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> This is how 40-hour work weeks became a right It became a standard in the US, but is not a right. And while the idea of the 40-hour work week did, indeed, co
by randomdata 2y ago
> This is how 40-hour work weeks became a right
It became a standard in the US, but is not a right. And while the idea of the 40-hour work week did, indeed, come from labour groups, it was the Great Depression needing effort to try and compel businesses to hire more workers, not the fight of workers, that pushed to see it become a standard.
- nine_k 2y agoThat might be the final chord, but the tune started back in the 18th century, as a long struggle: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight-hour_day_movement https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight-hour_day_movement It wasn't a sudden bout of benevolnce from the FDR administration, or from anyone in the management or government.
- randomdata 2y ago> It wasn't a sudden bout of benevolnce from the FDR administration Was there something to suggest it was? Getting workers back working isn't for the benefit of workers.
- nine_k 2y agoHow about letting them earn wages which they otherwise would not?
- randomdata 2y agoA wage is debt, so not beneficial in and of itself. It can be beneficial when you call the debt and turn it into something tangible (e.g. food), of course, but that is also of benefit to the business who derives joy in giving you that food. It is not for the benefit of workers. It is for the benefit of everyone.