Local 23-25 of the ILGWU was a leading example of the social unionism that brought innovative benefits to workers—decent wages and safer working conditions, but also union health clinics, unemployment benefits, cooperative housing, arts and sports activities, even summer resorts. Perhaps more importantly, it was an innovative form of organizing—including cultural activities and solidarity actions linking to other unions, to civil rights struggles, farmworker organizing, disaster relief efforts, and more. Kathy Andrade and worker leaders like her strengthened this culture of solidarity in myriad ways. Notably, sewing skills played a part—used collectively to create quilts and outfits that communicated the stories of immigrant garment union workers.

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Colorful quilt with ILGWU letters at the top and twelve embroidered squares depicting themes of labor, immigration, voting, education, and union life, created by union activists.
Kathy Andrade with union members in Chinatown, holding a pen and clipboard while checking names before workers board a van to the union health center, 1978.
Kathy Andrade seated with a delegation of men in suits outside the ILGWU Cooperative Houses, posing for a group photograph.
Kathy Andrade standing with a large group of women around a table decorated with food and graduation-themed décor, celebrating the completion of a citizenship class.
Kathy Andrade on a picket line outside Horn & Hardart, standing with union members and carrying a large plaid tote bag.
Union women in patterned skirts march in a Labor Day Parade, carrying balloons and a banner reading "We're proud naturalized U.S. citizens and voters! Local 23-25 ILGWU AFL-CIO," 1980s.
Kathy Andrade