During the Industrial Revolution, most people were “unskilled labor,” and there were many workers available for jobs. Why did this decrease their negotiating power and protection at work?
Answer
A
Workers were not smart enough to stick up for themselves or ask for better working conditions.
B
Unskilled workers did not deserve protection at work until they learned the skills of the workplace.
C
Working conditions were not bad; there were always workers willing to take the job.
D
Everyone was replaceable; if an unskilled worker was fired for asking for fair wages, another worker was ready to take the job immediately.
Explanation
When many workers were available to do the same unskilled jobs, employers could easily replace anyone who complained or asked for better wages. That made workers less able to negotiate for fair pay and safer conditions. Choice D states this directly: another worker was ready to take the job immediately.
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