4 ms·
We have a 40-hour work week because of labor unions. Saying that "it was under capitalism that we got a 40-hour week" is like saying it was under Christian lead
by subsection1h 6y ago
We have a 40-hour work week because of labor unions. Saying that "it was under capitalism that we got a 40-hour week" is like saying it was under Christian leadership that we got same-sex marriage. Both statements are true but misleading.
- AnimalMuppet 6y agoI acknowledge the union involvement. And yet, I deny that it is the whole story. For example: "Over the 20th century, work hours shortened by almost half, mostly due to rising wages brought about by renewed economic growth, with a supporting role from trade unions, collective bargaining, and progressive legislation. The workweek, in most of the industrialized world, dropped steadily, to about 40 hours after World War II." (From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_time#History https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Working_time#History ) "Mostly due to rising wages brought about by economic growth." Without the economic growth, we're left with the choice of longer hours or a painfully reduced standard of living.