How long was a typical workday for a nonunion laborer before World War 2?

Answer 1

The Eight Hour Day became law in 1938. It prescribed that any company doing business with the government must pay a minimum wage with 1.5 pay for overtime. Overtime was set at 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. Some companies added workers, some paid the overtime.

Annual hours over eight centuries
Time Type of worker Annual hours
13th century Adult male peasant, UK 1620 hours
14th century Casual laborer, UK 1440 hours
Middle Ages English worker 2309 hours
1400-1600 Farmer-miner, adult male, UK 1980 hours
1840 Average worker, UK 3105-3588 hours
1850 Average worker, U.S. 3150-3650 hours
1987 Average worker, U.S. 1949 hours
1988 Manufacturing workers, UK 1855 hours
2000 Average worker, Germany 1362 hours

(Compiled by Juliet B. Schor from various sources; Germany figure from OECD data)

Answer 2

Today the 8 hour day is, in theory, the law of the land But only over 100 years ago a 16 hour day, 6 days a week, was common. From the textile mills to the mines, men, women and children lived, slept and died by machines. At the same time, a tiny minority built incredible fortunes.

National Labor Union in 1866 issued its primary demand, "8 hours shall bethe normal work day.

Answer 3

I recall being taught it was 10 hours per day, 6 days per week. Three vacation days - Christmas, Good Friday and Thanksgiving. No vacation PAY. Hence, the rise of labor unions.
My great-grandfather, in Western Pennsylvania, worked from sun-up to sun-down 6 days a week. He started at age 6, quit at age 14 when he had the opportunity to join the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Answer 4

Typical was 10 -12 hour days 6 days a week. But it varied state to states and company to company.