The AFL-CIO is joining with several other unions and labor groups to present a symposium commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. The March 21 event will examine the lessons learned and the conditions for workers in the century since the disaster claimed 146 lives. You may register for the event here.
NIOSH, on the importance of remembering the fire:
Despite this progress, we must remember that the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory tragedy still holds many important lessons a century later. People continue to die on the job. There were 4,340 work-related fatalities in 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' preliminary estimates. All of us have critical roles to play in reducing this toll. We in occupational safety and health must continue our efforts to eliminate the hazards that persist in our traditional heavy industries, to anticipate and address the potential hazards of our emerging economies, and to make the case that corporate responsibility and profitability go hand in hand.
New York City will play host to many commemorative events, which are listed here. CUNY will hold a one-day conference on March 24. OSHA has a retrospective posted here.
View the 1950’s reenactment by the ILGWU:
Submitted by Patrick McQueen