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| From Left: Victorian Women's Affairs and Arts Minister Mary Delahunty; CFMEU Secretary Martin Kingham; VTHC Secretary Brian Boyd; AWU Secretary Bill Shorten. |
In 1856 Victorian stonemasons won an eight-hour working day, a world first in the struggle for improved working conditions and a fair split between work, rest and play.
At the launch of celebrations of the 150th anniversary of this milestone, Victorian Women's Affairs and Arts Minister Mary Delahunty said dividing work and family time was still the biggest challenge facing workers.
"The 150th anniversary of the Eight Hour Day campaign provides an opportunity to look at work practices and pressures and how we can get a better balance," Ms Delahunty said.
"As increasing numbers of workers clock up 50 hour weeks, working parents try to fit school pick ups, shopping, house work and child care into their demanding working lives and more people are complaining about the pressures this balancing act creates."
"150 years after the stonemasons' achievement of the eight-hour day, working time is still a major source of tension and conflict and the casualisation of the work force provides little security for families."
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2002 figures, 1.7 million Australians work 50 hours or more per week, twice as many as in 1982.
"Working parents juggles long hours and women are especially affected by the double shift. 56 per cent of Australian women are now in the workforce and around 32 per cent of those are caring for children," she said.
Eight Hour Day Project Coordinator, Leanne Shingles, says there are important lessons to learn from our past.
"We're pleased to be able to offer an eclectic range of events to both celebrate the historic achievement of stonemasons in 1856 and encourage examination of the contemporary struggle to control working hours and lead balanced lives," she said.
"It's time to explode the myth that Australian workers are a pack of bludgers. Study after study reveals we work long hours and feel stressed and pressured. The health of our society is at stake, as well as our relationships and the ability to participate in our communities."
"The ideals of the eight hour day pioneers are just as relevant today as they were 150 years ago, as workers continue to seek a balance of work, rest and play."
Ms Delahunty said the attainment of the Eight Hours Day came only 16 months after the Eureka Rebellion and became a symbol of the rights of workers to organise and take their place as citizens in a democratic society.
Ms Delahunty announced a program of arts event and exhibitions to mark this very important milestone including:
- Conservation of four nationally significant Eight Hour Day and Trade Union banners. The banners, which will be displayed at Melbourne Museum as part of the 888 anniversary celebrations, were carried in Eight Hour Day (later renamed Labour Day) parades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by members of the United Ironworkers, Boot Trade Employees, Tramway Employees and Metalworkers unions. I
- It's About Time! An 8 Hour Day 1856-2006 exhibition which will visit nine regional centres, starting in Ballarat. It tells contemporary stories from people like Gia Underwood, who has reduced the number of days she works to spend more time with her family.
- Ceremonial armour crafted by tinsmiths in the 1880s was on display at the University of Melbourne during celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the eight-hour working day.
- We Built This City - a Melbourne Workers Theatre production directed by Donna Jackson, celebrates the strength and skill of construction workers in Melbourne.
The 150th anniversary program brings together key organisations including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image; City of Melbourne; Melbourne Workers Theatre; Museum Victoria; RMIT University; State Library of Victoria; University of Melbourne's Ian Potter Museum, Australian Centre and History Department; and Victorian Trades Hall Council.
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Eight Hour Day website | | 
