One Big Union (concept)

The One Big Union (OBU) is a concept within the labor movement advocating for the organization of all workers into a single, unified labor organization, regardless of their trade, industry, or geographic location. The core principle of the OBU is industrial unionism taken to its ultimate conclusion: rather than separate unions representing different crafts within a single industry or separate unions for distinct industries, all workers should belong to one large union.

Proponents of the OBU believe that such a structure would provide significantly more power to workers in their dealings with employers and the state. A unified workforce could exert greater economic pressure through coordinated action, such as general strikes, and ultimately have more influence in shaping economic and political outcomes. The underlying idea is that the strength of labor resides in its unity and collective bargaining power.

Key arguments in favor of the OBU include:

• Increased Bargaining Power: A single, large union wields significantly more power than smaller, fragmented unions when negotiating with employers.
• Elimination of Jurisdictional Disputes: Organizing within one union removes conflicts between different unions over which workers they represent.
• Solidarity and Mutual Support: All workers are united, fostering a sense of solidarity and mutual support across different sectors of the economy.
• Greater Political Influence: A unified labor movement can exert more political pressure to advocate for policies that benefit all workers.

Historically, the concept of the OBU has been associated with various labor organizations and ideologies, particularly syndicalism and industrial unionism. Examples of organizations that have attempted to implement the OBU model, or have been strongly influenced by it, include the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). While the ideal of a single, all-encompassing union has rarely been fully realized, the principles of solidarity and unified worker action remain influential within the labor movement. The concept continues to inspire discussions and debates about the most effective ways to organize and empower workers.