The South Jersey NOW-Alice Paul Chapter shows film “Fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factor” Nov. 12

At 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12 the South Jersey NOW-Alice Paul Chapter, will show the film “Fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.” It will be preceded by a discussion of chapter activities. The meeting takes place at the First Baptist Church, 19 West Street in Moorestown. Enter via the side door closest to municipal parking lot and Carl’s Shoe Store.

On March 2, 1911 a dropped match on the eighth floor of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York’s Greenwich Village sparked a fire that killed 147 innocent people trapped inside a locked workroom five or ten minutes before closing time. Most were burned beyond recognition. This fire, so horrifying and murderous, was the deadliest workplace accident in New York’s history, and reflected problems that arise when workers cannot organize to improve their working lives. The 10-story building had experienced four recent fires and was reported by the Fire Department as unsafe due to an insufficient number of exits and only one tiny fire escape. The ensuing national outrage, forced government action and became the impetus for landmark legislation providing the most comprehensive safety laws in the country. The tragedy forever changed the relationship between labor and industry in the United States.

At the time of the fire, unions were in their infancy. Those that were active and helped in the aftermath included the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union (ILGWU). Today, the unions are in serious decline but trying to make a comeback and sweatshops are common, so this piece of history in very important.

For information or directions, please contact Anita M. Sopenoff at anitafinancial@comcast.net.