Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Regulations, Unions and Capitalism

Via Balloon Juice, the SEIU posted an interactive graphic showing workplace changes after the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire:

As the intro at the SEIU site says:
When a fire broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory on March 25, 1911, overcrowded worktables, inadequate and locked fire exits, and narrow escape passageways created a fatal inferno for the 146 people–mostly women and girls–who died. In the aftermath of the fire, outraged New Yorkers, lead by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (now Workers United) fought for crucial regulations that continue to protect us on the job to this day.

Why do these people hate freedom. 

2 comments:

  1. In one administration class we spent the entire class learning about safety regulations (square footage required for patients, life safety equipment requirements, etc) for the construction of a new health care facility. I cannot think of any worse lingering guilt than building a health care facility that causes the death of patients through neglect or lack of foresight.

    The surviving staff of a Japanese hospital are dealing with survivor guilt about the patients they could not save from the tidal wave. Why would anyone not want our homes, hospitals, workplaces and public spaces to be safe? I guess I hate freedom; maybe I should move to Canada.

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  2. But that takes away from our genius businessmen's profits. They don't feel guilt.

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