What was the first country to establish an eight-hour workday by law?

The implementation of the eight-hour workday, a cornerstone of modern labor rights, has a rich history, with its roots tracing back to the Industrial Revolution. During this era, workers often endured grueling shifts of 10 to 16 hours a day, six days a week, including widespread child labor. The demand for a shorter, more humane workday gained traction with figures like Robert Owen, who in 1817 famously coined the slogan: "Eight hours' labour, Eight hours' recreation, Eight hours' rest." This rallying cry became central to a global movement advocating for improved working conditions.

While various labor movements and specific industries achieved shorter hours in certain regions, such as the stonemasons in Melbourne, Australia, who secured an eight-hour day in 1856, it was the South American nation of Uruguay that became the first country to legally establish the eight-hour workday on a national scale. This landmark legislation was enacted in 1915 during the progressive second presidential term of José Batlle y Ordóñez, a period marked by significant social reforms aimed at modernizing the country and improving the lives of its citizens.

Uruguay's pioneering move set a crucial precedent, demonstrating a national commitment to worker well-being. The law stipulated a general limit of eight hours per day and 48 hours per week for industrial workers, with slightly fewer hours for commerce and office activities. This foundational legal framework also addressed aspects like overtime compensation, ensuring that any work exceeding the established limits would be paid at premium rates. This early adoption of comprehensive labor protections positioned Uruguay as a leader in social welfare and workers' rights, influencing similar legislative changes in other nations throughout the 20th century.