Decree on Workers' Rights, 1917

What were the Decrees on Workers' Rights?

The Decrees on Workers' Rights attempted to improve working conditions for industrial workers and give them control over the means of production instead of the business owners.

When were the Decrees on Workers' Rights passed?

The Decrees on Workers' Rights were passed in November 1917.

Who passed the Decrees on Workers' Rights?

The Bolsheviks passed the Decrees on Workers' Rights.

Why were the Decrees on Workers' Rights issued?

The Bolsheviks passed the Decrees on Workers' Rights to improve working conditions of the workers so they would win their support.

What did the Decrees on Workers' Rights state?

The Decrees on Workers' Rights contained 3 key decrees:

• ❖ In November 1917, the Decree on Work stated there would be an eight-hour day and a maximum 48-hour week.
• ❖ The Decree on Unemployment introduced insurance for all workers against illness, unemployment or injury.
• ❖ The Decree on Workers' Control was issued in December 1917, and handed over the running of all factories to the workers.

What were the positive impacts of the Decrees on Workers' Rights?

The positive impact of the decrees was that they gave the workers many rights they previously did not have.

What were the negative impacts of the Decrees on Workers' Rights?

There were 3 main problems with the Decrees on Workers' Rights because there was little money to support them:

• ❖ Workers gave themselves massive pay rises.
• ❖ Workers sacked or, in some cases, even killed managers.
• ❖ Production levels fell.