The History and Meaning of Labour Day

LABOUR DAY IS AN IMPORTANT EVENT WHICH RECOGNISES THE CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY OF ALL WORKING PEOPLE

• The day has a long history, which dates back in one form or another more than 130 years.
  
• In Queensland, it has special significance, as we are the only state where Labour Day involves a mass procession and celebration.
• 
  Trade Unions, which represent the collective interest of workers, play an essential role in ensuring the continued relevance and spirit of this celebration.

EIGHT - HOUR DAY

• The origins of Labour Day stem from the early 1860s when the general campaign for an eight-hour working day began.
  
• This issue was important for employees, many of whom were expected to toil for unreasonably long hours in poor conditions.
  
• While annual processions of unionists began in the mid 1860s, these marches were quite small and restricted too only those who had achieved the eight-hour principle.
  

EMERGENCE OF MAY DAY

• 
  The American fight for an eight-hour day had gained considerable momentum by the late nineteenth century, with a May Day celebration emerging that has influenced many workers worldwide.
  
• May Day became entrenched in the United States when unionists on 1 May 1886 held a demonstration about working hours.
  
• In Chicago at this time five people were executed on trumped up charges and this incident served to strengthen the resolve of workers to fight for basic rights.

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p/s: well...actually still got many many ..i lazy to post ...hehe^-^