Elizabeth Maloney

Elizabeth Maloney (November 19, 1880 – October 26, 1921) was an American labor organizer and lobbyist, based in Chicago. She represented the Waitresses' Union on the executive boards of the Chicago Federation of Labor and the Women's Trade Union League, and worked with Agnes Nestor on women's labor laws in Illinois.

Early life Maloney was born in Joliet, Illinois, "She takes a wholesome pride in her own competence," reported Miles Franklin in a 1913 profile. She was a founding member and officer of the Waitresses' Union Local 484, and represented the Waitresses' Union on the executive boards of the Women's Trade Union League and the Chicago Federation of Labor. She was vice-president of the Hotel and Restaurant Employees' International Alliance.

Maloney and Agnes Nestor led the lobbying effort for a six-day work week and a ten-hour work day for all women in Illinois, regardless of occupation. They succeeded in 1911, when those limits became state law. After their success, Maloney and Nestor sought Illinois laws providing a minimum wage and an eight-hour work day for women. Maloney was appointed by the governor to a state industrial survey commission to study women's working conditions.