Summary
Badge from circa 1896 which commemorates 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
This badge is a three panel banner. There is a slightly upward curved middle banner . On the left is a panel set just below the edge of the middle. It flares up and to the left and has a 'V' cut out on the end. The panel on the left is reverse direction.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Cultural Gifts Donation from Mr Andrew Reeves, 29 Oct 1991
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Acknowledgement
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.
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Date Made
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Inscriptions
Engraved front: 'LABOUR, RECREATION, REST'.
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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
45 mm (Length), 7 mm (Width), 15 mm (Height)
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Keywords
8 Hours Day Movement, Societies, Trade Unions, Workers Rights, Working Life, Making History - Eight Hour Day
