The primary focus of labor laws enacted during the Progressive Era was to improve working conditions for employees. This period, which spanned from the 1890s to the 1920s, was characterized by significant social and political reform efforts aimed at addressing the abuses and injustices faced by workers during the Industrial Revolution.
Legislators and reformers recognized the harsh realities of the workplace, such as long hours, low wages, unsafe environments, and child labor, and worked to implement regulations that would mitigate these issues. Laws were passed that established minimum wage standards, limited working hours, set safety regulations, and sought to protect the rights of workers, including the right to organize and negotiate for better conditions.
These reforms were rooted in a broader social justice movement that sought to create a more equitable society where workers could earn a fair living and work in safe conditions. The success of the Progressive Era labor reforms laid the groundwork for future labor rights advancements and the establishment of more comprehensive labor laws in the United States.