Labor unions are an important part of the working world and the nation’s history. Although workers went on strike several times throughout the late 1600s and 1700s, the first formal unions did not come about until the late 1700s and beyond. The early unions sought higher wages, shorter workdays, fair and safe workplaces, and more for workers through contract negotiation with employers. Essentially, the unions provided a voice for employees to improve their lives both on and off the job. These rights and protections helped to create a safer, more stable, and productive workforce, allowing employees to provide better services and produce better products. The workplace rights and protections in existence today evolved over time because of unions.