The disaster spurred a new era of reform, but we still have much work to do.

Today is the 104th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, a disaster that spurred a previously-unseen movement to improve safety standards for workers across the country.

On March 25, 1911, fire swept through downtown Manhattan’s Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Bosses blocked most of the exits to prevent workers from taking breaks or leaving. As a result 146 of some 500 workers, most of them young immigrant women, died within 20 minutes. Most deaths occurred on the factory’s ninth floor, because workers there couldn’t get to the roof or down the stairs. Fire engine ladders reached only to the sixth floor. Victims were asphyxiated, burned to death or leaped from the factory’s windows.

After the fire, the International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union (ILGWU) -- which counted many of the lost workers among its members -- fought for and won many real reforms. A progressive era was born from the tragedy, during which historic legislation was passed that included unemployment compensation and Social Security and The National Labor Relations Act of 1935, which protected workers’ rights to organize and strike, and required businesses to participate in collective bargaining.

Today, workers, family members, activists and concerned citizens gathered today in Greenwich Village for an annual memorial the site of the old Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, which is now a part of New York University. Remembered were not only those who lost their lives in that deadly, fast moving blaze but also how much work there is still to be done to protect workers all over the world. To learn more log on to www.rememberthetrianglefire.org.