One of defining hallmarks of modern society in the U.S.A. is a functioning employment law. Although, people work on a basis of selling their time skills and services to others, there will be power differences between the employer and the employee. Since the worker has lower economic economic influence, a state of dependence exists. The goal of the employer is to make profit, obviously. If the worker is paid low wages [kept cheap - I'm not clear on this!], or works longer hours;, then than there will be more profit made. The last century was rife with owners treating their workers almost as if they were slaves. Even today, workers in Asian countries such as Singapore and India are treated this way. Companies (for example, Nike and Adidas) exploited their workers on a daily basis for example nike and adidas. The emormous profits they made were based on people working long hours in dangerous, unpleasant conditions. Eventually, this led to the formation of Trades Unions and the begenning of a power struggle that continues to this day. Employment law enforced through the courts has gone a long way to alleviate the disruption caused by employer-worker relations.