Summary
Badge from 1896 commemorating 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
Rectangular badge engraved with diagonal banner that is folded in three parts. On each part is an engraved word. The pin on the back is horizontal and closes by being bent around a piece of metal.
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: HOURS/COMMITTEE/1896.
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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
40 mm (Length), 6 mm (Width), 10 mm (Height)
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Keywords
8 Hours Day Movement, Societies, Trade Unions, Workers Rights, Working Life, Buttons, Workers, Making History - Eight Hour Day
