Labour Day

Labour Day is observed on the first Monday of October in Australia, though some states celebrate on different dates—Queensland in May, and Tasmania and Victoria in March. The holiday marks a pivotal moment in Australian history: the establishment of shorter working hours without a reduction in wages. This achievement has influenced labor movements in other countries, including the United States.

History

The roots of Labour Day go back to the 1800s, when most workers only had one day off and worked up to 12 hours a day. In 1856, stonemasons from the University of Melbourne marched to the Houses of Parliament demanding better working conditions, which led to the introduction of the 48-hour work week. Over the following decades, more countries adopted the 8-hour workday. Labour Day, therefore, celebrates the fight for fair working conditions and greater rights and opportunities for employees.

Interesting Facts

• The longest recorded working day was in Belgium, where a woman fried French fries non-stop for 78 hours and 1 minute.
• In the United States, dentists use over 13 tons of gold every year.
• The Netherlands has the shortest average working week at just 30.5 hours.
• In ancient Egypt, slaves endured harsh conditions but were provided with food, clothing, and shelter if they worked diligently.
• The oldest known worker was from New Jersey and continued working regularly at age 100.

How to Take Part

If your city is hosting a parade or official event, be sure to join in—it’s a big part of the holiday and always attracts crowds. Alternatively, gather with friends for a picnic in the countryside or host a backyard barbecue to celebrate.

When is Labour Day in 2025?

Labour Day is observed on the first Monday in October each year.

Observations