Summary

Poster illustrating and explaining the history of the Eight Hour Day movement. It was produced with assistance from the Visual Arts Board of the Australia Council, Australia Council of Trade Unions, Amalgamated Metal Workers Union, Australian Railway Union, Building Workers Industrial Union, Federated Engine Drivers and Firearm's Association and the New South Wales Teachers Federation.

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

Colour illustrated poster with various rally and recreational scenes set against a landscape background. A gold banner displays the title of the poster across the top. Various workers union emblems line the bottom of the poster, printed in gold. Text along left hand edge explains the history of the Eight Hour Day movement.

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