the Industrial Workers of the World. These began among migrant workers and have spread to other zero-hours workers. The first question people might ask is – why are they not members of the big Trades Union Congress (TUC) unions?

Put simply, most TUC union officials see themselves as mediators between bosses and workers – not there to stand 100% with their members for what they want. At the extreme, threats of the State seizing Union assets for ‘illegal’ strikes directly threaten their gravy train. When they decided to expand their membership by recruiting precarious workers, they wanted to increase their income – not be forking out strike pay! So at times they have withdrawn or refused to support the members’ demands.

That’s why some workers have set up their own structures, in the hope they can run their own struggles, and actually get on with fighting the bosses effectively and directly for what they want.

For class struggle anarchists, workers running their own struggles is central. Apart from anything else, how are workers able to develop their own collective strength if they never have the chance to exercise it?

But we shouldn’t pretend setting up your own Union is the end of the story. More like a beginning.

Problems that may come up are as follows: Usually new Unions register with the state. It’s supposed to give you some protection from being sacked for being a trade unionist and give you a chance of collective recognition. How well that works in practice is an open question.

Then there’s Union representation at disciplinary hearings and tribunals. It can be easy for a small number to become experts, and the rest of the members dependant on them. If all members are to have equal power, it’s vital they all learn to develop these skills.

Negotiators becoming full-timers paid by the Union is another step that can lead to bureaucracy. Even worse when they’re paid more than the average wage of the members.

So, as we say, an independent Union is more like a beginning. Workers have to fight to keep control of their struggles. That’s true whatever structures they adopt to carry on fighting.