Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.

8 hour movement more relevant than ever

In his last Labour Day address to the Victorian union movement, outgoing Victorian Trades Hall Council Secretary Leigh Hubbard today welcomed the opportunity provided by the upcoming 8 hour day anniversary to highlight issues of working time.

March 2006 will mark the anniversary of the 8 hour day, a world first in the struggle for a fair split between work, rest and play.

'More than ever before Victorian workers need to be reminded of what the stonemasons fought for almost 150 years ago. Statistics show that more than a third of Australian workers are working more than 40 hours per week, with the number of workers spending more than 50 hours per week on the job more than doubling in the last decade, ' Mr Hubbard said.

'It unthinkable that we have come full circle, but it is clearly the intention of the Howard Government to wind back all the progressive changes the trade union movement has fought for over the last 150 years and to make Australian workers work harder, longer and for less pay.'

'The problems of long working hours or short, precarious hours will be exacerbated as employers are given more control. That means less time with the kids and for community activities.'

'Our workplaces have always been based on the notion that every worker, regardless of where and for whom they work has the right to minimum standards. In this way we have protected the most vulnerable from exploitation and ensured that no matter what the job is, the wage is enough to live off. But come July 1, this Government will change the rules and the award standards and supports provided by the independent umpire and unions will be reduced.'

Mr Hubbard commented on a range of issues in his speech, including the need for the Victorian union movement to put its differences aside in order to run a highly effective and strategic campaign against the proposed Federal changes.

'Can I ask all unions to now turn away from our internal politics and towards the more important task of confronting John Howard. Unity will be a key to success and it should start from now,' he said in his speech.

Mr Hubbard also spoke of the need to prepare for a long-term campaign, one that does not just focus on the immediate legislative changes, but equips unions with the resources to increase membership and protect workers in the long term.

'We can only do that if we listen to members, campaign around their issues, focus our resources strategically and understand the need for a union movement as well as successful individual unions. In all of that we have to promote our values, proudly and loudly,' Mr Hubbard said.

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