Lovestone, Jay. Interview by E. Finn., 1978-1978
Collection Number: 6036/023
Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation & Archives
Cornell University Library
DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY
Title:
Lovestone, Jay. Interview by E. Finn, 1978-1978
Repository:
Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation & Archives
Collection Number:
6036/023
Abstract:
The collection consists of an oral history interview with Jay Lovestone regarding
the trade union movement in developing countries.
Creator:
Finn, E.
Lovestone, Jay
Quanitities:
0.44 cubic feet
Language:
Collection material in English
Founded in 1900 by local union delegates representing about 2,000 members in cities
in the northeastern United States, the ILGWU grew in geographical scope, membership
size, political influence to become one of the most powerful forces in American organized
labor by mid-century. Representing workers in the women's garment industry, the ILGWU
worked to improve working and living conditions of its members through collective
bargaining agreements, training programs, health care facilities, cooperative housing,
educational opportunities, and other efforts. In 1995, the ILGWU merged with the Amalgamated
Clothing and Textile Workers Union (ACTWU) to form the Union of Needletrades, Industrial
and Textile Employees (UNITE).
Jay Lovestone was born on December 24, 1898 in Lithuania, which was then a part of
Russia. His father obtained a job in a New York synagogue and Lovestone came with
his family to the U.S. at the age of 9. He graduated from City College in 1918 and
soon found himself involved in the Socialist and Communist movements. Lovestone became
a founding member of the American Communist Party in 1919, and became editor of the
Communist Party publication "The Communist" in 1921. Lovestone led the party from
1927 until his expulsion in 1929. Lovestone and his followers formed the Communist
Party of the United States, later the Independent Labor League of America, but more
commonly known as the "Lovestonites," which disbanded in 1940. In 1943, Lovestone
was appointed the founding director of the International Ladies' Garment Workers'
(ILGWU) International Affairs Department. He went on to serve as Secretary of the
Free Trade Union Committee, director of the International Confederation of Free Trade
Unions, and director of the AFL-CIO's Department of International Affairs, serving
from 1963 until his retirement in 1974. Lovestone died on March 7, 1990 at the age
of 91.
The collection contains the written transcript as well the audio recording on a cassette
tape of an oral history with Jay Lovestone. The interview with Lovestone took place
in New York on August 30, 1978 and was conducted by E. Finn. In the interview, Lovestone
the discussion centers on international relations within the labor and trade union
movement, especially as it relates to developing countries. Topics include Lovestone's
insights on the role of Great Britain and the trade union movement in African countries,
the British Trade Union Congress (TUC), and his work relating to, trade unionism in
Africa and Latin America.
Access to the collections in the Kheel Center is restricted. Please contact a reference
archivist for access to these materials.
This collection must be used in keeping with the Kheel Center Information Sheet and
Procedures for Document Use.
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Lovestone, Jay. Interview by E. Finn. #6036/023. Kheel Center for Labor-Management
Documentation and Archives, Cornell University Library.
Related Collections: 5780: ILGWU records 5780/014: ILGWU. Local 22. Charles Zimmerman papers 5780/062: ILGWU. International Relations Department records 6036/028: Lovestone, Jay.
Names:
Finn, E.
Lovestone, Jay.
International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union -- Archives.
CONTAINER LIST
Container
|
Description
|
Date
|
|
Box 1 | Folder 1 |
Jay Lovestone
|
1978 |
Scope and Contents
Interviewed by E. Finn on August 30, 1978. 64 pages.
|
|||
Box 1 | Folder 2 |
Jay Lovestone
|
1978 |
Scope and Contents
Interviewed by E. Finn on August 30, 1978. Audio cassette tape.
|