Industrial Workers of the World

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), more commonly known as the Wobblies, is a nonprofit labor union founded in Chicago in June 1905. Established by representatives of 43 groups, the IWW was a response to the American Federation of Labor's (AFL) policies, particularly its refusal to include unskilled workers and its reliance on craft unions.

Founding and Philosophy

The IWW was founded by notable figures such as William D. (“Big Bill”) Haywood of the Western Federation of Miners (WFM), Daniel De Leon of the Socialist Labor Party, and Eugene V. Debs of the Socialist Party. Initially, Debs supported the organization but later withdrew as it became more radical. The IWW is known for its revolutionary approach, seeking to organize workers across different industries rather than by craft, which was a novel approach at the time[1][2].

The organization's philosophy centers around "One Big Union," advocating for international worker solidarity and embracing workers from all racial, gender, and national backgrounds[2]. The IWW rejected signing contracts with employers, believing these agreements limited workers' ability to strike, and it promoted direct action tactics[4].

Major Events and Activities

• Early Strikes and Organizing: The IWW organized significant strikes in the mining and lumber industries, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. One of its most famous figures, Joe Hill, became a martyr for the labor movement after his execution in 1915 on a disputed murder charge[1].
• World War I: During World War I, the IWW opposed U.S. participation and faced severe repression, with many leaders prosecuted under the Sabotage and Espionage Acts. This period marked a significant decline in membership[1][3].
• Depression Era Revival: In the 1930s, the IWW experienced a revival, with organizers focusing on more traditional trade union concerns while maintaining its radical ideals[3].

Modern Activities

Today, the IWW continues to advocate for workers' rights, particularly among underrepresented groups like immigrants. Despite never regaining its early momentum, it remains active with a focus on organizing across various industries[2][5].

Legacy

The IWW's influence on labor history is profound, pioneering industrial unionism and promoting solidarity among diverse worker groups. Its legacy continues to inspire labor movements around the world[5].

[1] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Industrial-Workers-of-the-World [2] https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/industrial-workers-world-iww [3] https://case.edu/ech/articles/i/industrial-workers-world-iww [4] https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=IN023 [5] https://depts.washington.edu/iww/