Why were courts historically not sympathetic to workers' issues?

The correct choice aligns with the idea that societal and legal perceptions significantly influenced how courts viewed labor-related issues. During different historical periods, the prevailing opinions about workers' rights were often shaped by the cultural, economic, and political environment. In times when the value of industrial progress was emphasized over individual worker rights, judges and legal systems tended to prioritize the interests of employers, often viewing labor disputes through a lens that favored maintaining order and protecting business interests. Thus, the general attitudes and beliefs of the era led to a legal framework that was less supportive of workers' claims and struggles. This context explains why policymakers and judges were less inclined to recognize and remedy the issues faced by workers during those times.

In contrast, the other options reflect factors such as lack of representation, disorganization of unions, or power dynamics between employers and employees, which played roles in the overall situation but do not capture the broader societal influences that shaped judicial attitudes as effectively.