This station is not just something to look at. You may also take the signs out and turn them around. They contain the Labour Law reforms from 1918 to 1920.

Toward the end of the First World War, the working and living conditions were largely unbearable for wage labourers who worked, for instance, in the textile industry, brickyards and countless other factories. Twelve hour long shifts per day were common, workers had no right to vacation, and could be fired at the drop of a hat. Although child labour had officially been banned, it remained a necessity for many families to make ends meet.

In 1918, women were still required to return to work shortly after giving birth. If a worker fell ill, it was not uncommon that they were denied their wages or fired.

Despite the great headway the Workers’ Movement had made by the end of the 19th century, during the First World War working conditions drastically worsened. Toward the end of the War, workers rebelled. In early 1918 hunger riots, demonstrations and strikes were commonplace. The masses demanded an end to the War, the right to political participation and better living and working conditions.

The First Republic’s government actively engaged with the workers’ demands. After the 1919 elections, the Social Democratic Workers’ Party and the Christian Social Party passed key reforms that improved the living and working conditions for workers.

Several of their demands were written into the law: an important success was the establishment of the eight-hour workday. Once again, children under the age of 12 were prohibited to work, unemployment insurance was installed, and workers became entitled to holiday. In addition, women became legally entitled to six weeks maternity leave.

Collective agreements were negotiated, which guaranteed a certain minimum wage. One such “collective agreement”, in German called “Kollektivvertrag”, is shown here in this display to the right.

These social reforms, which provided workers with greater protection, are some of the most important achievements of the young First Republic.