Summary
Ribbon commissioned by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Eight Hour Day in 1981.
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
Red ribbon with gold printed logos. Ribbon has a serrated edge across the top and bottom.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Mr Andrew Reeves, 29 Oct 1991
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Issued By
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Inscriptions
1856/[three 8's entwined]/1981/125th/Anniversary/[gold circle] containing ACTU [kangaroo]/TO A/SHORTER/WORKING/WEEK.
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
49 mm (Length), 160 mm (Width)
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Keywords
8 Hours Day Movement, Working Life, 8 Hours Day Celebrations, Workers, Trade Unions, Workers Rights, Making History - Eight Hour Day