Throughout the 1800s, employees worked anywhere from 10 to 16 hours, six days a week, depending on the industry. Working conditions were often unsafe, and regulations governing these things were few and far between. Employee welfare and work-life balance weren’t exactly top-of-mind concerns. Yet.

Are you working eight hours in the United States today? If so, thank the (now-defunct) National Labor Union (NLU), founded on this day in Baltimore, Maryland, when the heads of the Coachmakers, Machinists and Blacksmiths, and Ironmoulders unions met. It was the first national labor organization in the country, and the first time that societal change was put forth as a solution for workers. Its members included farmers, laborers, and reformers, and delegates included representatives from local unions and labor bodies.

Source: history.com for the complete article