Labour Day

Labour Day History

Labour Day celebrates the achievements of the labour movement and the social and economic advancements it has made for workers. With origins rooted in the eight-hour day movement, the observance aims to promote fair and humane working conditions. It is marked on various dates across the globe, depending on the country or region, to honour the struggle and efforts that contributed to better working conditions, shorter hours, and improved wages for workers.

The first observance of Labour Day in Australia dates back to 1856, when stonemasons in Sydney held a demonstration demanding better working conditions, specifically the reduction of daily work hours to eight. Over the years, the movement grew and expanded across the country, leading to the establishment of different dates in each state or territory to commemorate the day. Labour Day is celebrated to acknowledge the ongoing importance of these achievements and to remind workers of the continuing need to fight for their rights.

Across Australia, Labour Day is honoured in various ways, with Western Australia being no exception. On this day, workers and their families may participate in organised marches and street rallies, attend community events, or simply enjoy a day off to rest and reflect on the importance of the labour movement. Each year, these celebrations serve as a reminder not only of the accomplishments of the past but also as a call to action for future advancements in workers' rights and fair labour practices. Labour Day in Western Australia is celebrated on the first Monday of March.

Top facts about Labour Day

• The first Labour Day parade in Australia was held on April 21, 1856 in Melbourne.
• Prior to the uprisings, workers were required to work 10 to 12-hour days, six days a week. The original change still allowed for the six days but reduced the daily hours to 8.
• Until 1948, Australians worked a 6 day week.
• Australians are entitled to 12 months of unpaid parental leave. They can also request an additional 12 months of leave. Eligible Australian employees who are the primary carer of a newborn or adopted child get up to 18 weeks of leave paid at the national minimum wage.
• Unlimited exploitation of cheap labour-power is the sole foundation of their power to compete. - Karl Marx

In the News and Trending for Labour Day

Top things to do for Labour Day

• Attend a Labour Day parade in Western Australia. Most local cities have a parade to commemorate the day's struggles.
• Donate to a charity that supports workers' rights in other countries. Australians are lucky enough to have 8-hour working days however in many countries, the reality is quite different. One such agency is the United Nations' ILO (International Labour Organization).
• Enjoy the long weekend in the outdoor sunshine of the Australian summer. Aussies enjoy barbies (BBQs) and outdoor activities with their friends and families on this day.
• Spread awareness about Australian Labour Day in Western Australia with the hashtags #LabourDay, #AussieLabourDay, #WALabour and #8hourday.
• Watch a documentary about the struggle for workers' rights and the prevalence of slavery around the globe. Some of our favourites are: The Story of OHSA, Brothers on the Line, Made in Bangladesh and Slavery: A Global Investigation.