Freedom of speech was important to labor organizations like the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) because it allowed them to organize and advocate for better working conditions, higher wages, and other labor rights without fear of repression or retaliation. The IWW believed that workers should have the right to speak out against their employers and to organize unions to collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions. Without freedom of speech, labor organizations would be unable to communicate their message effectively and would be at risk of being silenced by those in power.