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From strikes to labor laws: How the US adopted the 5-day workweek


Underwood Archives // Getty Images

From strikes to labor laws: How the US adopted the 5-day workweek

Workers holding sign for a 40-hour workweek



Heritage Art // Heritage Images via Getty Images

1886: Great Southwest railroad strike

Illustration of 19th century mill workers



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1913: Paterson silk strike

Illustration of police protecting train during railway strike



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1913: President Taft creates Department of Labor

Incumbent Taft congratulates incoming president Wilson at inauguration.



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1919: A general strike stops the steel industry cold

Workers holding strike signs at steel plant



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1926: Passaic textile strike

Vehicle with children of the Passaic textile strikers with signs



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1938: Fair Labor Standards Act is passed

Workers holding sign for a 40-hour workweek



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1947: Portal-to-Portal Act is passed

New York City sanitation workers protest working conditions



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1981: 13,000 air traffic controllers walk off the job

Striking members of air traffic controllers union outside Chicago airport



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1985: Amendments to the Fair Labor Standards are passed

Federal workers process tax forms in a busy office



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2022: California proposes 4-day workweek

Close up on hand and calendar beside laptop


Article Topic Follows: Life

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