Why were the first labor unions organized?

The first labor unions were organized to address the various issues faced by workers during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries. Working conditions were often dangerous, wages were low, hours were long, and there were virtually no forms of job security or workers' rights. By forming unions, workers sought to gain collective power and negotiate better terms with their employers. Some of the primary objectives were:

1. Improved Wages: Workers wanted to be paid fairly for their labor and ensure that they could support themselves and their families.

2. Reasonable Hours: The working day during the Industrial Revolution could extend up to 12-16 hours. Unions fought to reduce the hours without reducing pay to create what we now refer to as the 8-hour work day.

3. Safer Working Conditions: Factories and mines were incredibly dangerous. Unions pushed for laws and safety standards to protect workers.

4. Benefits: This included access to medical care, compensation for workplace injuries, and pensions for retirement.

5. Job Security: Unions organized to give workers protections against arbitrary dismissal and to establish fair procedures for hiring and promotions.

Overall, unions were formed as a means for workers to come together to improve their collective bargaining power against employers for better working conditions, fair wages, and to have a say in how work is carried out.