Proletariat Working Conditions in America Have NOT improved Sense 1886.

The Haymarket Riots of 1886 were a turning point in the history of the labor movement in the United States. The riots took place in Chicago, where workers were demanding better working conditions, shorter working hours, and higher wages. In 1886 the proletariat went on strike to demand humane working conditions.

   Believing they should be working no longer than 8 hours daily. The following is part of an interview by Albert R. Parsons printed in the Chicago Daily News, March 13, 1886 “The movement to reduce the work-hours is intended by its projectors to give a peaceful solution to the difficulties between the capitalists and laborers. I have always held that there were two ways to settle this trouble, either by peaceable means or violent methods. Reduced hours, or eight-hours, is the peace-offering. Fewer hours mean more pay. Reduced hours is the only measure of economic reform which consults the interests of the laborers as consumers.

   Now, this means a higher standard of living for the producers, which can only be acquired by possessing and consuming a larger share of their own product. This would diminish the profits of the labor exploiters.”

   However, despite the sacrifices made by the workers at that time, the working conditions for the proletariat have not improved much since then. This essay will outline the reasons why this is the case.

   Firstly, the capitalist system, which is based on the exploitation of workers, has

continued to dominate the economy. The

bourgeoisie, who control the means of

production and distribution, have

consistently prioritized their profits over the welfare of the workers. This has resulted in the continued exploitation of the proletariat, who are forced to work long hours for meager wages, with little or no benefits or job security.

   Secondly, the government has failed to

protect the rights of workers. Despite the

achievements of the labor movement in the early 20th century, such as the

establishment of the eight-hour workday

and the right to unionize, the government

has consistently sided with the capitalists in labor disputes. The government has also failed to enforce labor laws and regulations, allowing employers to violate the rights of workers with impunity.

   By 1912 the proletariat advocated for a five hour work day. “Of course the eight-hour day is as antiquated as the craft unions themselves. Today, we should be agitating for a five-hour work day, or six at the most, but the IWW, I presume, has taken up the eight-hour cause on the principle that we must not get too far away from those we wish to influence or our labors are wasted.” The Eight-Hour Strike of 1886 by Lucy E. Parsons.

   Thirdly, globalization and the outsourcing of jobs to developing countries have had a negative impact on the working conditions of the proletariat. Companies have moved their operations to countries where labor is cheaper and regulations are lax, resulting in the exploitation of workers in those countries. This has also led to the loss of jobs in the United States, leaving workers with fewer employment opportunities and weaker bargaining power.

   Fourthly, the decline of unionization has

weakened the power of the workers to

demand better working conditions. Union membership has declined significantly since its peak in the mid-20th century, leaving workers without the collective bargaining power to negotiate with employers for better wages and working conditions. This has also led to a weakening of worker solidarity and the fragmentation of the labor movement.

“It can be statistically proven that three hours’ work a day, at most, is sufficient to feed, shelter, and clothe the world and supply it not only with necessities but also with all modern comforts of life. The point is that not one man in five is to-day doing any productive work. The entire world is supported by a small minority of toilers.” What is communist anarchism by Alexander Berkman. Published in 1929. Nearly a hundred years ago the proletariat should have seen a 70% reduction of the hours of their daily toil.

   Finally, technological advancements have led to the replacement of human labor with machines, resulting in the loss of jobs and the deskilling of the workforce. This has led to a situation where workers are forced to compete with each other for a limited number of jobs, resulting in lower wages and poorer working conditions.

In conclusion, the working conditions for the proletariat have not improved since the Haymarket Riots of 1886 due to the

continued dominance of the capitalist

system, the failure of the government to

protect workers' rights, globalization and

outsourcing, the decline of unionization, and technological advancements. These challenges require a concerted effort from

workers, unions, and progressive movements to demand systemic change

and create a more equitable and just society for all. Together we are strong!