Why Was There Tension Between Business Owners and Workers?

Tension between business owners and workers has been a common issue throughout history. But why does this happen? Let’s break it down into simple ideas so that anyone can understand it.

What is Tension?

Tension means there is a problem or a disagreement. When people or groups don’t get along, we say there’s tension. Between business owners and workers, this usually happens because:

• Owners want to make money.
• Workers want fair pay and good working conditions.

Sometimes, these goals don’t match, and that causes tension.

Why Do Business Owners and Workers Disagree?

Here are the main reasons why there’s tension:

1. Low Wages

• Workers often felt they weren’t paid enough for the hard work they did.
• Owners wanted to keep costs low to make more profit.

Example: Imagine working all day, but you can’t buy enough food for your family. That’s what happened to many workers.

2. Long Working Hours

• Workers had to work very long hours, sometimes 12–16 hours a day, 6 days a week.
• Owners wanted workers to work more to produce more products.

Diagram:

| Time Spent Daily       | Owners' Perspective | Workers' Perspective |
|-------------------------|---------------------|----------------------|
| Work (12–16 hours)     | Good (More Output)  | Bad (Too Tiring)     |
| Rest & Free Time (8h)  | Unnecessary         | Necessary for Health |

3. Unsafe Working Conditions

• Factories and workplaces were often dangerous, with sharp tools, heavy machinery, or toxic chemicals.
• Owners didn’t want to spend extra money on safety measures.

Graph of Workplace Accidents Over Time:

Accidents per 100 Workers:
 1900: 30
 1920: 25
 1940: 15
 1960: 5

Note: Conditions improved after laws were passed.

4. No Job Security

• Workers could be fired anytime without warning.
• Owners replaced workers easily if they complained or got sick.

What Did Workers Do About It?

Workers didn’t just stay quiet. They fought back! Here’s how:

1. Formed Unions

• Workers created unions (groups that help protect workers’ rights).
• Unions negotiated with owners for better pay, shorter hours, and safer workplaces.

2. Went on Strike

• A strike is when workers stop working to demand better conditions.
• Strikes caused owners to lose money, so they had to listen.

3. Demanded Laws

• Workers pushed the government to make laws protecting them.
• Examples of these laws include:
  • Minimum wage laws
  • Safety standards
  • Limits on work hours

Table of Changes Over Time:

| Year  | Major Change                | Impact on Workers      |
|-------|-----------------------------|------------------------|
| 1910  | Minimum wage introduced     | Fairer pay             |
| 1938  | 40-hour work week established | Shorter work hours     |
| 1970  | Workplace safety laws added | Fewer accidents        |

How Did Business Owners React?

Not all owners were bad. Some wanted to help workers, but others:

• Fired workers who joined unions.
• Hired replacement workers (called strikebreakers) during strikes.
• Used police or security to stop strikes.

This made the tension even worse.

What Can We Learn From This?

1. Balance is important. Owners and workers need to understand each other.
2. Rules help everyone. Laws protect workers but also keep businesses running.
3. Teamwork works better than fighting. When owners and workers cooperate, everyone benefits.

Fun Facts

• The word “labor” means work. That’s why we celebrate Labor Day to honor workers.
• The first big union in the U.S. was called the Knights of Labor.

FAQs

Why do business owners want to keep wages low?

Business owners aim to make a profit. By keeping wages low, they can reduce costs and increase their earnings. However, this often leads to tension with workers who need fair pay to meet their basic needs.

What are unsafe working conditions?

Unsafe working conditions mean a workplace where workers can get hurt easily, such as factories with dangerous machines, no safety equipment, or exposure to harmful chemicals.

What is a union, and why is it important?

A union is a group of workers who join together to protect their rights. Unions are important because they help workers negotiate better pay, safer conditions, and fair treatment.

What is a strike?

A strike is when workers stop working to demand better conditions or pay. It’s a way for workers to show owners how important their work is.

How did laws help workers?

Laws like the minimum wage and workplace safety standards ensured that workers were treated fairly and protected from harm. These laws made workplaces safer and more equitable.

Final Thoughts

Tension between business owners and workers happens when there’s a disagreement about money, hours, safety, or fairness. But history shows us that when people work together and make fair rules, things can get better for everyone.