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

Eight Hour Day Website Launched

A website devoted to the Eight Hour Day goes online today (1 December).

The new website, developed to coincide with the 150th Anniversary of the Eight Hour Day, has resources for Victorian primary and secondary teachers and students.

“The Eight Hour Day is one of the labour movement's first and finest achievements, a world first achieved here in Victoria.  150 years on, the issues of balancing work, rest and play are just as relevant.”  Eight Hour Day 150th Anniversary Project Coordinator Leanne Shingles said.

“This website, and the resources it offers, explores the historical significance and contemporary resonance of this important milestone”.

The Eight Hour Day gained by stonemasons is recognised internationally as a world first and 150 years later eight hours is still considered to be a standard work day.

The Eight Hour Day became a symbol of the rights of workers to organise to achieve their rights not only as workers, but also as citizens in a democratic society.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary, Arts Victoria in partnership with Museum Victoria, State Library Victoria, Victorian Trades Hall Council, University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Melbourne Workers Theatre, Australian Centre for the Moving Image and City of Melbourne are organising a series of arts, cultural and educational events throughout the year.

The full Celebrate 888 program of events will be launched in early 2006, detailing the exhibitions, conferences and theatre events that will be staged throughout 2006 and across Victoria in celebration of this milestone.

More info: www.8hourday.org.au

Media contact: Leanne Shingles 0403 901 980


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