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We're forgetting the lessons of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire

JL;DR SUMMARY The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 remains a critical reminder of the need for strong labor laws, yet the hard-won protections it inspired are currently being eroded in the US. A way out west there was a fella, fella I want to tell you about, fella by the name of Jeff Lebowski. At least, that was the handle his lovin' parents gave him, but he never had much use for it himself. This Lebowski, he called himself the Dude. Now, Dude, that's a name no one would self-apply where I come from. But then, there was a lot about the Dude that didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. And a lot about where he lived, likewise. But then again, maybe that's why I found the place s'durned innarestin'.

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Tags

ExploitationLabor HistoryImmigrant WorkersWorkplace SafetyTriangle Shirtwaist FactoryLabor LawPauline NewmanChild LaborLegislative RollbacksWorkplace Reform

Places mentioned

New York City, New York, United States
"The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which remains the deadliest workplace disaster in New York City and one of the worst in the country, not only shocked the nation, it transformed American labor law."
Florida, United States
"In Florida, proposed legislation would remove limits on working hours for 16- and 17-year-olds, potentially allowing overnight shifts during the school year."
Iowa, United States
"In 2023, Iowa passed laws permitting minors to work in previously restricted environments, including meat coolers."
Arkansas, United States
"Arkansas, Missouri, Ohio and other states have pursued similar measures."
Missouri, United States
"Arkansas, Missouri, Ohio and other states have pursued similar measures."
Ohio, United States
"Arkansas, Missouri, Ohio and other states have pursued similar measures."
Wisconsin, United States
"as was the case when in 2023 a 16-year-old Wisconsin boy died in a cotton-packing machine."
Illinois, United States
"States can strengthen work-permit systems, as Illinois did in 2024, improving oversight and reducing violations."
Colorado, United States
"Colorado has taken steps allowing injured minors to pursue private legal action, strengthening employer accountability."

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Cairo Item ID 78405
Cairo Source ID 35
Retrieved 2026-03-25 05:30:48 UTC
Curated 2026-03-25 08:31:02 UTC