Use the links at the top to explore our site and find out what the ILGWU can do for you!

Who are the Women Making Garments in NYC?

– In the early 1890’s, one in every five females over the age of ten were employed. Over a million of these women worked in factories.

– By 1920, this number will increase to one in every four.

– Most of these women are young and single, or widows and divorcees.

– Seventy-five percent of working women in 1920 will be foreign-born or the daughter of foreign parents.

– In New York City, most garment and textile workers were women of Russian-Jewish or Italian descent.

– In 1905, the average factory salary was just $400 per year ($8 per week).

– Women consistently earn 25-67% less than their male counterparts.