Summary

Ribbon belonging to the Furnishing Trades Society of New South Wales. It was used to celebrate the Eight Hour Day.

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 in Victoria..

Physical Description

Blue ribbon with gold print. On the ribbon is an emblem of society picturing a wreath, within which, kneels person in tunic holding rods of wood. Below is banner with text written.Top corners of ribbon are folded in to form triangle. This is where badge is attached. Circular badge with a red background. There is an inner circle of blue outlined by gold on which words are written in white. Within the inner circle is a logo comprised of a large figure 8 linked on either side by a smaller figure 8.

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