As the 1800s progressed, demands for labor reform increased mainly because hiring practices were not standardized and were unfair. wages were not based on workers' experience. working conditions were horrible. firings were without cause.

Working conditions were horrible. Many people died on the job in the late 1800s, wages were low and rent was high, and the employers could basically do whatever they wanted to the workers because if the workers quit, they would be blacklisted and not able to get a job anywhere.