Local 8, Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
This union represented Phila. dockworkers from 1913 to 1923. Led by Ben Fletcher, it was among the country’s largest, most powerful Black-led, multiracial unions. Advocated for better pay, improved working conditions and worker solidarity across ethnic and racial lines.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Local 8 of the Industrial Workers of the World organized Philadelphia's waterfront dockworkers from 1913 to 1923, growing into one of the country's largest and most powerful unions. Under the leadership of Ben Fletcher, it stood out as a Black-led, multiracial local that deliberately united workers across ethnic and racial lines. It fought for better wages, safer conditions, and a solidarity that crossed the color line at a time when most unions did not.
Why it matters
Local 8 proved that interracial labor solidarity was possible in Jim Crow-era America, a landmark in both the labor and civil rights struggles.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.4 mi away
- Hill-Physick House0.5 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Powel House0.6 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Merchants' Exchange Building0.7 mi away · 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Living History Center0.7 mi away
- Museum of the American Revolution0.7 mi away · 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- USS Becuna0.5 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Olympia0.5 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- Italian market0.7 mi away · Christian Street
- City Tavern0.7 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
- USS New Jersey0.7 mi away · Wiggins Promenade, Camden, NJ
- First Bank of the United States0.7 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- FRIEDA0.7 mi away · 320 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Garden0.8 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Olivier Cafe0.8 mi away · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Buddakan0.8 mi away · 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.8 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Social0.8 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing0.6 mi away · 201 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.6 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond House0.7 mi away · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.8 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.8 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.8 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Ben Fletcher
Themes & tags
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