Labour Day – What’s it all About?

Have you ever wondered what Labour Day is all about? Sure, you’re more than happy to take the long weekend or enjoy extra pay if you’re working, but what does this day actually celebrate?

If you find yourself wondering about one (or all) of these questions, you’re definitely not alone! While most Victorians have kicked back and enjoyed a day off the grid, we’re sure a good portion of them weren’t aware of the history behind Labor Day holiday. So, let’s take a step back for a moment, and discover how Labour Day came to exist, and what it means for the working class in Melbourne.

The History of Labour Day
The reality is that workers in Australia haven’t always enjoyed the rights and privileges they do now. In fact, in the 1800s, simple things we take for granted, such as sick leave and holiday pay, simply didn’t exist. Many blue-collar workers had little job security, despite the fact they often worked up to 14 hours per day.

During the 1850s, a campaign known as Eight Hour Day brought about some radical changes for the working class. The concept was that a worker’s day should be broken up into three blocks of eight:
* Eight hours of work
* Eight hours of relaxation
* Eight hours of sleep

In both Sydney and Melbourne, rallies and protests were held that were to revolutionize the rights of employees and make serious changes for the better. On the 21 st of April 1956, a group of stonemasons who had been working on the Old Quadrangle Building in the heart of Melbourne marched through the city to Parliament House. Together with others from various building trades, they were demanding more reasonable hours and more rights for workers.

And they got results: subsequent talks resulted in the government agreeing that those employed on public works would be granted an eight-hour working day, without any reduction in wages!

The success was celebrated with a march from Carlton Gardens to Cremorne Gardens in Richmond, which was held on 12th May 1856. For the following 95 years, this event was celebrated in Melbourne with a march known as the Eight Hours Procession, and in 1879 this day was recognized as a paid public holiday.

Nowadays, this strike is recognized as a crucial turning point in the history of the Australian working class, and many of the positive changes which took place in the decades that followed were inspired by the courage and determination shown on that day in April 1856. Labor Day is celebrated every year in Victoria on the second weekend in March.

What does the Labour Day history have to do with Love & Co?
At Love & Co, we really appreciate each of our employees and totally support and respect their rights. We believe that a great business culture must embrace a healthy balance of work and relaxation, and that’s exactly what we offer.
Our team members are given the opportunity to thrive: if working collaboratively with other team members is their style, they’re encouraged to do that; if self-management is what floats their boat, that’s fine by us too!

We uphold family values and understand that there are times when life just doesn’t go to plan. And wherever possible we support, nurture, and encourage each other to succeed in every area. Melbourne is well known as a multicultural melting pot, and in keeping with the true spirit of our city, we embrace people from a wide range of cultures, nationalities, and social backgrounds. We welcome change. We’re open to new concepts and ideas. And we foster and support a strong sense of community at every level.

Experience, Commitment & Passion
With three generations of experience behind us, we understand Melbourne’s real estate business inside out. And we’re driven by results, not promises. Whether it’s commercial or residential, we care about you and your property, and we’re passionate about helping you get the best bang for your buck, every time.

Want to know more about the team at Love & Co? Get in contact with your local office today.