The initial goal of the labor movement in the United States was to improve working conditions for laborers. This included advocating for fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safer workplaces, in response to the harsh realities faced by industrial workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Labor unions formed to organize workers and give them a collective voice, leading to strikes and negotiations with employers. Over time, the movement expanded to address various social and economic issues, ultimately aiming to secure rights and benefits that would enhance the quality of life for the working class.