Summary

Leaflet commemorating Eight Hour Day published by the Trade Union Labour Day Celebration Committee in 1985.

It documents the history of the Eight Hour Day movement and its 'pioneers'. The Trades Hall Council originally issued the leaflet on April 21, 1956 to mark the Eight Hour Day. It was then reprinted on March 11, 1985 by the Trade Union Labour Day Celebration Committee.

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

Four pages of red paper stapled together in left-hand corner. Front page has a black sketch of a cenotaph. Extensive text on subsequent pages gives history of achievement of the Eight-hour Day. Reverse of fourth page has a reproduction of a memorial plaque containing names, occupations and date of death of the pioneers of the Eight Hours Movement.

More Information