[1] A successful strike and organizing drive in 1946 established the IWA as western Canada's largest union, a position that it has generally held since then.
The IWA was staunchly Democratic, and avoided left-wing politics throughout its history.
In the 1980s, raids, mergers and anti-union actions by employers decimated the IWA's membership.
The burgeoning environmental movement also restricted access to public lands, where most old-growth timber existed.
IWA Canada remained an independent Canadian union until 2004, when it merged with the United Steelworkers.