The Independent Workers Union traces its roots back to the Cork Operative Butchers Society which was founded in 1916.

1. It registered as a trade union in 1932
2. It was licenced as a trade union in 1941.
3. In 1997, the Cork Operative Butchers’ Society membership began to decline so it became a part of the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union (ATGWU). The ATGWU was founded in the UK in in 1927.
4. In 2001, the London Branch started to show unwelcome interest in the Irish section, which resulted in the sacking of the Irish Regional Secretary.
5. The Cork based branches of the ATGWU reactivated the Butchers’ licence and formed the Independent Workers Union in 2002. The IWU now represents workers from all different industries and backgrounds. The Independent Workers Union has branches all over the Island of Ireland both North and South. It has chosen not to be part of the ICTU but will cooperate to achieve mutual goals.