The Labor Movement

During the Industrial Revolution, many workers faced terrible conditions. They worked very long hours for little pay in dangerous factories. Workers joined together in unions to demand better treatment. The labor movement won important rights that workers still have today.

Why Workers Organized

In the 1800s, factory workers often worked 12 to 16 hours a day, six days a week. Children as young as five worked in mines and factories. Injuries were common and there was no safety equipment. Workers formed unions to negotiate with factory owners for better conditions.

Victories for Workers

The labor movement won the eight-hour workday and the five-day work week. Child labor laws kept young children out of factories. Minimum wage laws guaranteed workers a basic level of pay. Workplace safety rules helped prevent injuries. These gains improved life for millions of workers.

Fun Facts

• Labor Day is a holiday in the United States celebrating the achievements of workers.
• The eight-hour workday became standard partly because of the slogan "Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what we will."
• The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 killed 146 workers and led to major safety reforms.

Did You Know?

The weekend as we know it exists partly because of the labor movement's fight for a five-day work week.