Question

What working conditions led unions and progressives to call for laws to protect laborers?

Answer 1

The labor movement in the United States grew out of the need to protect the common interest of workers. For those in the industrial sector, organized labor unions fought for better wages, reasonable hours and safer working conditions. The labor movement led efforts to stop child labor, give health benefits and provide aid to workers who were injured or retired.

Answer 2

Progressives and labor unions joined forces to rally for worker rights. Issues that made it apparent protection laws were needed, included child labor under the age of 14, long night hours for children under sixteen, a long average work day of twelve hours, women forced to work over nine hours a day. In addition, punitive actions taken by employers against striking workers in the Carnegie Steel Strike of 1892, the Haymarker Square Incident of 1886, and the Great Railway Strike of 1877, necessitated government action.

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