New York State and Workers

desperation: The factory owners had locked the exits, and in desperation, 47 workers jumped to their deaths eight or nine stories below, according to Toronto Star. Almost all of the total 146 dead were women. As the fire rapidly spread, workers were burned to death or asphyxiated, some still at their work stations when they perished. Many were recent immigrants. Outraged New Yorkers compelled New York State to take immediate, powerful steps to impose rigourous workplace and building-construction standards. The youngest deaths were of two 14-year-old girls. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.