Establishes the NYS Triangle Shirtwaist Fire 103rd anniversary commemoration commission

BILL NUMBER:S3242

Title of bill

An act in relation to creating the New York state Triangle Shirtwaist Fire 103rd anniversary commemoration commission; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose or general idea of bill

To create a temporary commission to commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1. Legislative Findings

Section 2. Creates the Commissions; Defines Terms

Section 3. Composition of Commission

Section 4. Employment

Section S. Assistance and Data

Section 6. Agreements

Section 7. Effective date

Justification

Near closing time on Saturday afternoon, March 25, 1911, a fire broke out. One hundred forty six young immigrant women were killed, unable to escape from their garment sweatshop one block east of Washington Square Park. Most women could not escape the burning building because the managers would lock the doors to the stairwells and exits to keep workers from taking cigarette breaks during their shifts. In an effort to escape the flames, sixty-two persons died by jumping or falling from the ninth floor. The fire was one of the largest industrial disasters in the history of New York. The survivors were left to live and relive those agonizing moments. The victims and their families, the people passing by who witnessed the desperate leaps from ninth floor windows and the city of New York would never be the same.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory was located inside the Asch building, now known as the Brown Building of Science. It has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and a New York city landmark. The fire led to legislation requiring improved factory safety standards and helped spur the growth of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, which fought for better and safer working conditions for sweatshop workers in that industry.

This event challenges not only the labor ethics of a century ago, but those of today. The event highlighted the inhumane working conditions to which industrial workers could be subjected. The New York state legislature, appalled by the event, created a commission to investigate conditions in the city's sweatshops. As a result, the division of Fire prevention was created as part of the Fire Department. Its function is to rid factories of fire hazards.

The victims of the tragedy are still celebrated as martyrs at the hands of industrial greed. Celebrating this milestone gives New Yorkers the opportunity to appreciate and reflect on our history. New York state, its counties, cities, towns and villages may profit, both culturally and economically, from the benefits of a statewide commission to help organize, promote and fully implement a major commemoration of the 103rd Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.

Prior legislative history

2011-2012: S.1819-A - Finance; A.3684-A - Governmental Operations 2010: S.7236 Passed Senate A.10717 Referred to Governmental Operations

Fiscal implications

Unknown.

Effective date

Immediately, and shall expire on October 14, 2014.