Italian Labor Center
Italian Labor Center
231 East 14th StreetNew York, NY 10003
Situated above the Beauty Bar is an inscription commemorating the building’s history as the former Italian Labor Center. On either side of the inscription are depictions of two families, one in torment and another at peace, that are thought to have been carved by Italian artist Onorio Ruotolo, who frequently used his art as social criticism. Built in 1919, the building served as headquarters for the Local 48 of the ILGWU (Italian Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union), or Italian Cloakmakers’ Union. The organization followed largely Socialist ideals—in part a response to Benito Mussolini’s steady rise to power in Italy and his dissemination of fascism—and was renowned for organizing strikes and protests in an effort to improve labor conditions.