The Eight Hours a Day Procession Passing the Town Hall.

Scarce c.19th hand coloured engraving of the Eight-hour day march in Melbourne.

The Eight-Hour Day Movement was a crucial 19th-century labour movement advocating for reduced workdays (8 hours work, 8 hours recreation, 8 hours rest) against harsh Industrial Revolution conditions (10-16 hour days). Originating in Britain, it saw major early success in Melbourne, Australia, in 1856, when stonemasons staged a walk-off, leading to a historic win that inspired global adoption, creating a blueprint for modern work-life balance, fair pay, and worker rights recognised through celebrations like Labour Day.

References:
Ferguson, J. A. Bibliography of Australia Volumes 1-8, Canberra 1976 12842.

Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 2266945
State Library New South Wales: Call Numbers:TQ076098
State Library Victoria: SLT 919.4 C27
State Library South Australia: 919.4 C344