Workers Can Win

Drawing on more than 20 years of organizing experience, Allinson combines practical techniques with an analysis of the theory and politics of organizing and unions.

The Covid, climate, and cost of living crises all hang heavy in the air. It's more obvious than ever that we need radical social and political change. But in the vacuum left by defeated labor movements, where should we begin? For longtime workplace activist Ian Allinson, the answer is clear: organizing at work is essential to rebuild working-class power.

The premise is simple: organizing builds confidence, capacity, and collective power – and with power, we can win change. Workers Can Win is an essential, practical guide for rank-and-file workers and union activists. 

The book offers insight into tried and tested methods for effective organizing. It deals with tactics and strategies and addresses some of the roots of conflict, common problems with unions, and the resistance of management to worker organizing. As a 101 guide to workplace organizing with politically radical horizons, Workers Can Win is destined to become an essential tool for workplace struggles in the years to come.

'Just at the time when workers are mobilising to tackle the economic and climate crises we all face, this invaluable handbook comes along to provide an essential guide to winning'
John McDonnell MP 'Drawing on years of experience, Unite activist Ian Allinson has written an organising handbook that will be invaluable for rank and file organisers and trade union professionals alike. He offers timely, concrete analysis and advice that will be an aid to activists across the trade union movement'
Kim Moody, author and founder of 'Labor Notes 'In the age of climate breakdown, militant worker organising is as urgent as ever. Workers and environmentalists share a common enemy in the capitalist class and Allinson gives us all a powerful guide of how to effectively organise for social change from our workplaces'
Chris Saltmarsh, co-founder of Labour for a Green New Deal and author of 'Burnt: Fighting for Climate Justice' ‘A must read for every trade union activist‘
Lyn-Marie O’Hara, Glasgow equal pay striker ‘Workplaces are key sites of struggle against the hostile environment for migrants, and so to tackle these injustices against migrants we need strong unions. ‘Workers Can Win’ is a readable, practical guide for organising at work and building the power we need to fight back against oppression’
Ida Jarsve, co-founder, Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants ‘A vital resource for anyone serious about taking part in trade union work at any level, and also extremely useful for anyone working for positive change in their community‘
Brendan Montague, editor of ‘The Ecologist’ ‘Workers have needed a practical, positive, accessible guide to organising in Britain for a long time and Ian, using his vast experience in the area has created just that. It will be a valuable resource for union representatives and organisers wanting to grow their branch and union!‘
Sarah Woolley, General Secretary, Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union 'This book is just brilliant. It is not only packed full of invaluable advice and practical tips for anybody organising in the workplace, but it is also hopeful. Crucially, it offers an accessible political analysis of why it is so important for working class people to build power in the workplace and beyond, demystifying the process as it goes'
Laura Pidcock, National Secretary of The People's Assembly