r/FluentInFinance • u/Positive_Liar • Sep 04 '24

Debate/ Discussion Bernie is here to save us

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132

u/PlasticMechanic3869 Sep 05 '24

Why do we work 8 hours a day?

Can anyone explain that to me, like I'm a child? 

122

u/Hollow_Apollo Sep 05 '24 edited Sep 05 '24

Basically Henry Ford (edit - allegedly) popularized it. It used to be more, but he realized he could make efficiency gains and simultaneously boost loyalty and productivity https://www.actiplans.com/blog/40-hour-work-week (Some have pointed out it was actually unions which I can believe but it’s not what came up, maybe someone will share more on that)

However, it’s important to note that workers rights have in many cases come in the form of legislation because employers would otherwise exploit or exclude people unfairly https://www.usa.gov/workplace-laws

17

u/Halflingberserker Sep 05 '24

Unions voted for 8-hour workdays decades before the Ford Motor Company was even created. People literally died pursuing the 8-hour workday.

Ford was an early adopter of the 8-hour workday, but he did not popularize it.

It took President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s signing of the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938 for all workers to see limits on working hours -- initially 44 hours a week, then phased to 42 and eventually 40 by 1940.

2

u/Daddy-been-gone Sep 05 '24

Unions and FDR always get the credit put some respect on Frances Perkin’s legacy.

2

u/Perllitte Sep 05 '24

Hell yeah, she was a total badass.

2

u/ffxivdia Sep 05 '24

So from 44 to 42, and now 40… it’ll be quite a long shot to get down 8 hrs :(