The IWW has a long and colorful history.
Inevitably people misunderstand, misinterpret, or mangle that
long and colorful history. We created this page to challenge the
myths and answer some of the questions.
Two Common Legends
Twelve Myths and Misconceptions About the IWW
Myths about the IWW and the Labor Movement:
- Myth #1 - The IWW is a political organization and not a "real" labor union.
- Myth #2 - The IWW doesn't negotiate contracts with employers.
- Myth #3 - The IWW, like all labor unions, is controlled by the Italian-American MAFIA.
- Myth #4 - The IWW is violent / advocates violent overthrow of the United States of America (and/or every other state).
- Myth #5 - The IWW believes in wanton property destruction.
Historical Myths about the IWW:
- Myth #6 - The IWW ceased to be relevant after 1917.
- Myth #7 - The IWW was supported / was supported by the Germans during World War I.
Myths about the IWW and Anarchism:
- Myth #8 - The IWW was hijacked by anarchists in 1908 that purged socialists from the IWW at the 1908 Convention.
- Myth #9 - The IWW is dominated by anarchists who routinely alienate and/or bar membership to non-anarchists and purge non anarchists from its ranks.
Myths about the IWW and Communism
- Myth #10 - The IWW is dominated by authoritarians who routinely bar membership to anarchists and purge anarchists from its ranks.
- Myth #11 - The IWW was controlled by the Bolsheviks before and during the Cold War.
- Myth #12 - The IWW wants to replace capitalism with an authoritarian workers state with compulsory, regimented labor.
