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Labor movement

Definition

The labor movement refers to collective efforts made by workers during the Industrial Revolution to improve working conditions, increase wages, and gain other rights such as shorter work hours. Workers organized unions and strikes as they fought for their rights against powerful industrialists.

Analogy

Picture yourself as part of a school club that represents all students' interests. When it comes time for important decisions about homework load or school policies, you gather together as a group to negotiate with teachers and administrators. Similarly, workers formed unions during the labor movement to have a stronger voice when dealing with factory owners.

Related terms

Trade Union: An organization created by workers in specific industries or trades that aims to protect workers' rights through collective bargaining.

Strike: A tactic used by workers where they refuse to work until their demands are met by employers.

Child Labor: The employment of children in factories and mines, often under dangerous conditions, which was common during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution.