Summary

Brooch commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of the Eight Hour Day in 1916. The brooch was owned by Martha Maria Berzinski, who lived in Mater Street, Collingwood and in North Fitzroy. She was a single mother, separated from her husband, and worked as a housekeeper while the children were young. The family does not have any record of her trade union involvement, though her son was a supporter of the Communist Party in Melbourne in the 1950s.

Part of a collection relating to Australian trade unions and the Eight Hour Day. Action taken by stonemasons on 21 April 1856 led to the establishment of the Eight Hour Day, with the government agreeing that workers employed on public works should enjoy an eight hour day with no loss of pay. It was a world first and became emblematic of the rights of labour. In recognition of the significance of this achievement, April 21 was made a public holiday in 1879 and commemorative marches were held each year from 1879 until 1951. The Eight Hour Day holiday was renamed Labour Day in 1934. In 1955 the Labour Day march and celebrations were replaced by Moomba celebrations.

Physical Description

Gilt and enamelled brooch, commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of the Eight Hours Day. The elaborate brooch has the inscription 'Diamond Jubilee/ 888Hours' on the front, enamelled, within a golden gilt frame. There are two catches at the back; the brooch would have originally had an oblong ribbon attached to the back.

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