Why did labor unions developed during the Industrial Revolution?

Answer 1

Better working conditions for employees. This was made official when the country (USA) celebrated their first Labor Day in the 1800's.

Answer 2

the industrial revolution created a new situation in which workers were larger force withina complex bureaucratic system of factories or companies and were now unable to represent themselves and their interests as they were easily replacable and they were not in immediate contact with the head of company.

they faced very dangerous working conditions and poor treatment as many workers were uneducated, poor, or immigrants. they needed organization and representation to become a powerful political and economic force that could make demands such as a minimum wage, a cap on work hours, safe conditions, etc. and actually have them met.

prior to this, the agricultural economy did not afford the same problems and conditions or create a large community (laborers) which needed organization or representation within the workplace.

Answer 3

Labor
If the conditions in which people lived in these factory towns were considered bad, then the conditions in which they worked can be appropriately characterized as being horrendous. Inside these factories one would find poorly ventilated, noisy, dirty, damp and poorly lighted working areas. These factories were unhealthy and dangerous places in which to work. Normally, workers put in twelve to fourteen hours daily. Factory Acts that were later enacted by Parliament regulated the number of hours that men, women and children worked.

The factory system changed the manner in which work was performed. Unlike the domestic system the work was away from home, in large, impersonal settings. Workers were viewed by their employers merely as “hands.”

Slowly, workers began to realize the strength they could possess if they were a unified force. It was a long, uphill battle for workers to be able to have the right to organize into officially recognized unions. Their lot was one of having no political influence in a land where the government followed a laissez-faire policy.

This hands off policy changed as the pressure from growing trade unions increased. A movement was beginning to free workers from the injustices of the factory system. Political leaders called for reform legislation which would address these injustices (see lesson plans for specific legislation).

Answer 4

Without labor unions a good many people would still be working for minimum wage.