ILGWU parade float bearing the union label, December 7, 1960. Photographer unknown, via The Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation and Archives.
There was a time not so long ago when many U.S. citizens, the majority women, earned a decent living making clothing. This was in great part aided by the strength of the ILGWU (International Ladies Garment Worker Union). Everyone who was around in 1970s America knows the jingle:
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.
There’s no reason to stop looking for the union label when you purchase vintage fashion. Today through Wednesday, save 20% on all items with union labels in the denisebrain Etsy shop, no coupon code needed. And let me tell you, these are well-made fashions!
