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We Commemorate the Workers Killed at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire -- 113 Years Ago

MARCH 25 -- Today marks the 113th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in Greenwich Village in 1911. It was the greatest industrial disaster in the history of the city, causing the deaths of 146 garment workers – 123 women and girls and 23 men – who died from the fire, smoke inhalation, falling, or jumping to their deaths. Most of the victims were recent Italian or Jewish immigrant women and girls.

Because the doors to the stairwells and exits were locked – a common practice at the time to prevent workers from taking unauthorized breaks and to reduce theft – many of the workers could not escape from the burning building and jumped from the high windows. There were no sprinklers in the building. The fire led to legislation requiring improved factory safety standards and helped spur the growth of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU), which fought for better working conditions for sweatshop workers. It paved the way for safety rules and fire regulations which have protected millions of workers to date.

Remembering the tragic fire and the union's vital role in protecting workers, we say along with Mother Jones: Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living.

Richard Davis, President

National Transit Worker Appreciation Day

MARCH 18 -- It's National Transit Worker Appreciation Day. Whether you operate a bus or a train, make announcements and ensure safety, fix and repair rolling stock, serve customers at transit hubs, clean and maintain our system, transport schoolchildren or tourists, you are valued and you are our reason for being at TWU Local 100, the greatest and most powerful transportation union in the United States. Through the routine and the unexpected, we are the bedrock of New York, keeping this great City moving 24/7.

Appreciation is often not extended to you when you deserve it. That's why we get on the news to make sure the public understands what it is that we do and the hazards of our jobs, even as we are committed to ensuring ever better wages, working conditions, and benefits for you as we go forward. Never forget that we are a Union family and that the fact of our solidarity, above all else, will secure our future.

Newly Renovated Parsons-Archer Crew Facility

Jamaica Center, March 15th 2024 - Sec’y Treasurer Chiarello, RTO VP Gomez, officers, members, and NYCT personnel inaugurate the newly renovated crew facility in the home of the E & J lines.

Chiarello praised the work of our in-house maintenance crews, and Gomez welcomed the improvements for RTO members.

Update on the shooting at Hoyt / Schermerhorn

MARCH 14 -- Another tragic shooting has occurred within the subway system. Gunfire broke out aboard a Northbound A train in the conductor's car. Thankfully, the train crew emerged physically unharmed from the ordeal. Upon learning of the incident, Division Chair Jonluke Rodriguez, along with union representatives Ernest Boyce and Denise Long, immediately mobilized response efforts.