IMPORTANT PART OF AUSTRALIA'S LABOUR MOVEMENT HISTORY The eight hour day was a hard-won employment condition pursued by very early migrants attracted by Victoria's gold rush in the 1850s. At that time a 14 hour day, six days a week was the norm. The campaign was based on 3 key claims: 1. Australia's climate (compared to Britain) was much harsher 2. Workers needed time to access education 3. Workers needed more time with family The Builder's Union and stonemasons successfully prosecuted these claims to gain the right to a 48 hour week and Saturday afternoons off work. Conditions (for most workers) have improved substantially since that watershed campaign. The monument itself is a bit sad and isolated on a small patch of grass next to the Emily McPherson Building at RMIT and opposite the Trades Hall Building.

This monument commemorates the 8-hour workday, which got it start in Melbourne! It's easy to forget that in the 1800s, workers were subjected to 12+ hour workdays in terrible factory conditions. If you complained, you could be fired and then you'd starve. At the top, you'll see '888', which stands for the ideal day: 8 hours for sleeping, 8 hours of work and 8 hours for leisure. Enter the fair labour movement in 1856. The monument was installed in 1902. They hadn't heard of commuting, yet. It's gold and shiny and right next to the gaol and lots of great food, so have a look!

I remember working this and then the sad demise of working conditions. A CAMPAIGN FOR THE EIGHT-HOUR-DAY was led by the labor movement in the 1850s that brought about a revolution in worker’s rights. Skilled tradespeople who had immigrated to Australia for the gold rush had been influenced by the Chartist movement in Britain and the democratic crucible of the United States. In the 1800s, most Victorians worked up to fourteen hours a day, six days a week. There was no sick leave, no holiday leave, and employers could fire employees at any time, without giving a reason. The eight-hour-day campaign was based on the ideal of an eight-hour working day with “eight hours labour, eight hours rest and eight hours recreation.” The top of the obelisk is decorated by a bronze emblem featuring “888,” on top of which is an encircled globe supporting a crown and orb. Around the monument’s globe the inscription reads: “Labour, Recreation, Peace.” While the eight-hour day was an important achievement for the building workers, conditions for women and child labourers in particular remained unchanged and unreasonable for decades. The monument was unveiled in 1903 and 14 surviving pioneers of the eight-hour-day movement attended the ceremony. These pioneers had led the way, not only for the state of Victoria, but for the rest of the world.

Great monument to stop by and take a look at if you're in the area and would like to learn a bit of history and see the unique design of this monument.

The things U learn on a walkabout_ 888 got to gd for u

It has a symbolic purpose I suppose, it's a decent enough place to visit if you are looking for meeting point near the university and gaol.

Located in a small reserve in Melbourne’s north, this monument commemorates the agreement to create the 8 hour workday. The spire has ‘888’ at its tip symbolising 8 hours for work, 8 for sleep and 8 hours for relaxation. Unless you’re a super fan of labour laws probably not worth a special visit but drop by if you’re in the area.

It’s open 24 hours. I don’t like being lied to.

Here is a monument that at times is placed in the almost forgotten. Obscurity should not get in the way of such a grand, noble and honourable distinction that people the world over take for granted. The 8 8 8 movement began here in Melbourne, the rights of every human being to work eight hours, rest eight hours and play eight hours. Such a great achievement that this monument commemorates highlighting how significant and relevant Melbourne is on the world stage.

A great expression of the importance of a balanced life. It is a statement of the way our societies norms have changed over time. The monument and it's written words remind me of one in Parramatta.

8hrs work. 8hrs rest. 8hrs recreation. Not to be forgotten, for work is a never ending process.

8 hours sleeping, 8 hours recreation, 8 hours working.

ABC news and 7news and sbs news share with your society.  this is my question to prime minister Scott Morrison before the fires started in Queensland in all states if they knew there was fire in other states why would they not protect Melbourne earlier from the fires?  Why would they not prevent more fires from happening?   Why do other countries have better preparation for flies, but we don't?  Why do you protect the economy in this situation, but not protect the country? I think they are not protecting society economically if they are not protecting us from the fires because food is getting more expensive, which doesn't protect poorer society. In another country they protect their economy and society from these problems. The issue I'm talking about is to do with trees and bushfire, I believe when I'm talking to the president of Uganda he was quick to understand that i was talking about trees and bushfires, he easily understood this problem, he has a farm and cows, but here politicians dont have farms and cows, so they dont care in the same way since they dont have farms themselves, if they had a farm then they would care more, since they dont have a farm or property of their own to lose, when I was talking to the Ugandan president about this issue he brought me milk to help me talk to him, he has daughters and sons, and he wants them to have equal rights, here when I talk, they want to put me in a refugee camp to send me back to where I came from, they're very funny, they dont feel the same pain of loss and death, they get income from emergencies, so theyre only happy when they get this income, 👍 This page is for Let me be free womens rights and men's rights and,dogs rights and cats rights  YouTube  siraje kifamunyanja Australia government  does not protect people  from fire and trees. You see houses surrounded by big trees and Bushes. The government does not take the responsibility to protect  them. This is the responsibility of the government Australia    they give the town council power to abuse the people and animals. You need a permit to have a dog. Animals not a business, you do not get income from dog or cat. Lots of money to care of them.  No butcher to get meat. Find a volunteers to take care of dog. When you get a dog, you are volunteering to take care of dog,  you dont get income. City council abuses the people and animal like a mouse in a house taking food without paying. Pet is like this.  City council does not allow income from animal, has to be free. They want to verything income. I never been to Japan people Australia says that is a nice tree and garden and street. Please help me to make a video in a garden in Japanese In summer there is a beautiful tree that blossoms purple and white flowers which I want to film. Can you help me make this video of the the tree blooming and send it to my Facebook page? My friend. ..City of Melbourne    I know you come with car ..drive the car ..parking underground .and go to office...monday to Friday. ..sat n Sunday...cleaning uniforms. .monday to go to job. U have gym at home...u don't  need to walking on street. Ur doctors happy about this problem Melbourne city council protect visitors and your community from this is trees program and your city I love Victoria. City of Melbourne Dear my friend. You have a big problem In protecting student.  And hearing and respect. Student want to sit in the garden to take exams.  When you put this tree in the University, they will not want to study.  This is your responsibility too see the problem and fix the bad. You need to protect to protect yourself.  You have to respect University and community.  Protect them from the tree; it kills a lot of people from fire and blown over from the tree.  Many countries have a tree and you have protect from this problem.  You are number one. You are going to cause children not to study. Students have to study to get a master and keep them down.  Studying is a very big job and has to be comfortable. Important to be comfortable.  Thank you very much for taking my advice. City o

Nice to stop by during CBD walk trip

Join your union 💪

It will never be possible in China, sad Chinese people

Very interesting monument. Part of history in Melbourne. Great to read the hostory

This historical landmark is a reminder of the struggle to achieve an 8 hour work day. Although it is easily accessible the monument is often overlooked but should not be missed.

Beautiful spot for pics

My favourite monument in all of Melbourne. A fantastic piece of history.

The Eight Hour Day Monument stands as a symbol of labor history and outdoor reflection. Located in a peaceful setting, this monument commemorates the historic achievement of the eight-hour workday. Surrounded by green spaces, it provides an inviting atmosphere for visitors to contemplate the significance of this milestone. Whether you're interested in labor history or simply seeking a quiet spot for reflection, the Eight Hour Day Monument offers a harmonious blend of outdoor tranquility and historical appreciation.