Months have gone by since Pietro left and life is unpleasant for Bella. In addition to her job at The Triangle, Bella is now making flowers for Signora Luciano, who refuses to pay and scolds her for not working fast enough. Signor Luciano is equally abusive. The only good part of Bella’s life is payday, even though her pay is inconsistent and she often receives less than the $4.25 she was promised. Every week, Bella gives her wages to Signor Luciano, asking him to send her money home to Italy. Bella cannot visit the bank herself because she cannot speak, read, or write in English.

The Triangle closes temporarily due to a strike. One of the factory owners, Mr. Blanck, comes in to lecture the employees that they will lose their jobs if they join any union but the Triangle Employees Benevolent Union. At the factory, Bella sees workers—including Yetta and Rahel—chanting about the strike. She is pulled away by Signor Carlotti, who offers to escort Bella home.

Signor Carlotti is unusually kind to Bella. He talks about her family and vaguely threatens “What will your family do if you have no job?” (75). He promises there will always be work for “good workers” like her and claims that the strike is just a few “rabblerousers” (77).