in the nineteenth century, working conditions were appalling, with workers being forced to work ten, twelve, and fourteen hours a day. support for the eight-hour work day movement was growing rapidly, despite the indifference and hostility of many union leaders, and by april 1886, 250,000 workers were involved in the may day movement. previous legislative attempts to improve working conditions had failed, so labor organizers took drastic measures. they passed a resolution stating that eight hours would constitute a legal day’s work. and, on may first 1886, the resolution took effect.