I've noticed that the symbol for the IAM has a square and calipers in the center that looks like a square and compasses. I've heard the founders of the IAM were masons, their early ritual was very masonic and that the labor union in general was influenced by freemasonry.
What was the masonic influence on the IAM and the labor movement in general?
J. R.
Favorite Answer
Freemasonry evolved from out of the old labor guilds, which in essence, were much like modern trade unions. Modern trade unions themselves, were also based heavily on the old guilds, so it is not much of a coincidence that there would be a lot of common ground.
Many of the Masonic rituals were also a part of the guild system, which had adopted and adapted those from various religious and cultural rituals already in place. So too did the modern trade unions revive some of that ritual... particularly the older unions. (IAM founded in the 1880's.) Again, nothing really remarkable in the commonalities.
Taking this into consideration, there really is nothing to say Masonry had anything to do with it, likely there were some Masons involved in the union, as Masons are a part of the larger society, but it is doubtful there were any remarkable numbers of Masons involved or that influenced the early union in any significant way.
Wicked Angel
Be careful not to ask these kind of questions. "THEY" are watching you. lol!!
?
no