The union also became more involved in electoral politics , in part as a result of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire on March 25 , 1911 , in which one hundred and forty-six shirtwaist makers ( most of them young immigrant women ) either died in the fire that broke out on the eighth floor of the factory , or jumped to their deaths . Many of these workers were unable to escape because the doors on their floors had been locked to prevent them from stealing or taking unauthorized breaks . More than 100,000 people participated in the funeral march for the victims
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire
International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union