An ILGWU Local 105 woman sewing in a shop, c.1960-65
There was a time when many U.S. citizens, the majority women, made a decent living making clothing. This was in great part aided by the strength of the ILGWU (International Ladies Garment Worker Union).
As clothing manufacturers moved their garment work abroad for cheaper labor, the union work dwindled. This advertisement from 1978 may seem outdated, but the message still resonates.
Look for the union label
When you are buying a coat, dress or blouse.
Remember somewhere our union’s sewing
our wages going to feed the kids and run the house,
We work hard but who’s complaining.
Thanks to the I.L.G. we’re paying our way.
So, always look for the union label,
it says we’re able
to make it in the U.S.A.
The ILGWU didn’t just mean fair pay and treatment for its workers, the union also sponsored informational events, health resources, sports teams, choirs, and group travel.
ILGWU Local 295 bowling league, 1963
English class for Spanish-speaking ILGWU members, c.1955-60
Sewing class sponsored by ILGWU Local 91, October 21, 1966. All photos courtesy of Kheel Center on Flickr.
You can still look for the union label, in vintage clothing.
Just a few of the choices with union labels at denisebrain this week (click any photo for more on the item):
See many union labels and the information they give you about dating your clothing in the Vintage Fashion Guild Label Resource entry on Union Labels.
For the most complete history of the ILGWU, see the Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives in the ILR School at Cornell University.