"The whole arrangement is about control, preventing workers from having the time or energy to build competing enterprises, develop skills beyond a certain level

"The whole arrangement is about control, preventing workers from having the time or energy to build competing enterprises, develop skills beyond a certain level," No, it really is not this at all. The 5 day work week is a result of a reduction from the 6 day work week which and it's mostly derived as a standoff between organised labour and the capital class. It's the big entente.