A Shoeleather History Of The Wobblies: Stories Of The Industrial Workers Of The World (Iww) In Connecticut
by Steve Thornton

Description

Who were the Wobblies? They were a labor union like no other: the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). These militant, courageous men and women, from all races and ethnic groups, changed the way working people of the early 20th century responded to the growing gap between the rich and everyone else. The Wobblies' campaigns achieved respect and dignity for those who performed dangerous, grueling work in sweatshops, factories and mills. By focusing on previously unknown IWW organizing in Connecticut, A Shoeleather History of the Wobblies takes the reader into the lives of ordinary people who faced extraordinary challenges to win economic justice. This book explores the IWW's innovative and powerful strategies which were used by Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, Joe Ettor, Big Bill Haywood and lesser known local organizers. The IWW established a model for future unions, civil rights groups and other movements: effective cross-ethnic organizing, mass nonviolent direct action, community coalition building, and an inspiring vision of the future. These are the lessons we can still learn from the Wobblies.