TODAY IN LABOR HISTORY: March 25, 1911 - Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire occurred on March 25, 1911, in New York City and was one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history. A fire broke out on the top floors of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, where garment workers—mostly young immigrant women—were trapped due to locked exit doors and inadequate safety measures. In just 18 minutes, 146 workers lost their lives, either from the flames or by jumping from the building. The tragedy exposed dangerous working conditions and led to major reforms in labor laws, workplace safety regulations, and the rise of the labor movement.

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