On March 25, 1911, a devastating fire broke out on the top floors of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City. In just 18 minutes, 146 garment workers, most of them young immigrant women, lost their lives. Locked exit doors, inadequate fire escapes, and unsafe working conditions made escape nearly impossible. This tragedy became one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history and a pivotal moment in the labor movement.
At Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, our advocacy for working people and their families is rooted in the lessons and sacrifices of that day. This is why our mission remains central to everything we do:
We are dedicated to helping working people and their families achieve financial security by providing affordable life, health and pension products and services while maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence.
A Turning Point for Labor Rights
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire shocked the nation and ignited a wave of public outrage. It exposed the harsh realities of industrial labor and the lack of basic protections for workers. In response, labor unions, activists, and reformers mobilized to demand change. The tragedy led to the creation of more than 30 new laws in New York State alone, addressing workplace safety, child labor, and working hours.
One of the most significant outcomes was the strengthening of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union (ILGW), which played a crucial role in advocating for safer working conditions and fair treatment. The fire also inspired the formation of the Factory Investigating Commission, which laid the groundwork for modern occupational safety standards.
The Birth of Amalgamated Life
Out of this movement for justice and reform, Amalgamated Life Insurance Company was founded in 1943 by Sidney Hillman, a national labor leader. The goal was simple yet profound: to provide working people with access to quality insurance products that would protect their families and futures.
Our founding was not just a business decision, it was a continuation of the fight for dignity, security, and fairness in the workplace. We were created by a union that understood the struggles of working families and sought to empower them through financial protection and peace of mind.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, more than a century after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, Amalgamated Life remains committed to the values that emerged from that tragedy. We understand that financial security is a cornerstone of worker protection. That is why we offer a comprehensive range of life, health, and pension products tailored to the needs of working people.
We also continue to support initiatives that promote workplace safety, fair labor practices, and economic justice. Our partnerships with unions, employers, and the working people reflect our belief that collaboration is key to building a more equitable future.
A Mission That Matters
The legacy of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire is not just a historical footnote, it is a call to action. It reminds us that progress is possible when we stand together and demand better. At Amalgamated Life, we carry that legacy forward every day through our mission and our work.
We are proud to be more than an insurance company. We are a partner in the ongoing effort to protect and uplift working families. As we look to the future, we remain guided by the lessons of the past and inspired by the resilience of those who came before us.