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A History of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union: Advancing Labor Rights and Human Resources

Isaac Mitchell

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Published in Look For The Union Label: History Of The International Ladies Garment Workers Union (Labor Human Resources Series)

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The International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU) was a labor union that represented workers in the garment industry in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1900, the ILGWU was one of the most important labor unions in the country, and its history is inextricably linked to the history of the labor movement in the United States.

Look for the Union Label: History of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (Labor & Human Resources Series)

by Gus Tyler

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Language	:	English
File size	:	5184 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	361 pages

The Early Years

The ILGWU was founded in New York City in 1900 by a group of cloakmakers who were dissatisfied with the working conditions in the garment industry. The garment industry was notoriously exploitative, with long hours, low wages, and dangerous working conditions. The cloakmakers who founded the ILGWU were determined to improve their working conditions and to win a living wage.

The ILGWU quickly grew in size and strength. By 1905, the union had over 100,000 members. The union's early leaders, including Rose Schneiderman and Clara Lemlich, were passionate advocates for the rights of working women. They led the ILGWU in a series of strikes and protests that won significant improvements in working conditions for garment workers.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

The ILGWU's early history was marked by tragedy. In 1911, a fire broke out in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City, killing 146 workers. The fire was a wake-up call for the garment industry, and it led to a series of reforms to improve fire safety in factories.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire also had a profound impact on the ILGWU. The union's leaders realized that they needed to do more than just bargain for better wages and working conditions. They needed to fight for the health and safety of their members.

The New Deal Era

The ILGWU played a major role in the New Deal era. The union worked closely with President Franklin D. Roosevelt to pass legislation that benefited working people, including the National Labor Relations Act and the Social Security Act.

The ILGWU also played a leading role in the fight for women's rights. The union was a strong supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, and it fought for equal pay for women.

The Post-World War II Era

The post-World War II era was a time of great change for the ILGWU. The union's membership declined as the garment industry moved overseas. The union also faced challenges from new technologies, such as automation and computers.

Despite these challenges, the ILGWU continued to fight for the rights of its members. The union won significant victories, including the right to organize workers in the South and the right to strike for equal pay.

The Merger with the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America

In 1995, the ILGWU merged with the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (ACWA) to form the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE). The merger created the largest union in the United States representing workers in the garment industry.

UNITE continued to fight for the rights of its members. The union won victories in areas such as health care, retirement security, and workers' rights. UNITE also played a leading role in the fight for immigrants' rights.

The Legacy of the ILGWU

The ILGWU was a major force in the labor movement in the United States for over a century. The union's legacy includes:

Winning significant improvements in working conditions for garment workers
Playing a leading role in the fight for women's rights
Fighting for the rights of immigrants
Helping to build a more just and equitable society

The ILGWU's legacy continues today through the work of UNITE and other labor unions. The union's tradition of fighting for the rights of working people is more important than ever in today's globalized economy.