The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire, a tragic but pivotal event in labor history, occurred on March 25, 1911, in the Asch Building on the Lower East Side, Manhattan. This disaster was a catalyst for change in labor laws and workplace safety standards, but there's more to the story than just the grim details.
The factory was owned by Max Blanck and Isaac Harris, known as the "Shirtwaist Kings" due to their success in the ladies' blouse, or "shirtwaist," business. Ironically, despite their wealth, they were infamous for their poor treatment of workers and harsh working conditions.
The fire started on the eighth floor, possibly from a discarded cigarette. Within minutes, it spread to the ninth and tenth floors, trapping many of the 500 workers, mostly young immigrant women. Tragically, the fire escape collapsed, and the doors to stairwells and exits were locked to prevent theft and unauthorized breaks. As a result, 146 people lost their lives, many jumping from windows to escape the flames.
Here's a quirky tidbit: the fire department's ladders could only reach the sixth floor. Talk about a design flaw! The tragedy also highlighted the inadequacy of the New York Fire Department's equipment in dealing with high-rise fires.
Interestingly, the owners had already experienced a series of suspicious fires in their other factories, hinting at possible insurance fraud. Yet, they were acquitted of manslaughter charges, though they did have to pay a paltry $75 per victim in civil settlements. For comparison, they received about $60,000 from insurance for the fire.
The fire sparked a movement for change, leading to the creation of the American Society of Safety Professionals and influencing future labor and safety regulations. It also fueled the growth of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, which fought for better working conditions and pay.
One lesser-known fact is that the building, now known as the Brown Building, is a National Historic Landmark and part of New York University. It's a somber but important reminder of the past and a symbol of the progress made in labor rights.
In a twist of fate, Frances Perkins, who witnessed the fire, later became the first female U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She played a crucial role in shaping the New Deal and modern labor policies.