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 150th Celebration hits Melbourne Streets

VTHC Secretary Brian Boyd reports

On Friday 21st April 2006 the labour movement celebrated one of its finest historical achievements with music, song, acrobatics and speeches. 

Starting at Melbourne University, MC John Walker warmed up the enthusiastic crowd in style.  The Victorian Trade Union Choir were in fine form as was folk singer Danny Spooner.

CFMEU Secretary, Martin Kingham and Australian History Professor, Peter Love didn’t disappoint with speeches befitting the occasion.

Eventually, as was done 150 years earlier, three large golden 8’s were handed over to Martin Kingham, Angela Castella (a working stonemason of the modern era) and Brian Boyd, VTHC secretary.  The three 8’s and their carriers led the procession through the old Melbourne University Law Courts building quadrangle down to Grattan St, then right into Swanston St.

A wreath was laid at the permanent monument for James Galloway outside the CFMEU Offices at 500 Swanston St.  The procession proceeded on down Swanston St into the city, turning left up Bourke St.

At the State Parliament House, the 888 marchers were met by Rob Hulls, Victorian IR Minister and Greg Combet, ACTU Secretary.  They gave speeches, as did Martin Kingham and Brian Boyd.  All through proceedings the mood was celebratory and buoyant.  The serious side of the 150th anniversary came through in parts of the speeches when the current attack on workers rights by the Howard government was referred to, and the need for a united struggle to defeat them.

The pictures of the day, however, say it all:

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 

 



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