"[A] symbol of decency, fair labor standards and the American way of life": the union label and the International Ladies' Garment Workers Union (ILGWU)'s campaign to remind consumers to buy union-made.
Woman's right to vote... by International Ladies' Garment Workers' UnionSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
Formed in 1900 by several smaller unions with largely female membership, the ILGWU was centrally involved in women's legal and labor activism throughout the 20th century.
poster by International Ladies' Garment Workers' UnionSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
In the 1970s, the ILGWU started its massive "Union Label" campaign, encouraging American consumers to buy domestic, union-made products in print ads and, of course...
Tis the season to look for the union label by International Ladies' Garment Workers' UnionSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
that time-honored tradition: the jingle.
"Look for the Union Label, when you are buying a coat, dress, or blouse."
This iconic tune, originally sung at ILGWU union rallies, hit American homes in 1975.
Garment Workers Rally by International Ladies' Garment Workers' UnionSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
The ILGWU continued to be involved in labor activism. In 1982, Some 20,000 people showed up to a rally for Chinese garment workers' rights in New York's Chinatown, winning their demands in just hours.
Pamela wore a mini skirt, sweater, white go-go boots and 4 union labels by International Ladies' Garment Workers' UnionSmithsonian's National Museum of American History
The ILGWU has since merged with another union to form the Union of Needletrades, Industrial, and Textile Workers (UNITE) but its popular union label campaign is still remembered for its impact on promoting union-made goods.
For more on the ILGWU, check out the Cornell University Kheel Center's "History of the ILGWU:" https://ilgwu.ilr.cornell.edu/history/arts.html
