Final answer:
Labor conditions at the beginning of the 19th century were dangerous, dirty, and miserable due to the lack of safety measures and regulations. These conditions went unchecked because of the focus on economic growth and profit. Workers were unable to organize and unionize due to employer suppression and limited governmental support. The positions of unions today differ compared to the 19th century, as they now focus on a range of issues and have more legal protections.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the beginning of the 19th century, industrial conditions were poor due to several factors. Firstly, there were no regulations or safety precautions in place to protect workers. This lack of safety measures resulted in frequent injuries and sometimes even death. Additionally, the surplus of laborers meant that workers had limited bargaining power, leading to low wages and poor working conditions. Furthermore, workers were often subjected to long working hours, sometimes up to 14 hours per day, without any rights or protections.
These conditions went unchecked because there was no public assistance or social welfare programs available to support workers. Additionally, there was little government intervention or regulation of industrial conditions during this time. The priority was on economic growth and profit, rather than protecting the rights and well-being of workers.
Workers were unable to organize and unionize for better conditions due to several factors. Firstly, employers often took measures to suppress any attempts at unionization, such as firing union organizers or blacklisting them from future employment. Furthermore, government and judicial support for workers' rights and unions was limited. Strikes and union activities were often met with harsh punishments and even violence. It wasn't until later in the 19th century that workers' rights movements gained traction and unions started to form.
The positions of unions today differ compared to the 19th century. While the core purpose of unions remains to protect workers' rights and advocate for better working conditions, modern unions also focus on a range of other issues such as healthcare, retirement benefits, and legal protections. Additionally, modern unions have more legal protections and support from the government, which allows them to have a stronger presence and influence in the workplace.