The History and Ideology of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and its Influence on Labor Movements Today

Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)

Founded in 1905, this radical union, also known as the Wobblies aimed to unite the American working class into one union to promote labor’s interests. It worked to organize unskilled and foreign-born laborers, advocated social revolution, and led several major strikes. Stressed solidarity.

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), also known as the Wobblies, is a labor union that was founded in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois. The IWW was formed with the purpose of uniting workers across industries and trades into one big union, rejecting the model of multiple craft-based unions. The emphasis was on organizing the unskilled labor force, and the IWW was particularly active in the lumber, mining, and agricultural sectors.

The IWW’s ideology differed from other labor unions in that they advocated for direct action, such as strikes, boycotts, and sabotage, instead of relying solely on collective bargaining and legal means. They also adopted a more radical approach, promoting the overthrow of capitalism and advocating for a worker-led society.

The IWW played a significant role in several labor struggles throughout the early 20th century, including the Lawrence Textile Strike of 1912 and the Centralia Massacre of 1919. However, following government repression during World War I and internal division within the organization, the IWW declined in membership and influence.

Today, the IWW is still active, but on a smaller scale. They continue to prioritize the organizing of the most precarious and exploited sectors of the workforce, such as migrant workers and low-wage workers in the service sector. Their focus is still on direct action and ultimately creating a society where workers have control over their workplaces and lives.

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