Summary
Ribbon issued to the Victorian Operative Bricklayers Society (VOBS) in honour of the Eight Hour Day. VOBS was established in 1856 and was an early party to eight-hours agreements. The union was fairly independent for much of its history, remaining unregistered until 1969. In 1988, it joined the Victorian State Building Trades Union.
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
Royal blue ribbon with gold printing and fringe. Two hands shaking at the top; a wreath with "8 Hours" in the middle and V.O.B.S at the bottom. Metal pin with "Bricklayers" written across the top.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mr Andrew Reeves, Jun 1987
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Date Used
post 1945
Date based on ribbon's condition and the union's formal registration in 1969 until its merger with the Victorian State Building Trades Union in 1987. -
Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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References
Smith, Bruce A. 'Victorian Operative Bricklayers Society (1969-1988)', Australian Trade Union Archives, [Link 1] accessed 4 February 2013.
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Keywords
8 Hours Day Movement, Working Life, 8 Hours Day Movement, Workers Rights, Workers, Bricklayers, Construction Industry, Construction Workers, Making History - Eight Hour Day