Dash begins We Shall Not Be Moved by describing what it meant to work on the eighth floor of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in 1909, along with hundreds of other young women, most of whom were recent immigrants to the United States, unfamiliar with the language, customs, rights, and responsibilities of their new homeland. The Triangle factory was thought to be modern because the workers used electric sewing machines, yet safety was apparently not a consideration. At the time of the Triangle fire (and despite the striker's struggle over the previous year) the factory had never even held a fire drill. Stairwells were locked to prevent theft; workers were never informed of what to do in case of emergency.

Among row upon row and floor upon floor of sewing machines, the shirtwaist girls worked long hours, some for as little as three dollars a week. No talking was permitted...