Summary
Alternative Name(s): Button
Badge commemorating the Eight Hour Day, produced in 1906-1907.
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
Circular gold and blue badge. Text is written on blue enamel border. In the centre is the number '44' encircled and surrounding is like petals are the numbers 4, 8,8,8,8,8.
More Information
-
Collecting Areas
-
Acquisition Information
Cultural Gifts Donation from Mr Andrew Reeves, 29 Oct 1991
-
Acknowledgement
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.
-
Maker
-
Inscriptions
Front: 'U.B.T / LEST WE FORGET / 1906-7'. Engraved on reverse: '313 / STOKES & SONS'.
-
Classification
-
Category
-
Discipline
-
Type of item
-
Overall Dimensions
1 cm (Length), 2.3 cm (Height)
-
Keywords
8 Hours Day Movement, Societies, Trade Unions, 8 Hours Day Celebrations, Workers Rights, Making History - Eight Hour Day