My American Studies class was team-taught, but my colleagues always allowed me to give the lecture on the rise of labor unions. In that lecture I always discussed the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. In March 1911 a fire erupted in a New York garment factory on the 9th, 10th, and 11th floors. Most of the workers were young women, mostly Jewish and Italian immigrants. Management had locked the exits to prevent pilfering, and the only way out for most of the women was to jump. Women plunged to their deaths rather than burn in the fire. 146 people died, including two girls aged 14. That was the most people killed in a disaster in New York until the 9/11 World Trade Center horror.
The outrage over the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire led to changes in labor laws in New York and spurred the growth of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.
Now, 101 years later, we see it repeat, this time in Ashulia, Bangladesh. Eight stories up. Windows blocked by grates. Yarn stored near generators. 112 people dead from fire and smoke.
These people were making clothes for Wal-Mart and for Sears. Yes, you can buy cheap clothing at Wal-Mart. Sure it saves you money. But somebody pays. Somebody always pays.
It is the reason why they manufacture there because there are no regulations on manufacturing in Bangladesh! It is cheaper in labor and in keeping up with worker safety. Until we have global guidelines for manufacturing, it will continue somewhere.
ReplyDeleteKarl Marx thought labor would organize across national boundaries. Unfortunately, labor still organizes (when it can) along national boundaries, while capital flows easily across borders. The tragedy in Bangladesh is the result.
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