One of the main goals of labor unions during the Industrial Revolution was to:

Labor unions emerged during the Industrial Revolution primarily to advocate for the rights and welfare of workers. One of the central goals of these unions was to end child labor, which was rampant during this period. Many children were employed in factories and mines under hazardous conditions, working long hours for meager wages. Labor unions fought to raise awareness about these issues and campaigned for laws that would protect children from being exploited in the workforce.

By pushing for the prohibition of child labor, unions aimed to ensure that children were able to receive an education and enjoy their childhood, rather than being subjected to dangerous and grueling work environments. This aligns with the broader goal of improving working conditions and advocating for the rights of all workers, particularly the most vulnerable populations, including children. Thus, the emphasis on ending child labor reflects a fundamental mission of labor unions during this transformative period in American history.