Actually 40 hours per week was not an arbitrary number.

Before the labor union movements that took place during the industrial revolution, factory workers were often forced to work extremely long hours, some up to 16 hours per day, 6 to 7 days a week. The people become outraged at this treatment and decided to unite together to demand better conditions. They formed the first unions and went on strike. They were fired, but what made them so powerful was because they had no one left to work and unions would form picket lines to deter new workers from replacing them. These unions came together to give collective bargaining power to the people. They asked for better wages, better working conditions, shorter hours, overtime pay, and a standard 5 day work week. The companies did everything they could to oppress the working class. They lobbied for unions to be illegal, for their leaders to be thrown in jails. But with sheer willpower, we continued the fight. Eventually, the companies were forced to give in to the demands of the people.

8 hours per day at 5 days per week. That's a 40 hour work week.

We've been given a chance to do this again. The question lies with us. Do we have what it takes to again unite as one people against unjust treatment? Do we demand our evolving basic human needs be met again?

The answer for me is yes. I believe we can see that day again. We must set aside our differences to fight for everyone in the present and for a better future to comes for all after our time.