Senate marks 115th anniversary of Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, urges continued worker protections
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Summary
On March 24 the Senate adopted a resolution commemorating the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, recalled the 146 victims and urged sustained enforcement of labor and fire-safety protections.
The New York State Senate on March 24 commemorated the 115th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire through Resolution 17-94. Senators described the 1911 tragedy — which killed 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women — as a turning point that led to modern workplace safety laws.
Sponsor Sen. Ramos said the fire “was not inevitable” and described how the state responded by strengthening labor protections and safety standards. Sen. Jackson added that the catastrophe exposed government failures and praised reforms that followed, including creation of inspection regimes and labor protections. Sen. Rhodes, the ranking member on the Senate labor committee, outlined how the factory investigation produced dozens of bills and many enacted protections that inform today’s codes.
Several senators drew a throughline to present-day concerns, urging vigilance in enforcing safety standards and protecting immigrant and vulnerable workers. The resolution was adopted and members emphasized that remembrance should carry forward as a policy commitment to prevent similar tragedies.
