Question

comparative ethnic studies
name michael brooks
date 4/18/2025
class comparative ethnic studies
prof. gordon - immigrant women and employment
triangle shirt waistcoat factory fire: immigrant women and employment, work conditions, and new labor laws

1. the women employees in the triangle factory represent various nationalities. briefly describe the female employees in the triangle factory; what is their ethnicity and country of origin?
2. the triangle shirt waistcoat company represents a step up for most workers. explain the working conditions in the factory and how the workers are treated.
3. in a brief explanation, describe the reaction/response of the factory owners, like harris and blanck, to the workers’ decision to join the workers’ union.
4. write two family or business expenses for which the women workers in the triangle factory used their incomes/salaries.
5. shortly following the triangle fire, the new york state government passed a series of “bills to better factory conditions.” write and explain two labor laws that the state legislature passed to help improve working conditions and worker rights in new york state.

Explanation:

1. The female employees in the Triangle factory were mainly Jewish and Italian - American immigrants. They came from countries like Italy and various parts of Eastern Europe.
2. Working conditions were harsh. Long hours (up to 12 - 14 hours a day), low pay, and overcrowded workspaces were common. Workers were treated poorly, with little job security and few rights.
3. Factory owners like Harris and Blanck were hostile. They tried to prevent unionization through intimidation, firing union - supporting workers, and using anti - union tactics.
4. Family expenses could include rent for their living quarters and food to feed their families. Business - related might be purchasing sewing supplies if they did some work at home.
5. One law required better fire safety measures such as more accessible fire escapes and fire drills. Another law regulated working hours to prevent over - exploitation of workers.

Answer:

1. Mainly Jewish and Italian - American immigrants from Italy and Eastern Europe.
2. Harsh: long hours, low pay, overcrowded; treated poorly with little job security.
3. Hostile, used intimidation and anti - union tactics like firing union supporters.
4. Rent for living, food for family; sewing supplies if work at home.
5. Law for better fire safety (more fire escapes, drills); law regulating working hours.