One union that, unlike the AFL-CIO, follows the concept of industrial unionism is the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). It was founded in 1905 with the idea that representation of the individual worker is more important than representation per occupation. Their ideals promote the “One Big Union” concept and states that all workers should be under a single social class, therefore having no restrictions to membership particularly of unskilled workers. The Wobbly Shop model is one well known concept whereby workers elect their own managers and use aspects of self-management are included in each worker’s workplace. The IWW is considered by many to be a radical union and is known for its sometimes extreme techniques at bringing about change.
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Many principles that they represent as a union make differences no matter your occupation which in comparison to the AFL-CIO, who for a time was a large rival, the IWW see it important to represent every worker as we all live in the same economy and a change in the economic system can bring about positive change for any and all occupations. However, the group can be criticized for their frequent use of public events to attract attention through the media and locals, which although each event represents a principle, change does not come about without political and legal action.(4)(5) The IWW is though a good example of an international union that looks to represent any worker, and though it still exists today, its success can be questioned due to dramatic decline in membership in the 1920’s. This was down to a high number of previous Wobbly leaders who had just been released from prison agreed to a pardon that stated they could not continue with anything related to their former union activism. The founder’s original vision of a nation united as one under labour had faded.
Many principles that they represent as a union make differences no matter your occupation which in comparison to the AFL-CIO, who for a time was a large rival, the IWW see it important to represent every worker as we all live in the same economy and a change in the economic system can bring about positive change for any and all occupations. However, the group can be criticized for their frequent use of public events to attract attention through the media and locals, which although each event represents a principle, change does not come about without political and legal action.(4)(5) The IWW is though a good example of an international union that looks to represent any worker, and though it still exists today, its success can be questioned due to dramatic decline in membership in the 1920’s. This was down to a high number of previous Wobbly leaders who had just been released from prison agreed to a pardon that stated they could not continue with anything related to their former union activism. The founder’s original vision of a nation united as one under labour had faded.