The Wobblies (IWW) in Washington State: Radical Labor History

Who Were the Wobblies?

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), nicknamed "Wobblies," was a revolutionary union founded in 1905. They advocated industrial unionism (all workers in one industry), direct action (strikes, sabotage), and the abolition of capitalism.

Washington State Strongholds

• 1905: IWW organizes in WA logging and mining camps.
• Puget Sound: Key role in 1919 Seattle General Strike (65,000 workers).
• Yakima Valley: Led 1933 Fruit Workers' Strike—one of largest U.S. agricultural strikes.

Decline & Legacy

Red Scare (1919–20, 1950s), rise of AFL-CIO craft unionism, and internal splits reduced IWW influence. Yet the IWW persists today, active in WA labor and social justice campaigns. Their militant tactics and solidarity culture inspired later movements.