Jacob Potofsky

Who was Jacob Potofsky?

Jacob Samuel Potofsky was a Ukrainian born trade unionist. After emigrating to the United States, Potofsky became an influential figure in the Labor history of the United States. Following his death, President Jimmy Carter issued a statement recognizing Potofsky as "one of the giants of the labor movement"

As a teenager, Potofsky moved to Chicago, and, in 1914 joined the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. Potofsky gained power in the union, become a close partner of Sidney Hillman. In 1946 he succeeded Hillman as president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, a post he held until 1972. Potofsky was noted for his ability to reconcile differences within a union or between union and employer. He was, however, staunchly pro-labor, warning workers that "What you earn at the bargaining tables can be taken away in the legislative halls." His work landed him on the master list of Nixon political opponents.

After his death, the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America issued a statement hailing Potofsky, saying that "The life and times of Mr. Potofsky are inextricably interwoven with the growth and stability of the American Labor movement."