The purpose of the IWW is to establish democracy in our everyday life on the job. Its practical policies are directed towards that end. It is necessary to avoid any policies that will interfere with the unity of the working class, and it is necessary to make sure that the union, instead of running its members, is run by its members. No officer is elected for more than one year. No officer may be elected for more than three successive terms.
All officers are subject to recall by majority vote.
The business methods within the union are further assurance of democracy. The power of the purse must be kept in the hands of members, both in collection and expenditures. The IWW does not accept the dues checkoff system, where the bosses act as bankers for the union by taking union dues out of workers wages. Direct collection of dues establishes contact between members and officers. The IWW has devised a simple system for collection of dues by delegates on the job.