Comment by ryanmercer

>while i'm sure unions were involved i doubt they were the only reason we started reducing work hours and improving work conditions,

You are absolutely correct, I can give a VERY modern example. Medical residents now have capped hours, in I believe all 50 states, due to New York passing the Libby Zion Law and other states adopting similar laws. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libby_Zion_Law

The same goes for pilots - https://work.chron.com/duty-limitations-faa-pilot-17646.html

Truck drivers - https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-...

Etc.