About this Video

• Video Title: The Origins of the 40-Hour Work Week
• Channel: Bloomberg Television
• Speakers: None explicitly named.
• Duration: 00:02:04

Introduction

This Bloomberg Television video explores the history of the 40-hour workweek in the United States, tracing its origins from the Industrial Revolution to its formalization in the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1940. The video highlights key milestones and figures involved in the establishment of the standard work week.

Key Takeaways

• The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1940 established a 40-hour workweek as the legal standard in the United States, alongside a minimum wage and regulations against child labor. This act is described as a landmark piece of legislation protecting worker rights.
• The concept of an eight-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek began to develop over a century earlier during the Industrial Revolution, when workweeks frequently exceeded 80 hours.
• President Ulysses S. Grant's proclamation guaranteeing eight-hour workdays for government employees spurred private sector workers to advocate for similar rights.
• The push for shorter workweeks faced resistance, with the Haymarket Affair serving as a notable example of conflict between workers and authorities.
• Henry Ford's research demonstrated that shorter workweeks with improved worker compensation and conditions led to increased productivity compared to simply extending working hours.

Here are three discussion questions suitable for students working in pairs after watching the video, including one about a 32-hour workweek:

1. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1940 significantly altered the American workplace. Considering the historical context presented in the video, discuss the potential challenges and benefits of implementing such sweeping labor legislation today. (This question encourages students to apply historical context to contemporary challenges).

2. The video highlights the conflict between workers and corporations over working hours. Discuss specific examples from the video and analyze how the balance of power between these groups has shifted over time, considering technological advancements and economic changes. (This question probes their understanding of historical power dynamics and their evolution).

3. Some economists have proposed a 32-hour workweek as a potential solution to various economic and social problems. Based on the information presented in the video about the transition to the 40-hour workweek, discuss the potential economic impacts (positive and negative) of a shorter workweek, and consider the social implications for workers and businesses. (This directly addresses the prompt's request for a question about a 32-hour workweek, prompting critical thinking about potential consequences).

Here are revised versions of questions 1 and 2, simplified for easier student comprehension:

1. The 40-hour workweek was a big change. What were some of the difficulties and advantages of putting it into place then, and how might those be different today? (This focuses on the core comparison between past and present, avoiding complex terminology).

2. The video shows disagreements between workers and companies about working hours. How has that struggle changed over time, and what factors (like technology or the economy) have played a part? (This uses simpler language and focuses on the key elements of change and contributing factors).

Question 3 remains the same as it already focuses on a specific scenario and is relatively straightforward:

1. Some economists have proposed a 32-hour workweek as a potential solution to various economic and social problems. Based on the information presented in the video about the transition to the 40-hour workweek, discuss the potential economic impacts (positive and negative) of a shorter workweek, and consider the social implications for workers and businesses.