Observed annually on June 27th, Industrial Workers of the World Day is a holiday that commemorates the founding of the Industrial Workers of the World Union (IWW) in the early 20th century. The Industrial Revolution began during the 18th century and continued through the 19th and 20th centuries, transforming the world in the process.

New manufacturing technologies came online, leading to mass-produced goods and the growth of industrial capital. This led to significant changes in the world’s labor force as society shifted from a primarily agrarian existence to a more industrial one. This holiday draws attention to industrial workers around the world.

The History of Industrial Workers of the World Day

In 1905, the Industrial Workers of the World Union (IWW) was created in Chicago, Illinois. The goal of this organization was to unite industrial workers, regardless of their trade or skill, into one large union that could effectively challenge the power of capitalist systems and employers.

The main goal of the IWW was the establishment of industrial democracy and the creation of a more just and equitable society. Today, the holiday Industrial Workers of the World Day is a day that celebrates those industrial workers who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to modern society.

Observing Industrial Workers of the World Day

This holiday should be observed by thanking the industrial workers we know for what they do on a daily, weekly, and yearly basis. If we don’t know someone who works in the industrial sector, then we can take the time to spread our thanks online using the hashtag #IndustrialWorkersOfTheWorldDay.

It’s also a good day for people to learn more about the Industrial Revolution and the impact it had on modern society. Although industrialism is somewhat in decline throughout the world, for the moment we still rely on industrial workers to get the job done, and for that, we thank them.