What led to the formation of labour rights legislation?

The formation of labour rights legislation was primarily driven by the need to protect workers from exploitation and improve working conditions.

The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century, brought about significant changes in the way work was organised. Factories and mills became the new workplaces, replacing the traditional home-based or small-scale industries. However, these new workplaces often had poor working conditions, with long hours, low wages, and little regard for the health and safety of the workers. Child labour was also rampant. These harsh conditions led to growing discontent among workers, sparking the formation of trade unions and the demand for better working conditions.

The first significant labour rights legislation was the Factory Act of 1833 in the UK, which sought to improve conditions for children working in factories. This was followed by a series of other laws aimed at regulating working hours, improving safety standards, and eventually recognising the right to form trade unions. These early laws laid the foundation for modern labour rights legislation.

The struggle for labour rights was not confined to the UK. In the United States, the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a series of strikes and protests demanding better working conditions. This culminated in the passage of the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938, which established minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labour standards.

In the post-World War II era, the international community also recognised the importance of labour rights. The International Labour Organization (ILO), a United Nations agency, was established to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The ILO has since adopted numerous conventions and recommendations aimed at protecting and promoting labour rights globally.

In conclusion, the formation of labour rights legislation was a response to the exploitation and poor working conditions that emerged during the Industrial Revolution. It was driven by the collective action of workers, who organised themselves into trade unions and demanded better treatment. Over time, these demands have been codified into laws and regulations that seek to protect workers and promote decent work for all.