Maria Antonia Gonzalez

Argentinian labor leader who organized textile workers during the Perón era

Maria Antonia Gonzalez (1908–1989) was a pivotal figure in Argentina's labor movement, leading textile workers during the nation's industrial boom. Born in Córdoba to a working-class family, she began factory work at age 12 and quickly became a vocal advocate for workers' rights. In 1935, she co-founded the Textile Workers Union of Córdoba, one of the first organizations to successfully negotiate better wages and working conditions in the region.

During Juan Perón's presidency (1946–1955), Gonzalez became a key advisor to the first lady Eva Perón, helping establish the Eva Perón Foundation which provided social services to marginalized groups. She later clashed with the government over corruption allegations, leading to her exile in 1952. Despite this, she continued organizing workers in Uruguay and Brazil until her return to Argentina in 1973.

Her memoir From Loom to Leadership (published posthumously in 1992) details her experiences and remains a primary source on 20th-century Latin American labor history. For historical context, visit the Wikipedia page or the Argentinian Labor Museum. Her story is also featured in the documentary series Voices of the Picket Line (2018).