Look for the Union Label
In 1889, in response to growth in the number of labor unions, New York State passed a law offering unions an opportunity to register their labels, names, brands, or other devices with the Secretary of State. It was thought that this procedure of officially recognizing the uniqueness of each labor association or union logo would help avoid the confusion that might result from similar designs.
The law was amended in 1943 to substitute the Department of Labor as the registering agency. Hundreds of labels were registered during the period from 1901 to 1942, the time period represented by these images.
Most union labels were made of paper and usually fairly simple in design; a few were colorful and elaborate. One of the devices registered was a branding iron designed to literally “make an impression.”
However, the labels were intended to do more than just identify an association of people who made a particular product or service; all projected, explicitly or implicitly, the pride that members had in their trade, while encouraging solidarity with workers everywhere.
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Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America New York State Archives. |
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Distillery, Rectifying and Wine Workers International Union of America New York State Archives. |
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Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America New York State Archives. |
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Journeymen's Horseshoers Union of New York State New York State Archives. |
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The Master Plumbers Association of Syracuse NY New York State Archives. |
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Coopers International Union Barrel Labels New York State Archives. |
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Cigar Dealers Association of America New York State Archives. |
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Associated Master Barbers of America New York State Archives. |
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Carriage, Wagon and Automobile Worker's International Union of North America New York State Archives. |
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Journeymen Barber's International Union of America New York State Archives. |
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Industrial Workers of the World New York State Archives. |
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Carriage and Wagon Workers International Union New York State Archives. |
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Actors National Protective Union of America New York State Archives. |
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Greater New York Watchmakers Association New York State Archives. |
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Hotel and Restaurant Employees' International Alliance New York State Archives. |
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Bartenders' International League of America New York state Archives. |
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Piano and Organ Worker's International Union of America New York State Archives. |
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International Printing Pressmen and Assistants Union of America New York State Archives. |
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United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners New York State Archives. |
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Farmers and Market Gardners Union New York State Archives. |
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Trunk and Bag Workers' International Union of America New York State Archives. |
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Suspender Maker's Benevolent Union New York State Archives. |
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National Union of the United Brewery Workmen of the United States New York State Archives. |
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United Hatters of North America New York State Archives. |
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Hebrew Butcher Workmen Union No. 1 of New York New York State Archives. |
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United Photographic Employees Local Industrial Union New York State Archives. |
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National Organizing Committee of the Barber and Beauty Culturists New York State Archives. |