OUR HISTORY
A history of winning gains for workers
Formed in 1905 to organize work beyond a narrow set of skilled trades, the IWW cut its teeth building industrial unions in some of the most difficult sectors, such as textiles, longshore, agriculture, and mining, quickly gaining a reputation as the first racially integrated union in the United States.
Today, IWW members are found across many sectors and continue advocate for the principles of the preamble to our constitution.
IWW Historial Archives
“Yaas,” said the farmer reflectively, “all the I.W.W. fellers I’ve met seemed to be pretty decent lads, but them ‘alleged I.W.W.’s’ must be holy frights.”
The IWW has a very rich and colorful history with as many cultural traditions as we have political contributions to the class struggle. We continue to have a vibrant organization and culture today. Here we explain and clarify our current positions and historical traditions:
Including the nickname “Wobbly”, Joe Hill, The Little Red Songbook, Free Speech Fights, Hoboes, The Black Cat, The General Strike, and more!
Travel back in time to late June / early July 1905 when the One Big Union was founded. Read the entire history of the IWW’s creation!
Get a glimpse of the IWW’s most significant moments from its conception to the present.
An explanation of much of the vernacular and slang used by the IWW today and throughout its rich and colorful history.
(PDF) Compiled by Steve Kellerman
A thorough (but by no means complete) collection of documents about the IWW, by IWW members and non-members, organized by author.
Documentation of some IWW campaigns
a selective list of resolutions passed by the IWW membership and/or General Executive Board on various matters of importance.
a gallery of famous (and not-so-famous) IWW members, their stories, their contributions to the IWW, and the cause of abolition of wage slavery.