Founded on June 3, 1900, the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) emerged as an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and working conditions of those employed in women’s garment manufacturing.
The broader labor movement secured numerous improvements affecting all workers, including the elimination of child labor, the implementation of the eight-hour workday, the establishment of weekends, and enhancements in workplace safety. These reforms extended benefits even to employees who were not union members.
Beyond striving for fair wages and improved conditions, the ILGWU fostered a strong community through basketball teams, bowling leagues, choruses, advanced education courses, and ESL classes. Additionally, it organized fundraising efforts to support individuals in need. The union was notably inclusive. The families of garment workers deeply understood the significance of quality manufacturing and the commitment to maintaining high standards. Women held substantial influence within these garment unions, actively participating in picketing to demand better pay and improved workplace conditions.
For information on dating items by their labels and to discover other unions historically involved in clothing and accessory manufacturing, visit the Vintage Fashion Guild’s Label Resource entry on Union Labels.
We honor this week's ILGWU anniversary by showcasing exclusively union-made apparel—encouraging you to look for the union label yourself!
