March 25th, 1911—the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

[franklanguage]

"March 25, 1911 • We Remember • A 17-Year-Old Girl Named Sonia Wissotsky Lived Here

"She Died 3/25/11 In The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire"

This sign was part of the CHALK project, an annual remembrance of the fire. This year marks the 10th year of CHALK. There are several sites that showcase CHALK, including this one that highlights the centennial in 2011. That year there was a procession down to City Hall, attended by most of the city's unions, including 802, the Musicians Local.

The fire was a totally preventable tragedy; the women were made to work overtime that day, and the doors were bolted to prevent any of them leaving the factory. As a result, many jumped out windows to their deaths on the cobbles below.

This tragedy resulted in many preventable deaths, and consequently legislation was passed to ensure that this would never happen again.

Comments

[sabotabby]

I didn't realize it was today.

Of course the same thing happens these days all the time, but in Bangladesh.

[franklanguage.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I know; at least we have a few laws forcing our bosses to be slightly human.

[misstia]

And sadly such a fire took place last year in India (wasn't it India?) where so many died because the doors were locked. The laws were changed here, but the practice continues in other countries.

I like that people go and do that so those victims are remembered. That's a great thing.

[franklanguage.livejournal.com]

It's awesome; I think I'm going to get involved next year.