The social upheaval that sought to address economic disparities during the Gilded Age was the labor movement, characterized by strikes, protests, and the establishment of labor unions. Workers in various industries sought better wages, improved working conditions, and reduced hours in response to exploitation and unsafe environments common during rapid industrialization. Notable events, such as the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the Haymarket Affair in 1886, highlighted the tensions between labor and capital. These movements not only raised awareness of labor rights issues but also contributed to labor laws and protections that would shape future labor relations in America.