Working Conditions

Working Conditions Progressive Movement

Working conditions during the Progressive Era were abhorrent. Long labor hours(10-12 hours), poor safety regulations, and extensive labor for women and children, frequently led to deadly accidents. These events led to new progressive reformist leaders and court decisions that laid the groundwork for future reforms.

Key

• People

• Unions/ideas

• Events

• Court Cases / Laws

Overall Success - 6/10

The Progressive group made many significant labor reforms for workplace safety, limited working hours, child labor laws, and worker compensation. Tragedies like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire led to increased traction for reforms in the media, and the Muller v. Oregon court case sided with progressive ideas by upholding limits on working hours for women. However, child labor continued until 1938, and black workers and immigrants, while advocated for by people like Jane Addams, were often excluded from reforms. The Mine Workers of America (UMWA) were not recognized as a formal union after the Coal Strike of 1902. Overall the movement was successful, but left many unresolved issues.