Medal - Pass, Melbourne Wharf Labourers' Union, Australia, 1885 / membership number 801

Obverse Description

At centre crossed spade, shovel and bale hook; in angles, 8 8 8 ; around, .MELBOURNE WHARF LABORERS UNION . 1885

Reverse Description

No. / ------------ stamped 801

The triple 8 8 8 on this Melbourne Wharf Laborers' Union medal stands for the Eight-Hour Day movement

8 Hours Labour: Time dedicated to fair working conditions.

8 Hours Recreation: Free time for education, family, and hobbies.

8 Hours Rest: Requisite downtime for healthy sleep.

Medal issued in the same year that the Melbourne Wharf Laborers' Union was formed. In 1885 ship owners outraged waterside workers by refusing to let them attend the Eight Hour Day anniversary march. Trades Hall representatives stepped in and the Melbourne Wharf Laborers' Union was formed.

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.

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