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1911 – 2011: One Hundred Years of Continuous Struggle and Tragedy for Factory Workers Globally

May 11, 2011

March 25, 2011 marked the 100th anniversary of the devastating fire that flourished through the upper three floors of the Triangle Factory in downtown Manhattan, killing 129 women and 17 men.. On the day of the fire at 4:40pm the 8th floor caught aflame (from what is thought to be a discarded cigarette), there was no plan, never even practice of a fire drill. Unfortunately 146 people were caught in the inescapable fire.. Sprinkles and fire drills were happening in other factories, but not in the Triangle Factory. Later evidence discovered that the ninth floor exits, with three-hundred employees, had been locked.

From the Streets in Madison: Workers Worldwide are Connected

May 6, 2011

The video shows IVAW organizing team leader, Aaron Hughes, delivering a speech on the University of Wisconsin campus preceding a larger rally and march to the capitol building. Hughes’ message gave me hope that a true movement for global social justice was possible. He discusses the successes of Iraqi oil and electrical workers in occupying their workplaces and demanding change in their working conditions.

Not One More Fire! Organizing Globally ~ Remembering the Triangle Fire

May 3, 2011

ILRF also awarded the American Federation of Teachers for their work that brings issues of child labor into classrooms around the United States, in an effort to raise awareness and mobilize campaign activities among teachers and students nationwide. 

Finally, United Steelworkers received an award for the passion and leadership they have brought and continue to apply to the fight for workers rights. Their efforts have been critical in helping exploited workers to organize for the first time and participate in training programs.

ILRF was glad to have the chance to honor these important individuals and institutions who have achieved progress in the fight for workers’ rights in the United States and abroad.

Walmart in Denial on Bangladesh

May 2, 2011

Walmart, whose tagline is “save money, live better,” must make a critical choice.

Walmart can refuse to accept responsibility for the behavior of its subcontractors. In this case, workers will continue to unite in solidarity for living wages and decent working conditions. Labor rights organizations such as ILRF and SFC will embark in a potent education campaign to ensure that customers are informed of Walmart’s behavior in Bangladesh.

Human Rights Defender, Charles Hector, Sued Over Blog Exposing Labour Abuse

April 22, 2011

The punitive lawsuit against Mr. Charles Hector only accentuates the harsh reality of Burmese migrant workers in Malaysia, who do not speak the local language, face exploiting and indifferent employers and agents, unhelpful embassies, limited access to justice and collective bargaining and insufficient monitoring and protection from the authorities. Mr. Charles Hector advocates through a credible channel on complaints of rights abuses to the public and expresses the growing concern of conditions for millions of workers.

The Goals and Mechanism to Achieving Stability, Democracy and Peace among Workers in the Ivory Coast

April 21, 2011

The ongoing social, political and military conflict in the Ivory Coast has additionally shifted to political, ethnic and religious unrest. The Republic of Cote d’Ivoire has experienced two coups d’état and one civil war since it gained its independence in 1960 from France. Following the 2002-03 civil war, the West African country was spilt between the north and south. In 2000, Laurent Gbagbo, leader of the Ivorian Popular Front, replaced Guei as president. In 2003, Gbagbo and rebel leaders signed accords creating a “government of national unity,” although clashes between the two sides still continue.

Return Our Mural

April 20, 2011

One of the horrified passersby who witnessed this scene was another Rose, Rose Schneiderman. An immigrant like Rosie, Rose taught herself English while working in a sweatshop then began a life as an organizer for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She joined forces with the social reformer Frances Perkins (both are pictured in the eighth panel with the fire in the background), to press for the work protections we have come until recently to take for granted—limits on the length of the work week, restrictions on child labor, minimum wage, worker’s compensation, rules to assure a safe and healthful work environment. It was Rose Schneiderman who said, “What the woman who labors wants is the right to live, not simply exist. . . .

Bangladesh Fire Safety Strategy Continues

April 11, 2011

Next week, the surviving injured and the families of the deceased will receive a final payment of the compensation they are entitled to under the Spectrum Relief Scheme that was established by Inditex (Zara) and the ITGLWF. That same day, proposals for compensation for the Hameem workers will be discussed by all stakeholders concerned.

Urgent action remains necessary to ensure that the victims of Garib and Garib receive just and fair compensation, and most importantly that systemic measures are taken to prevent future tragedies.

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