What legislation aimed to improve conditions for workers during the Progressive Era?

The Child Labor Act specifically aimed to address the exploitation of children in the labor force, which was a significant issue during the Progressive Era. This period was marked by a strong movement toward social reform and the improvement of working conditions for various demographics, particularly vulnerable populations like children. The legislation sought to set minimum age requirements for employment and regulate the hours children could work, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to protect young workers from harsh labor environments.

While the other pieces of legislation mentioned also contributed to improving worker conditions, they targeted different aspects. The Labor Relations Act, for instance, mainly focused on the rights of organized labor and collective bargaining, and the Fair Labor Standards Act established minimum wage and maximum working hours much later, in 1938. The Pure Food and Drug Act was geared towards consumer protection, ensuring the safety and labeling of food and drugs rather than directly addressing worker conditions. Thus, the Child Labor Act stands out as critical legislation specifically designed to reform child labor practices during the Progressive Era.