labor unions

The centennial commemoration of the Triangle shirtwaist factory fire became a rally for organized labor Friday, as hundreds marched and vowed to resist efforts to weaken unions in state capitals across the country.  Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer drew loud cheers when he pledged to fight “right wing ideologues” trying to curb worker protections.

March 25th marks the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in downtown Manhattan.  The fire started in a scrap bin on the 8th floor of the factory building, claiming the lives of 146 garment workers.  The tragedy led to changes in labor and fire safety laws, and coincidentally, the centennial comes at a time of labor union struggles across the country.