The Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (ACWA) organized in 1914 as a splinter-group from the United Garment Workers. By the 1920s the ACWA claimed over 100,000 members in large garment industry cities in the US and Canada.

Farah Manufacturing opened in 1920 in El Paso, Texas, producing civilian as well as military clothing for more than five decades. In the early 1970s, management faced an attempt by the ACWA to unionize Farah employees, reacting quickly and fiercely to keep the union out. A 22 month strike in 1972-1974 by more than 3,000 Farah employees ensued, buoyed by product boycotts in numerous cities throughout the United States. The ACWA coordinated the Farah Strike and support nationwide from its New York office. The strike was successful, but crippled the garment industry in Texas and New Mexico, and thousands of workers lost jobs. The union was weakened, and merged with the Textile Workers Union of America in 1976, becoming the ACTWU.

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New York (N.Y.)

New York County (N.Y.)

1970s

Organizations and Leaders

Occupation and Labor

Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America Records