Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Practice Exam

Which group focused on organizing unskilled workers often neglected by traditional unions?

1. American Federation of Labor

2. Industrial Workers of the World

3. National Labor Relations Board

4. Teamsters Union

The correct answer is: Industrial Workers of the World

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) is recognized for its focus on organizing unskilled workers who were often overlooked by traditional labor unions. Founded in 1905, the IWW sought to unite all workers, regardless of skill level, into one large union. The IWW advocated for the rights of workers in industries where labor conditions were poor and where traditional unions largely represented skilled trades. The organization's grassroots approach aimed to empower the most marginalized laborers and promote direct action, including strikes and boycotts, to improve working conditions and wages. In contrast, the American Federation of Labor primarily organized skilled workers and craft unions, focusing on improving wages and working conditions through collective bargaining. The National Labor Relations Board, established later in 1935, does not focus on organizing workers but rather on overseeing union elections and adjudicating labor practice disputes. The Teamsters Union, while influential in a wide range of industries, primarily represented truck drivers and related workers, rather than the unskilled workforce as a whole. Thus, the IWW's unique approach to include and advocate for unskilled workers distinguishes it as the correct answer in this context.