Industrial Workers of the World

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW or the Wobblies) is an international union headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, having much in common with anarcho-syndicalist unions, but also many differences. It contends that all workers should be united within a single union as a class and the profit system abolished. At its peak in 1923 the organization claimed some 100,000 members in good standing, and could marshall the support of perhaps 300,000 workers. Its membership declined dramatically after a 1924 split brought on by internal conflict and government repression. Today it numbers about 1,000 members world-wide, but with a recent renewal of organizing activity membership appears to be rising again.

Notable members

Notable members of the Industrial Workers of the World have included Helen Keller, whose life was recounted in several films, Joe Hill, James Connolly, Paul Mattick, Big Bill Haywood, Frank Little, Harry Bridges, beat poet Gary Snyder, Edward R. Murrow and Finnish folk music legend Hiski Salomaa. It has long been rumored, but not yet proved, that baseball legend Honus Wagner was also a Wobbly.

Related Topics:
Helen Keller - Joe Hill - James Connolly - Paul Mattick - Big Bill Haywood - Frank Little - Harry Bridges - Beat poet - Gary Snyder - Edward R. Murrow - Finnish - Folk music - Hiski Salomaa - Honus Wagner

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