Kino Eye: The 1911 Triangle fire

Submitted by martin on 10 August, 2021 - 4:45 Author: John Cunningham
Garment workers protest, early 20th century New York

Tragically, fires in garment factories are not new. The one constant is the culpability of the owners (see Solidarity 601).

One of the most infamous fires broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York on 25 March 1911. Most of the 146 victims were female immigrants, mainly Italian and Jewish. The youngest was only 14.

The cause of the fire is not known. All exits and safety doors were locked, but an inquest acquitted the owners.

The Triangle Factory Fire Scandal is a 1979 TV-film directed by Mel Stuart, distributed in the USA by NBC and available on YouTube. It proved a major stimulus to the growth of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU), established in 1900.

At a memorial meeting, Rose Schneiderman of the Women’s Trade Union League said:

“I can’t talk fellowship to you who are gathered here. Too much blood has been spilled. I know from my experience it is up to the working people to defend themselves. The only way they can save themselves is by a strong working-class movement.”

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.