If you’re a liberal, don’t you agree that free enterprise moves society forward?
And if you’re conservative, don’t you think the left is good for workers rights, getting better salaries, and keeping the planet clean?
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YoMomma ·
As a conservative the left is just bad for everything except for the bad people who exploit the weakened system
Ferise1 · 46-50, M
@YoMomma well let’s ask ChatGPT😊
The political left has played a major historical role in securing and expanding workers’ rights around the world. While contributions vary by country and time period, here are the main things the left (including socialists, communists, social democrats, trade unionists, and labor parties) have done for workers’ rights:
🔧 Key Achievements of the Left for Workers’ Rights
1. The 8-Hour Workday and the Weekend
• The left, especially early labor movements and socialist groups in the 19th and 20th centuries, fought for and won the 8-hour workday and the two-day weekend.
• The slogan “Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what we will” came from labor activists.
2. Trade Union Rights
• Leftist parties and labor movements helped legalize trade unions, giving workers the right to organize, collectively bargain, and strike.
• They also pushed for union protections in law to prevent employer retaliation.
3. Minimum Wage Laws
• The idea of a minimum wage to guarantee a baseline of dignity in pay was championed by left-wing and labor parties.
• These movements often continue to fight for living wages instead of just minimums.
4. Child Labor Bans
• The left played a crucial role in banning child labor during the industrial era, often against fierce opposition from industrial capitalists.
5. Workplace Safety and Health Regulations
• Socialist and labor parties pushed for health and safety laws to protect workers in dangerous industries (mines, factories, construction, etc.).
6. Unemployment Insurance and Social Security
• Many welfare programs, including unemployment insurance, pensions, and disability coverage, were initiated or expanded by left-wing governments.
7. Paid Sick Leave, Parental Leave, and Vacation
• Paid time off for illness, childbirth, and annual leave are direct results of left-wing pressure and legislation in many countries.
8. Anti-Discrimination Laws
• Leftist movements have worked to reduce racial, gender, and other forms of workplace discrimination.
• They helped establish equal pay laws and gender protections in hiring and promotion.
9. Protection Against Unjust Firing
• “Just cause” protections in employment and severance rights often stem from union contracts or left-led labor reforms.
10. Expansion of Public Sector Employment
• The left often supports public job programs during economic crises (like the New Deal in the U.S.) and promotes public ownership of certain services to ensure decent wages and conditions.
🏛 Historical Examples
• United Kingdom: The Labour Party created the National Health Service (NHS) and greatly expanded workers’ rights after WWII.
• United States: The New Deal (under FDR, pushed by labor and left-wing Democrats) gave rise to Social Security, labor protections, and job programs.
• France: The Popular Front government in the 1930s introduced paid vacations and the 40-hour workweek.
• Germany: Social Democrats and unions were critical in building the postwar welfare state and codetermination (worker representation on corporate boards).
• Latin America: Leftist governments (e.g. in Bolivia, Brazil under Lula, etc.) have often raised the minimum wage and expanded labor protections.
⚠ Ongoing Struggles
While the left achieved many things historically, the fight continues against:
• Gig economy exploitation
• Anti-union laws
• Wage stagnation
• Corporate lobbying to roll back protections
The political left has played a major historical role in securing and expanding workers’ rights around the world. While contributions vary by country and time period, here are the main things the left (including socialists, communists, social democrats, trade unionists, and labor parties) have done for workers’ rights:
🔧 Key Achievements of the Left for Workers’ Rights
1. The 8-Hour Workday and the Weekend
• The left, especially early labor movements and socialist groups in the 19th and 20th centuries, fought for and won the 8-hour workday and the two-day weekend.
• The slogan “Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, eight hours for what we will” came from labor activists.
2. Trade Union Rights
• Leftist parties and labor movements helped legalize trade unions, giving workers the right to organize, collectively bargain, and strike.
• They also pushed for union protections in law to prevent employer retaliation.
3. Minimum Wage Laws
• The idea of a minimum wage to guarantee a baseline of dignity in pay was championed by left-wing and labor parties.
• These movements often continue to fight for living wages instead of just minimums.
4. Child Labor Bans
• The left played a crucial role in banning child labor during the industrial era, often against fierce opposition from industrial capitalists.
5. Workplace Safety and Health Regulations
• Socialist and labor parties pushed for health and safety laws to protect workers in dangerous industries (mines, factories, construction, etc.).
6. Unemployment Insurance and Social Security
• Many welfare programs, including unemployment insurance, pensions, and disability coverage, were initiated or expanded by left-wing governments.
7. Paid Sick Leave, Parental Leave, and Vacation
• Paid time off for illness, childbirth, and annual leave are direct results of left-wing pressure and legislation in many countries.
8. Anti-Discrimination Laws
• Leftist movements have worked to reduce racial, gender, and other forms of workplace discrimination.
• They helped establish equal pay laws and gender protections in hiring and promotion.
9. Protection Against Unjust Firing
• “Just cause” protections in employment and severance rights often stem from union contracts or left-led labor reforms.
10. Expansion of Public Sector Employment
• The left often supports public job programs during economic crises (like the New Deal in the U.S.) and promotes public ownership of certain services to ensure decent wages and conditions.
🏛 Historical Examples
• United Kingdom: The Labour Party created the National Health Service (NHS) and greatly expanded workers’ rights after WWII.
• United States: The New Deal (under FDR, pushed by labor and left-wing Democrats) gave rise to Social Security, labor protections, and job programs.
• France: The Popular Front government in the 1930s introduced paid vacations and the 40-hour workweek.
• Germany: Social Democrats and unions were critical in building the postwar welfare state and codetermination (worker representation on corporate boards).
• Latin America: Leftist governments (e.g. in Bolivia, Brazil under Lula, etc.) have often raised the minimum wage and expanded labor protections.
⚠ Ongoing Struggles
While the left achieved many things historically, the fight continues against:
• Gig economy exploitation
• Anti-union laws
• Wage stagnation
• Corporate lobbying to roll back protections