# Internationale Union der Holzarbeiter

> international organization; union

**Wikidata**: [Q106651916](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106651916)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/internationale-union-der-holzarbeiter

## Summary
The **Internationale Union der Holzarbeiter** (International Union of Woodworkers) was an international labor union and organization founded in 1904 to represent woodworkers globally. Headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, it operated until its dissolution in 1934, serving as a key entity in the early 20th-century labor movement.

## Key Facts
- **Founded in 1904** as an international labor union for woodworkers.
- **Headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands**, serving as its operational base.
- **Dissolved in 1934**, marking the end of its 30-year existence.
- **Classified as both an international organization and a labor union**, reflecting its dual role in governance and worker representation.
- **GND ID: 5005989-0**, a unique identifier in the German National Library’s authority file.
- **Industry sector**: international governmental or non-governmental organizations.
- **Official name**: *Internationale Union der Holzarbeiter* (no alternate names documented).

## FAQs

**What was the purpose of the Internationale Union der Holzarbeiter?**
The union was established to advocate for the rights and interests of woodworkers internationally, providing a collective voice for laborers in the timber and woodworking industries during the early 20th century.

**Where was the Internationale Union der Holzarbeiter based?**
Its headquarters were located in **Amsterdam, Netherlands**, which served as the administrative center for its operations from 1904 until its dissolution in 1934.

**When did the Internationale Union der Holzarbeiter dissolve?**
The organization was **dissolved in 1934**, ending its three-decade-long role in the international labor movement.

**Was the Internationale Union der Holzarbeiter a governmental organization?**
No, it was classified under **international governmental or non-governmental organizations**, indicating it operated independently of direct state control but may have engaged with governments through treaties or agreements.

## Why It Matters
The Internationale Union der Holzarbeiter played a significant role in the early globalization of labor rights, particularly for woodworkers. As one of the first international unions in its sector, it set precedents for cross-border labor advocacy, helping to standardize worker protections and collective bargaining practices. Its existence during a period of industrial expansion and labor unrest highlights the growing importance of organized labor in shaping fair working conditions. The union’s dissolution in 1934 also reflects the broader challenges faced by international labor movements during economic and political upheavals in the interwar period.

## Notable For
- Being one of the earliest **international labor unions** specifically dedicated to woodworkers.
- Operating for **30 years (1904–1934)**, a substantial lifespan for early 20th-century labor organizations.
- Having its headquarters in **Amsterdam**, a hub for progressive labor movements at the time.
- Representing a **sector-specific** approach to international labor organizing, distinct from broader general unions.

## Body

### **History and Establishment**
The **Internationale Union der Holzarbeiter** was founded in **1904** as a specialized labor union for woodworkers, reflecting the growing need for international coordination among workers in the timber and woodworking industries. Its creation coincided with a period of rapid industrialization, where labor conditions often lacked standardization, and workers sought collective representation across national borders.

### **Organizational Structure and Classification**
The union was formally classified as both an **international organization** and a **labor union**, indicating its role in both governance and worker advocacy. Unlike purely national unions, it operated under an international framework, likely established through treaties or agreements between member organizations or governments. Its **GND ID (5005989-0)** confirms its recognition in academic and bibliographic systems, particularly in German-speaking contexts.

### **Headquarters and Operational Base**
The union’s **headquarters were located in Amsterdam, Netherlands**, a strategic choice given the city’s history as a center for trade, labor activism, and progressive social policies. Amsterdam’s infrastructure and political climate likely facilitated the union’s ability to coordinate activities across multiple countries.

### **Industry and Sector Focus**
The Internationale Union der Holzarbeiter was part of the broader category of **international governmental or non-governmental organizations**, emphasizing its role in labor advocacy rather than direct state governance. Its focus on **woodworkers** distinguished it from general labor unions, allowing it to address sector-specific issues such as workplace safety, wages, and industry regulations.

### **Dissolution and Legacy**
The union **dissolved in 1934**, a period marked by economic instability, rising nationalism, and political shifts that disrupted many international labor organizations. The reasons for its dissolution are not explicitly documented in the source material, but its 30-year existence underscores its significance in the early development of transnational labor rights. Its legacy contributes to the broader history of labor movements, particularly in how sector-specific unions navigated global challenges.

### **Related Entities and References**
The union’s data is referenced in **Wikidata** and academic sources, with citations linked to the **PM20 folder ID (co/071160)**, indicating its inclusion in structured knowledge bases. The **GND identifier (5005989-0)** further cements its place in historical and bibliographic records, ensuring its recognition in research on labor history.

### **Comparison to Contemporary Labor Organizations**
Unlike modern global unions, which often operate under the umbrella of larger confederations (e.g., the International Trade Union Confederation), the Internationale Union der Holzarbeiter was a **standalone international entity** focused solely on woodworkers. This sector-specific approach was relatively rare at the time, making it a notable case study in the evolution of labor organizing strategies.

## References

1. 20th Century Press Archives