Workers' unions were common before the fire. Many victims were union members and participated in strikes against the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. In 1908, foreman Jacob Kline led a walkout on the Triangle Factory, but the strike failed and all workers returned the following week.
Triangle workers also participated in the "Uprising of 20,000," a massive strike of many shirtwaist factories. However, the strike ended after eleven weeks due to lack of funding and factory owners' resistance to budge. Workers did not get all of their demands met, but they received a slight pay raise and shorter working hours.
Triangle workers also participated in the "Uprising of 20,000," a massive strike of many shirtwaist factories. However, the strike ended after eleven weeks due to lack of funding and factory owners' resistance to budge. Workers did not get all of their demands met, but they received a slight pay raise and shorter working hours.