What were the key workers' rights issues during early industrialisation?

During early industrialisation, key workers' rights issues included poor working conditions, long hours, low wages, and child labour.

The advent of the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th and early 19th centuries brought about significant changes in the way work was organised. However, these changes often came at the expense of the workers. One of the most pressing issues was the poor working conditions. Factories were often overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and dangerous. Workers were exposed to harmful substances without proper protection, leading to a high incidence of occupational diseases and injuries.

Another major issue was the long working hours. It was not uncommon for workers to work up to 16 hours a day, six days a week. The lack of leisure time and the physical demands of the work led to exhaustion and poor health among workers. This was exacerbated by the low wages that workers received. Despite the long hours and hard work, many workers lived in poverty, struggling to afford basic necessities such as food and housing.

Child labour was also a significant problem during early industrialisation. Children as young as six were employed in factories and mines, where they performed dangerous tasks for little pay. The use of child labour was not only exploitative but also detrimental to the physical and mental development of the children.

The lack of workers' rights and the harsh conditions led to the rise of labour movements and trade unions. These organisations fought for better working conditions, shorter hours, higher wages, and the abolition of child labour. However, their efforts were often met with resistance from factory owners and the government, who saw these demands as threats to economic progress and stability.

In conclusion, the early period of industrialisation was marked by severe exploitation of workers. The struggle for workers' rights during this period laid the foundation for the labour laws and protections that we have today.