Dubinsky, David, 1892-1982 (1892-1982)

Dates

• Existence: 1892-1982

Biography

David Dubinsky was born on Feb. 22, 1892 in what is now Poland. As a child, he learned Polish, Russian, and Yiddish. At the age of 15, Dubinsky became a union leader, effectively staging a bakers strike in Lodz, Poland. A year later, he was sentenced to exile in Siberia by Russian authorities for his participation in the strikes. For 18 months, he was in and out of prisons throughout Russia. He was able to escape Russian authorities and returned to Lodz to help his father. Shortly after his return, his brother, who was living in New York City, sent Dubinsky a ticket to the city. David and his other brother were able to smuggle across the border and make their way to the States. They arrived in New York in 1911. Dubinsky promptly found work as a cutter in a dress manufacturing firm. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Dubinsky joined the International Ladies Garment Union, becoming quite occupied with the union's activities; in 1918, he joined Local 10's executive board and, in 1921, he was promoted to business manager. A year after becoming manager, Dubinsky was elected vice president of Local 10. Dubinsky was elected president of the union in 1932 after the passing of the former-president Benjamin Schlesinger. In 1936, Dubinsky and Sidney Hillman formed the American Labor Party. Dubinsky stayed active in the party until 1944 when the party appeared to come under communist control. After leaving, Dubinsky formed the Liberal Party and became vice president. Dubinsky remained a major player in New York City politics and Union affairs until his retirement in 1966. His biggest success in the industry was establishing a 35-hour work week. The Fashion Institute of Technology honored Dubinsky by naming a building after him; the David Dubinsky Student Center.

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