The significance of Labour Day

FOR the majority, Labour Day represents along weekend,a weekend to enjoy family time and friendships.

However,the working rights we all enjoy today should not be taken for granted.

Beginning with the Eight Hour Day Movement of the 1850’swhich advocated for eight hours of work, and eight hours of rest. In 1856, on April 21, the Eight Day March was organisedinprotest, and the government agreed to make changes to the rights of workers.

Public celebration marches and parades continued each year with the Eight Hour Day renamed Labour Day in 1934.

The final march was held in Melbourne in 1951, after adecline through the depression and WW2. However,in1955anew celebration of marches and parades were introduced, Moomba, to replace the marchesthatcelebratedthe victory of workers in the Eight Hour Day campaign.

Moving forwardto2023, there’s many who work outside of the eight hours, shift workers, fly in-fly out’s, and many more, and MOOMBA is recognised as amajor event in Melbourne’scalendar,but we all should reflect on ‘just how lucky we are, the working conditions we enjoy,and whereitall began.’