The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) is a labor union with a unique spelling. The first word, "Industrial," is pronounced with three syllables, with stress on the second syllable: /ɪnˈdʌstrɪəl/. The second word, "Workers," is pronounced with two syllables, with stress on the first syllable: /ˈwɜːkərz/. The final word, "of the World," is pronounced with four syllables, with stress on the third syllable: /əv ðə wɜːld/. Together, the pronunciation of the whole phrase is /ɪnˈdʌstrɪəl ˈwɜːkərz əv ðə wɜːld/.
The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) is a global labor union founded in 1905, with the primary aim of uniting all laborers, regardless of skill or trade, into a single revolutionary organization. Commonly referred to as the "Wobblies," the IWW sought to empower workers and oppose the exploitation of their labor by fostering solidarity and advocating for radical social change.
At its core, the IWW adheres to a set of principles known as industrial unionism, which centers around the belief that all workers within a particular industry should be organized into one union, rather than being divided based on their specific skills or craft. By creating such solidarity amongst workers, the IWW envisioned an end to class divisions and the establishment of a new society in which workers would collectively own and manage production.
The IWW aims to achieve its goals through direct action and class struggle rather than relying solely on traditional collective bargaining techniques. Support for strikes, boycotts, and workplace sabotage are among the tactics employed by the IWW to challenge the capitalist system and exercise workers' agency. Additionally, the IWW promotes the idea of an autonomous and democratic workplace, advocating for the establishment of worker-led self-management and control.
Throughout its history, the IWW has been involved in numerous labor disputes and has fought for the rights and well-being of workers in a variety of industries. While the union's influence has waxed and waned over the years, it continues to advocate for social and economic justice, challenging oppressive labor conditions and envisioning a more equitable world.