Industrial Workers of the World to hold event in Derry this weekend
This coming weekend in Derry on Saturday March 11th, trade union activists with the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in Ireland will hold a talk detailing the history of the militant trade union movement as part of a country-wide tour titled ‘Industrial Workers of the World Then and Now.
Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) have a legacy of workplace militancy stretching back since its inception in 1905, most notably across major cities of North America.
Over the past decade the IWW has seen a resurgence in its politics of grassroots workplace activism not witnessed for a generation within trade unionism marking a new era in workplace agitation.
“The IWW (also known by their nickname 'the Wobblies' ) was formed in Chicago in 1905 whose members included prominent figures such as Mary Harris (Mother Jones), James Connolly, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn ("the Rebel Girl") Joe Hill, Lucy Parsons and Noam Chomsky.
The union fought hard to organise mineworkers (including children) and those in the developing cities like textile workers and other factory workers.
The IWW was to the fore in the famous "Bread and Roses" strike. Jim Larkin was heavily influenced by the IWW, as were many other activists world wide.
From the outset, the IWW was committed to organising amongst the most marginalised of the working class, pioneering organising across ethnic and national divisions.
Their aim is that all workers should be organised in One Big Union, embedding class solidarity into industrial relations.
“The IWW aims for a world where workers organise themselves to take direct action in order to address oppressive circumstances. While working in solidarity with like minded groups, they reject the practices of trade union bureaucracy and business unions which have been too cosy with both political and business interests, with the resultant attacks on the working class through austerity measures as seen locally.
“The greatest problem facing humankind is the problem of power. It never has been and it never will be safe to let a few control the affairs of the many. The Industrial Workers of the World see nothing good in an economy that is controlled by corporate managers, political parties or by politicians. Instead they want industrial democracy — industry run by its workers through direct democratic processes free from hierarchy, or to quote James Connolly, 'our demands they are most modest, we only want the earth'.
“A resurgent IWW in England, Wales and Scotland has successfully mobilised groups of workers in precarious jobs, zero-hour contracts and gained advantage through direct action, most notably in the recent Deliveroo actions, among others. It is now hoped that activists across Ireland both North and South will create local branches which will enable workers to directly influence the challenges current facing them as worker and welfare rights are continually being under attack. Membership of the IWW has increased over the last several months seeing members in most towns and cities throughout Ireland, and membership continuing to grow.”
The IWW Then & Now event takes place in Sandino's Bar this coming Saturday, 11th March at 4 pm, which will include a presentation and discussion followed by a celebration of the IWW’s proud musical history, featuring the music of Joe Hill and others.