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Union Sewing Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Union Special LLC

Machine Assembler

Huntley, IL

$19/hr

Assemble industrial sewing machines. * Fit parts to very close tolerances and operating requirements, involving use of small hand and power tools. * Accurately align assemblies to unit. * Mount and ...

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How much do union sewing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for union sewing in Illinois is $15.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $16.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a union sewing?

A Union Sewing job involves working as a sewing machine operator or textile worker under a labor union, which ensures fair wages, benefits, and workplace protections. Union sewers typically work in industries like apparel, upholstery, or industrial sewing, following patterns and quality standards. They may also participate in union activities to advocate for better working conditions.

What does a union sewing do?

A typical workday as a Union Sewing professional involves operating specialized sewing machines to assemble, alter, or repair garments and textile products according to production specifications. You may work in a manufacturing setting alongside a team, following structured schedules and collaborating with other sewing operators, quality inspectors, and floor supervisors. Responsibilities often include inspecting materials for defects, meeting daily production targets, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Union environments typically provide standardized breaks, clear communication channels, and opportunities to address workplace concerns collectively. This structured routine helps promote fairness, efficiency, and worker satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in union sewing?

To excel as a Union Sewing professional, you need strong sewing and garment construction skills, knowledge of textile types, and experience working with industrial sewing machines—often supported by previous manufacturing or tailoring experience. Familiarity with specific sewing tools, industrial machines, and safety standards is essential, and unionized workplaces may require knowledge of workplace policies and safety certifications. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality products, maintaining a safe and efficient work environment, and ensuring smooth collaboration within a unionized manufacturing team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sewing jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Sewing jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Union Sewing jobs in Illinois?

For Union Sewing jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Union Sewing jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Union Sewing jobs in Illinois are:

Union Sewing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Sewing job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,735 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Vertical Machine Center Setup and Operator

Union Special LLC

Huntley, IL • On-site

$19 - $20.01/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Union Special, LLC:

Union Special, LLC is a leading manufacturer in the industrial sector with a history of excellence dating back to 1881. We are committed to quality, innovation, and a safe workplace for our dedicated employees.

We are seeking a skilled Vertical Machine Center Setup and Operator to join our team. This role is essential to ensuring precision and efficiency in the production of components for our sewing machines.

Key Responsibilities:

Machine Setup:

  • Prepare Vertical Machining Center (VMC) machines by selecting and installing appropriate tools, fixtures, and materials.
  • Input and adjust machine parameters based on specifications and blueprints.
  • Conduct first-article inspections to verify compliance with production requirements.

Operation and Monitoring:

  • Operate VMC machines to produce parts meeting quality and productivity standards.
  • Monitor operations to ensure proper machine functionality and identify issues.
  • Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring tools (e.g., calipers, micrometers).

Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

  • Conduct routine maintenance to optimize machine performance.
  • Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, tool wear, and programming errors.
  • Maintain detailed records of setups, adjustments, and maintenance activities.

Quality Assurance:

  • Inspect finished parts to ensure they meet company standards for quality and accuracy.
  • Perform rework or touch-ups as needed.

Collaboration and Safety:

  • Work with production teams to coordinate machining schedules and priorities.
  • Follow all safety protocols, including proper PPE use and compliance with OSHA standards.
Requirements

Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience with VMC or CNC machine setup and operation in a manufacturing environment.

Skills:

  • Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, and GD amp;T symbols.
  • Knowledge of G-code programming and CNC machine operations.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift and move objects up to 50 lbs.
  • Comfortable standing, bending, or kneeling for extended periods.
  • Manual dexterity and visual acuity to handle precision tasks.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • Benefits, PTO, Holidays, Health Insurance, and Retirement Plans
  • A supportive and team-oriented work environment
  • A legacy of quality and innovation dating back over a century


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