THREAD
Today, the first Monday in September, is also known as Labor Day in the U.S. It’s a federal holiday — a day in which we pay homage to the American labor movement, and honor the contributions of workers to the development and achievements of our great nation. #LaborDay2020

1) One organization, the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, was pivotal in assuring better working conditions for factory workers in the clothing industry. #LaborDay

2) Founded in 1900, the ILGWU comprised mainly Jewish and Italian immigrants employed in smaller businesses, often working in unfair, unsanitary and dangerous conditions.
#LaborDay

3) In 1909-1910, more than 80,000 women garment workers launched massive strikes in NYC, seeking higher wages, reduced hours, and safer work conditions. They also spoke out against the poor treatment of women, which included unwanted sexual advances and other physical threats.

4) During negotiations on behalf of its members, the ILGWU finally succeeded in being recognized by clothing manufacturers. It ensured for its members not only higher wages, but other important benefits that included health examinations.
#LaborDay

5) In spite of this victory, many shops and factories continued to be run by owners who ignored fundamental workers' rights, and continued to operate with unsafe working conditions. #LaborDay

6) Tragedy struck in 1911 at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company in New York City. Fire broke out in a scrap bin on the eighth floor, killing 146 of the company’s 500 workers. Those who died were mostly girls and young women between the ages of 14 and 43. #LaborDay

7) Following the Triangle Fire, ILGWU Educational Department Director Fannia Cohn spoke out, saying unions and manufacturers must "be made responsible for sanitary conditions and precautions against fire in the shops." Below is a photo of Fannia. #LaborDay

8) The fire spotlighted the horrific, inhumane working conditions that these industrial workers endured. This led to a huge public outcry for better laws to protect workers. As a result, the ILGWU became one of the most powerful unions in the organized labor movement. #LaborDay

9) Using that power to do good, the organization successfully established a health center in 1914, providing medical, dental and prescription services to ILGWU members. While the first center was in NYC, others opened in cities and rural communities throughout the U.S. #LaborDay

10) Remember Fannia Cohn? She went on to become the ILGWU’s first female vice president, serving from 1916–1926. During her tenure, Cohn worked to make educational courses available to ILGWU members. She’s shown in the image below. #LaborDay

11) In 1917, Cohn opened the ILGWU Workers University at Washington Irving High School in NYC, which offered classes on labor relations, history, art and other subjects. She successfully set up similar programs in other cities — Boston, Chicago, Cleveland and Philadelphia.

12) By 1931, ILGWU membership was 31,000, but the group was struggling due to the Depression.

David Dubinsky was elected president in 1932, serving until 1966. When Dubinsky took the reins, he helped the organization take advantage of New Deal recovery policies. #LaborDay

13) The ILGWU was one of several groups that participated in the Jewish Labor Committee, formed in 1934 to organize anti-Nazi activities. Dubinsky served as JLC's first treasurer. During its history, ILGWU worked closely with the JLC to aid persecuted European trade unionists.

14) During Dubinsky’s tenure as president, ILGWU membership skyrocketed, from 45,000 in 1932 to more than 450,000 in 1957. At that point, the ILGWU indisputably had become one of the largest and most powerful unions in the U.S. #LaborDay

15) This growth resulted in significant benefits for union members, including the establishment of a Death Benefit Fund in 1937; negotiating the ILGWU's first contract with a retirement plan in 1943; and creating an ILGWU Staff Retirement Fund in 1946. #LaborDay

16) Dubinsky transformed the ILGWU into a strong, progressive international organization that successfully improved members’ pay and working conditions. The ILGWU pioneered benefits such as pension funds, cooperative housing, health care, education and cultural activities.

17) First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was a strong supporter of labor issues and lifelong friend of ILGWU. She developed a good relationship not only with leadership, but members too, encouraging cooperation with unions. Image: Eleanor Roosevelt at the 1959 ILGWU Union Label campaign.

18) The First Lady’s stalwart support, in tandem with Dubinsky’s powerful leadership skills, allowed the ILGWU to emerge from World War II with a solid membership base and a powerful lobby in Washington. #LaborDay

19) In 1952, the ILGWU created its first Mobile Health Unit, bringing health services to members living in rural areas away from stationary health centers. By 1965, there were 13 Union Health Centers and six Mobile Health Units in operation—the most in the union’s history.

20) The ILGWU National Scholarship Fund was set up in 1957 to honor Dubinsky’s 25th anniversary as president. Through an annual competition, the fund provided support to college-bound students. Also in 1957, ILGWU affiliated with the AFL-CIO Industrial Union Department. #LaborDay

21) In the 1960s, cheap imports, restrictive labor laws, and the departure of American factories overseas began to take a toll on the industry. By 1973, the effects of competition from foreign imports and the loss of jobs had taken a toll on the ILGWU membership roster. #LaborDay

22) With only 125,000 members in 1995, the ILGWU joined forces with the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union to form UNITE!, the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees, representing 250,000 workers in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. #LaborDay2020

23) Many thanks to @mindyanns for her tweet that inspired this thread! https://twitter.com/mindyanns/status/1302989742309404673