What was a primary goal of labor unions during the early 20th century?

During the early 20th century, labor unions emerged as powerful organizations primarily focused on improving the economic and social conditions of workers. A core objective of these unions was to negotiate better wages and working conditions. Workers often faced long hours, low pay, and unsafe environments, leading to a growing demand for collective bargaining, which allowed them to advocate for their rights more effectively than they could on an individual basis.

By organizing into unions, workers aimed to present a united front to employers, thus giving them greater leverage in negotiations. This pursuit led to significant labor actions, including strikes and protests, which were instrumental in achieving milestones like the eight-hour workday, improved safety standards, and ultimately, better pay. The historical context of this movement highlights the need for workers to unite to combat the often exploitative practices prevalent in various industries at the time.

Other choices reflect issues relevant to the era but are not aligned with the primary goal of labor unions. For instance, while some unions did advocate for government regulation of industries, their main focus remained on direct improvements for their members. Limiting immigration and eliminating all forms of employment contracts were also not central objectives of labor unions, as their main concern revolved around enhancing the livelihoods and working conditions of their workforce