Thursday, March 24, 2011

TRIANGLE SHIRTWAIST FACTORY FIRE

25 March 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of  the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City.

146 workers, mostly young women, Jewish and Italian immigrants perished in the fire.  Many burned to death, but many more jumped from the building in an effort to survive.

The exits had been locked to prevent workers from "sneaking out for a smoke, or leaving work early".

The owners moved to another building and continued business (exploitation) as usual.

The fire became a pivotal turning point in the struggle for workers rights.

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