Final answer:
Labor unions in the late 1800s and early 1900s primarily fought for the eight-hour workday, better working conditions, and fair wages through organizations such as the National Labor Union and the American Federation of Labor. They also pursued legal reforms like workers' compensation laws and minimum wage laws at state levels, although many challenges persisted for workers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many labor unions of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s were fighting for improved working conditions, which included efforts to establish an eight-hour workday, securing better wages, and enhancing safety in the workplace. The National Labor Union (NLU) was one of the early unions advocating for a legally mandated eight-hour workday and equal rights for African Americans and women. Their influence led to the adoption of the eight-hour workday for federal employees. As the economy shifted and industrialization increased, the inequities facing factory workers became more apparent, prompting different models of organizing, such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL). These organizations focused on wages, work hours, safety, and health benefits. Despite setbacks like the economic recessions and resistance from management, labor unions continued to press for reforms, and by the early 1900s, they saw some successes with state-level workers’ compensation laws and minimum wage legislation, although many workers still faced dangers on the job.