Summary

Mounted photograph of strikers at the Amalgamated Workers Association (AWA) strike camp in Queensland. The photograph was taken during strikes held by Queensland's sugar workers between June and August 1911. Industrial action was taken in support of an eight hour day, modification to the cane-cutting agreement and a minimum wage of 7 1/2d. per hour.

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.

Description of Content

Group of approximately 200 men standing in a field. Trees and tents can be seen in the background. A sign hangs on one of trees and lists the camp's meal hours for breakfast, dinner and tea.

Physical Description

Sepia photograph mounted on brown cardboard.

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