What significant reform was promoted by the National Labor Union?

The National Labor Union, founded in 1866, was one of the first major labor organizations in the United States that aimed to unite various labor groups to advocate for workers' rights. One of its most significant reforms promoted was the implementation of an 8-hour workday. At that time, many workers faced exhausting hours, often working 10 to 16 hours a day, and the movement for reducing these hours was a key issue among labor activists. The 8-hour workday was seen not only as a means to improve the quality of life for workers but also as a way to create more jobs by allowing for wider hiring and better work-life balance.

This demand gained widespread attention as it aligned with the broader social reform movements of the period, advocating for humane working conditions. The push for an 8-hour workday ultimately contributed to long-term labor reforms in the U.S., influencing legislation and practices in subsequent decades.