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Jacob Samuel Potofsky (November 26, 1894 – August 5, 1979) was a Russian-born American trade unionist, best known as second president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, succeeding founder Sidney Hillman.
In 1946, after 36 years of association, Potofsky succeeded Hillman as president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers, when the union had 350,000 members and 96% of the men's clothing industry under union contract. He was active in the American Labor Party of New York State.
Potofsky was an influential figure in the Labor history of the United States in his own right. In 1960, he supported John F. Kennedy for president; in 1968, he supported Hubert H. Humphrey for president. He held the post 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.
Jacob Samuel Potofsky died age 84 on August 5, 1979, in New York City of cancer.
Personal life and death
Potofsky married twice, first to Callie Taylor (who died in 1946) and then to widow Blance Lydia Zetland; they had two daughters and a son. Daughter Delia married noted photographer and newspaper columnist William P. Gottlieb. Their son Bruce died of leukemia.
Legacy
Following his death, President Jimmy Carter issued a statement recognizing Potofsky as "one of the giants of the labor movement". The Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America hailed Potofsky, saying in a release that "The life and times of Mr. Potofsky are inextricably interwoven with the growth and stability of the American labor movement." ACW president Murray Finley and secretary-treasurer Jack Sheinkman stated, "Jack Potosfky's genius was motivating workers to face their own destinies. In his case, it was organizing workers to form unions, to bargain collectively, and to make group decisions for the common good."
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