What would happen if employment law didn't exist?

Answer 1

This is a broad topic and it can only be addressed briefly in this forum. We need only look to the past to determine what workers would be forced to endure if there were no laws regulating business.

During the industrial revolution in the United States, the government had no role in regulating business and what business owners did with their employees. Workers had no bargaining power whatsoever. They worked in extremely unsafe conditions in buildings that were serious fire hazards. Many were locked in during work hours and that resulted in deaths when a fire did occur. They worked long hours for little pay that barely paid for their rent and food. When they became sick, usually from the harsh working conditions, they were simply replaced with more bodies. Workers who collapsed during work hours from health hazards at the workplace were removed and replaced. They had no stability or benefits. They could not talk with the other workers and had no work breaks as is the law today.

Children endured some of the harshest conditions. Children were forced to work long hours in industrial settings with little food and water and little time off to rest. They were overworked, inhaled dangerous substances, their health was usually ruined, their growth stunted and they often died young. As they sickened and died replacements were brought in.

Workers eventually formed labor unions that bargained for benefits and better working conditions. Labor laws were passed. Uniform child labor laws were finally passed in the United States by the early twentieth century.

Answer 2

Without employment law, there would likely be widespread exploitation of workers, with no protections for fair wages, safe working conditions, or discrimination. Employers could act without accountability, leading to significant inequalities and injustices in the workplace. It would be challenging for workers to seek recourse for any grievances or mistreatment.