Eight-hour day protest (Victoria)

Description

TypeProtestsIdentifierUMA-EV-000001600HistoryOn 21 April 1856, stonemasons working on the original University building (now the Old Quad) downed their tools and marched through the city to Parliament House, gathering construction workers along the way. They were demanding the reduction of the working day from ten to eight hours. Their actions were successful and the eight hour day was established in many skilled trades for the first time in the world. stonemasons celebrated with a holiday and procession on Monday 12 May 1856, involving about 700 people from 19 trades marching.

Dates

Date21 April 1856 - 12 May 1856

Relationships

PrecedesEight hours processionInvolvedThe University of MelbourneLocated atOld QuadParliament House, Victoria

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Eight-hour day protest (Victoria)