International Workers of the World

The eight hour working day is the fault of these grizzled veterans of union organizing. The Haymarket bombing of May 4th, 1886, was the first inauguration by fire for many into the ideas which coalesced into the charter for the International Workers of the World, bringing union solidarity and the fight for the worker to Chicago. A bomb was thrown at police breaking up the convention and no clear fugitive has materialized for the incident; still 7 men hung from the gallows for the crime of fighting for the working class. Their names were Albert Parsons, August Spies, Samuel Fielden, Michael Schwab, George Engel, Adolph Fischer and Louis Lingg. The belief in solidarity and anarchism alone was enough to convict and execute these men.

There is a rich and storied history to the IWW, and though it is a shadow of the organization it once was. Red-card carrying Wobblies like myself still walk our concrete jungle, fighting toward a general strike to place the means of production in the hands of the worker.

I'd like to draw your attention to a folk singer and nearly life long wobblie, Utah Phillips. Only two shows may be found up at sugarmegs for the fellow, but Mystic Theater is worth a listen. Comedy and folk songs mixed in with the poetry of resistance.

Now, more than ever, is the time to rise up in solidarity with your fellow workers across the globe. Newer mechanisms for control are developed everyday, with the battle of "net neutrality" heating up, the government making attempts at shutting down Wiki-Leaks, and media outlets consolidated into independent or multinational corporate blocs.

Don't forget to celebrate the sacrifices made by our fellow workers this coming May Day, May 1st. Have an on the job slow down if you can't get the day off. Talk to your fellow workers about what you can do to improve conditions in your place of employment. Educate yourself about the varied struggles of the working class world wide. Remember your history; don't forget there's always another day, and another fight.

I'll leave you with the words of Lucy Parsons, an early member of the IWW and the wife of one of the Haymarket martyrs, "Never be deceived that the rich will permit you to vote away their wealth."

@'IWW'