Ben GoldAmerican Jewish writer (Yiddish) and labor leader.
Date of Birth: 08.09.1898
Country: USA |
Content:
- Benjamin Gold: Early Life and Activism
- Rise in the Labor Movement
- Major Labor Disputes
- Leadership of ILGWU and JLC
- Presidential Tenure and Investigations
- Later Years and Legacy
Benjamin Gold: Early Life and Activism
In 1898, Benjamin Gold was born in Bessarabia, now part of Moldova. His family immigrated to New York City in 1910. Despite being forced to leave school at age 12, Gold began working at a fur tannery and quickly became involved in the labor movement.
Rise in the Labor Movement
In 1912, Gold joined the Furriers Union of the United States and Canada (IFWU). He played a key role in organizing the first national furriers' strike. Gold also became active in the Socialist Party and, in 1921, joined the Communist Labor Party, a splinter group.
Major Labor Disputes
In 1926, Gold led a major strike of New York City furriers, demanding a shorter workweek and higher wages. After a bitter struggle, the strike ended with workers gaining significant concessions. In the wake of the strike, Gold was arrested and charged with various offenses, but he was ultimately acquitted.
Leadership of ILGWU and JLC
In 1929, Gold played a leading role in establishing the Industrial Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). He served as its secretary, negotiating improved wages and working conditions. Gold also became a prominent figure in the Jewish Labor Committee (JLC), which advocated for Jewish workers' rights.
Presidential Tenure and Investigations
In 1937, Gold was elected president of the ILGWU. In 1948, he also became president of the JLC. However, during the height of anti-communist fervor, Gold was subpoenaed to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). He resigned his Communist Party membership in 1950. Despite his resignation, Gold faced a seven-year legal battle over his alleged communist ties, which culminated in the dismissal of all charges in 1957.
Later Years and Legacy
Gold retired as president of the ILGWU in 1954 and settled in Miami Beach, Florida. He continued to write Yiddish prose and published his autobiography in 1984. Gold's life and legacy have been celebrated in various artistic works, including Herb Gardner's play "I'm Not Rappaport" and Meredith Tax's novel "Union Square."