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Why did the eight-hour workday become a major labour issue?

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The Code of Hammurabi diorite stela, with carved figures at the top showing Hammurabi seated with cuneiform inscriptions below. — Labour law Diorite stela inscribed with the Code of Hammurabi, 18th century bce.

The eight-hour workday became a central issue in labour law as a direct response to the harsh conditions introduced by the Industrial Revolution.2

Prior to these reforms, the shift to the factory system fundamentally changed the nature of work. Unlike agrarian or craft-based labor, where schedules were dictated by nature, factory work was set by employers and characterized by intense, fast-paced, and highly regulated environments. During the 19th century, workers—including women and children—were often required to work 12 to 16 hours a day, six days a week.12

This exploitation prompted trade unions and reformers to lobby for shorter hours as a means to improve safety and quality of life. The movement gained momentum because:2

Worker Well-being: Long hours in dangerous factory settings were physically and mentally taxing.12
Economic Efficiency: Employers eventually realized that shorter, more structured shifts could reduce absenteeism and improve overall productivity.2
Social Equity: During the 1930s, the argument emerged that limited employment opportunities should be shared among a larger number of workers.3

Ultimately, the eight-hour day became a standard through union advocacy, government intervention, and international conventions.32