The Legacy of 888: Our Proud Union Heritage

Ever wonder why we work eight hours instead of fourteen? It’s because union members like you fought for it.

In 1850s Victoria, workers endured brutal 14-hour days, six days a week, with no sick leave, no holidays, and could be sacked without reason.

On the 21st of April, 1851, Victorian Stonemasons made history when they downed tools and marched to Parliament House alongside other building trades. These brave workers proudly carried banners displaying “888” – representing their demand for “8 Hours Work, 8 Hours Recreation, 8 Hours Rest,” a concept pioneered by English Socialist Robert Owen in 1817.

Their courage paid off. The government agreed that public works employees should enjoy an eight-hour day without losing pay. On May 12, 1856, workers celebrated with a holiday and procession, with 700 people from 19 trades marching in solidarity.

This victory led to another milestone – Victorian trade unions establishing the world’s first Trades Hall building in 1858, on the corner of Lygon and Victoria Streets, which remains our movement’s headquarters today. The “888” monument standing across from Melbourne’s Victorian Trades Hall in Carlton commemorates this moment in our history.

The struggle continued across Australia. Victoria’s Eight Hours Act finally granted all state workers the eight-hour day in 1916. The Commonwealth Arbitration Court approved the 40-hour, five-day working week nationwide starting January 1, 1948. Historian Rowan Cahill described this achievement as “one of the great successes of the Australian working class,” proving workers could “organise, mobilise… and exercise significant control over working conditions and quality of life.”

Our new limited-edition 888 hoodie design, which is inspired by the historical works at Trades Hall proudly celebrates this legacy.

Wear it and remember that the Australian union movement literally changed how the world works. AWU members, get your limited-edition 888 hoodie, a stylish reminder of our hard-won labour rights by clicking here!

Our industrial team recovered over $180,000 for members in just four months! Major wins include:

• Unfair Dismissals: Won substantial compensation ($4,000-$30,000) across gas, funeral services, concrete manufacturing, and cemetery operations
• Wage Theft: Recovered $11,865 in unpaid redundancy payments and over $37,000 in stolen superannuation for migrant workers
• Mental Health: Won $40,500 compensation for workplace mental health injury
• Enterprise Agreement: Government approved Energy Safe Enterprise Agreement 2024, delivering back pay and pay rises
• Protected Action: Won two protected action ballot orders despite employer opposition
• Tax and Entitlements: Recovered $1,050 from incorrect tax rates and $750 in withheld higher duties allowances.

This is just the beginning. We’re already working on more cases and expect additional wins in the coming months!