I propose that reform is needed and very much necessary to improve the working conditions in factories; it is absolutely critical that the public and the common people work under the environments that they deserve. Currently, the working conditions are substandard and frankly, far too laborious and inhumane to the workers. Current problems surrounding these workers are: long working hours, lack of sanitation and ventilation in the factories, and cruel and harsh treatment. Another big problem is the dangers that the children endure in these factories, mines, or mills. The demand for a reform should be answered, we must answer the Luddites and labor unions, instead of ignoring the problem and further encouraging them to rebel. I propose that we make a new law, targeting on improving the poor conditions the workers have to endure.
My first proposal is to shorten work hours; currently many factories require their workers--even children--to work for 12 hours straight in one day. This is not only inhumane but without proper rest, the workers will not be as efficient as they could be. The Sadler Report has aroused many's attention; it contains testimonies of several workers' view on their working conditions and what they are going through. And in it, the constantly brought up complaints comprise of long work hours and lack of rest. Therefore I propose to cut down work hours to 8 hours.
My second proposal is to improve sanitation of their working environments; working under dusty and unclean equipment will be very damaging to the workers' health and thus this should be improved upon. Under these conditions, diseases spread easily; and it doesn't help that the workers are working nonstop for hours while remaining standing. Improving the physical health of the workers is greatly beneficial and if we don't improve upon this, they would all grow up sick and deformed.
A third proposal I suggest is to punish the factory employees who abuse and punish the workers without proper justification. An interview with a woman in 1849 shows that "There was another girl called Mary......she knocked her food can to the floor. The master,
Mr. Newton, kicked her and caused her to wear away till she died". These cruel and abusive punishments are unjustified and are a big part in the workers' displeasure. The consequences of not imposing such laws that prevent this type of behavior is the loss of several workers and the torment to these workers will continue to daunt them.
My 3 proposals for new reforming laws should be perfectly reasonable, and without these 3 crucial elements included, the working conditions will not improve. This is why I urge the Parliament to pass these 3 new laws for a big step in reformation.
My first proposal is to shorten work hours; currently many factories require their workers--even children--to work for 12 hours straight in one day. This is not only inhumane but without proper rest, the workers will not be as efficient as they could be. The Sadler Report has aroused many's attention; it contains testimonies of several workers' view on their working conditions and what they are going through. And in it, the constantly brought up complaints comprise of long work hours and lack of rest. Therefore I propose to cut down work hours to 8 hours.
My second proposal is to improve sanitation of their working environments; working under dusty and unclean equipment will be very damaging to the workers' health and thus this should be improved upon. Under these conditions, diseases spread easily; and it doesn't help that the workers are working nonstop for hours while remaining standing. Improving the physical health of the workers is greatly beneficial and if we don't improve upon this, they would all grow up sick and deformed.
A third proposal I suggest is to punish the factory employees who abuse and punish the workers without proper justification. An interview with a woman in 1849 shows that "There was another girl called Mary......she knocked her food can to the floor. The master,
Mr. Newton, kicked her and caused her to wear away till she died". These cruel and abusive punishments are unjustified and are a big part in the workers' displeasure. The consequences of not imposing such laws that prevent this type of behavior is the loss of several workers and the torment to these workers will continue to daunt them.
My 3 proposals for new reforming laws should be perfectly reasonable, and without these 3 crucial elements included, the working conditions will not improve. This is why I urge the Parliament to pass these 3 new laws for a big step in reformation.