THE EIGHT-HOUR WORK DAY MOVEMENT
Tensions between labor unions and employers led to approximately 500 strikes a year from 1881-1885. These strikes included the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, incited by a 10% wage cut. Struggling for protection of their rights, workers took on the responsibility of fighting for equitable work terms, which led to the movement to win the eight-hour day.
"Why do we want the Eight-Hour Working Day? Because Eight Hours are long enough for any human being to work. Because there are thousands of unemployed and thousands who are working overtime. Because there need be no reduction of wage for the shorter working day. Because we want time and some freshness of body and spirit for our own mental and physical recreation, for our home life, for enjoying the society of husbands, wives, and children."
--- Taken from an 1890 Time article.
"Eight hours shall constitute a legal day's labour from and after May 1st, 1886."
--- Resolution adopted by the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, 1884.
Labor unions were gripped by the national movement. Abuzz with anticipation, workers wrote songs and trumpeted slogans promoting their cause.
"8 hours for work, 8 hours for sleep, 8 hours for what we will!"
--- Labor slogan used in the 1880's.
"8 hours for a legal day's work!"
--- Labor slogan used in the 1880's.
"To the workers should belong all wealth!"
--- Labor slogan used in the 1880's.
"All men are created equal!"
--- Labor slogan used in the 1880's.
"Labor built this republic, labor shall rule it!"
--- Labor slogan used in the 1880's.
Dr. John Beck of Michigan State University's School of Human Resources and Labor Relations talks about the movement for the eight-hour work day.