I.W.W. Committee Leaders: A Historic Gathering (1910-15)

This historical glass negative, created by the Bain News Service between 1910 and 1915, features notable members of the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.) Committee. Among those captured are Sullivan, Caron, Plunkett, Turner, and Woolman. The I.W.W. was founded in 1905 to unite workers across various industries in an effort to promote labor rights and advocate for better working conditions. This image highlights the leadership of a movement that aimed to empower workers during a time marked by significant industrial growth and labor unrest in the United States.

The photograph is a valuable artifact that provides insight into the early 20th-century labor movement. The individuals depicted were integral to the I.W.W.s mission, which focused on organizing workers to stand against exploitation and championing social justice in the workplace. This image not only documents the appearance of these influential figures but also serves as a reminder of the enduring struggle for workers rights that continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about labor and equality.