The Ten Hour Movement

The Ten Hour Movement was a labor campaign in the late 19th and early 20th centuries advocating for an eight-hour workday instead of the common ten or twelve hours. Workers organized protests and strikes to improve working conditions, arguing that shorter hours would promote health, productivity, and work-life balance. The movement gained momentum across industries, particularly in manufacturing and industrial centers, influencing labor laws globally. While it faced opposition from employers, it played a significant role in advancing workers’ rights and establishing the 8-hour workday as a standard in many countries.