workingclasshistory:

On this day, 5 November 1916, at least five members of the revolutionary Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) union were massacred by police and bosses’ thugs after about 300 IWW members (aka: Wobblies) went from Seattle by two steamships to support striking workers and free speech in Everett, Washington. Only one of the steamships, the Verona, which carried over 200 of the IWW members, got to the dock in Everett. More than 200 police and anti-union vigilantes were waiting for them. When asked by the Sheriff Don McRae who their leader was, the Wobblies on the boat replied, “We’re all leaders.” Moments later the boat, with Wobblies as well as non-IWW affiliated passengers and crew, was under intense gunfire (two vigilantes were even accidentally shot from behind by their fellow vigilantes). In the chaos, the steamship left back for Seattle, notifying the Calista to do the same. Upon return, 74 Wobblies were arrested (being acquitted some six months later).
More info, including about the role played by women in the dispute, in our podcast: https://workingclasshistory.com/2018/12/02/e16-women-in-the-early-iww/ https://www.facebook.com/workingclasshistory/photos/a.296224173896073/1255436281308186/?type=3