Despite its official name, Labour Day in New Zealand is commonly known as ‘Eight Hour Demonstration Day’, in honour of the fight to reduce working hours from the standard 10-12 hours to eight per day. This year marks the 142nd anniversary of this historical movement, and we look back at the 10 things you probably didn’t know about Labour Day in New Zealand.
Most countries around the world have a statutory holiday which celebrates workers and their rights, usually on May 1. In New Zealand, it is officially called Labour Day, and was once known as Eight Hour Demonstration Day. But why do we celebrate Labour Day? Let’s look at some facts and history of Labour day that might surprise you!
1. It started out as an eight hour demonstration: The first Labour Day was held in New Zealand on 28 October 1891 by unions and socialist groups to promote support for an eight-hour working day. It was held again every year until 1913 when Prime Minister William Massey banned all public meetings during World War I. This ban lasted until 1920 when celebrations resumed with a march through Auckland city centre to show support for workers' rights to unionise without interference from employers or government officials.
2. It's not just one day: While most people think of Labour Day as being celebrated on just one day, there are actually two days that are marked each year. First is Labour Day itself - held on a Monday in October - but there's also Workers Memorial Day (WMD) observed each year on 23 April. WMD honours those who have died while at work, including those killed in industrial accidents or from occupational diseases such as asbestos exposure.
3. You can get paid extra: New Zealand law requires most employers to pay employees either time-and-a-half or double time if they work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week respectively.
Although it's called a 'national' holiday, it is only observed by unionised workers (i.e. most public sector workers and some private sector workers). It is not a statutory holiday so if your company isn't unionised then you're free to come to work! Some people also choose to have a public holiday on Labour day as well; however, don't be surprised if any shops that are open decide to remain open (after all, many employees won't be able to take an extra day off work!). New Zealand has always been at the forefront of working rights for its citizens, including having one of first equal pay acts for women. Many other countries still struggle with these issues today, but New Zealand was leading by example back in 1894 when women were granted equal pay for equal work. In fact, New Zealand was one of just three countries to vote against female suffrage at a League of Nations meeting in Geneva during 1927-28 (the others being Afghanistan and South Africa)! This might seem surprising given how progressive we are today but back then we were seen as too ‘liberal’ when it came to social issues such as women’s rights – they thought we might influence other countries into making similar moves! So what do New Zealanders do to celebrate? Well, there aren’t really any traditions surrounding Labour Day except for family barbecues and going out for picnics. However, if you want to celebrate like a Kiwi then why not try going down to your local beach or park with friends or family? You can even bring along some food from home or order pizza from Dominoes - after all, who doesn't love pizza?! And remember: no matter where you live in New Zealand - Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch - there will be somewhere close by where you can enjoy yourself. So go out there and get involved! Happy Labour Day everyone.
It's on October 23. It’s a public holiday and it is celebrated to commemorate New Zealand workers. The first organised trade union was formed on September 21, 1871, when 6 carpenters marched into a meeting of 1,000 members of Auckland’s Carpenters Society and demanded to be allowed to join. To recognise their effort towards achieving an eight-hour working day for all workers, New Zealand celebrates its Labour Day on October 23 every year.
Labour Day was originally established as Eight Hour Demonstration Day on 14th November 1913. This was a call for workers to come together and demonstrate their desire for an eight hour day. On Labour Day 2013, it will be 100 years since it became an official public holiday in New Zealand. During that time, how much do we really know about it? Today I am going to share some fascinating facts with you all.
Outside of New Zealand, International Workers' Day is observed in many other countries around the world on 1 May. In most cases, it has a similar purpose and goal as that of Labour Day—to recognise and honour worker's efforts to achieve an eight hour working day for all workers. Many countries call it by other names, such as International Workers' Memorial Day (Argentina), International Worker's Solidarity Day (Slovakia), and Labor Day (United States). Even here at home there is a day we celebrate our hard-working Kiwi heroes – Waitangi day on 6 February. To commemorate our nation’s founding treaty, we give thanks to those who built New Zealand and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. Today we will share 10 facts about New Zealand Labour Day that you might not have known.
What started out as a demonstration of support for workers’ rights and a safe working environment has turned into a day-long party, complete with parties, bbqs and family fun. Here are 10 facts to help you understand what began as ‘Labour Day’ but is now known as ‘Labour Weekend’.
1. It was first held on 28 October 1882: The first official Labour Day parade was held on 28 October 1882 in Christchurch, where marchers demanded an eight-hour workday. The march ended at Hagley Park where speakers addressed those gathered there before everyone went home for dinner.
2. It became a public holiday in 1941: In 1941, Labour Day became a public holiday under legislation passed by Peter Fraser’s First Labour Government.
3. But it wasn’t always called 'Labour Day': In fact, it wasn’t until 1958 that it officially became known as 'Labour Day'. Before then it was referred to as 'Eight Hour Demonstration Day' or simply 'Demonstration Sunday'.
4. And not all unions took part in its early years: While many trade unions supported Labour Day from its inception, other unions were concerned that it would take away from their own efforts to achieve shorter hours.
5. Today, most Kiwis have three days off over Labour weekend: These days most Kiwis get Friday off as well - meaning they get three days off over Labour weekend!
6. There’s been a lot of debate around who should be allowed to participate in Labour Day parades: Since 1984, only registered unions have been allowed to participate in Labour Day parades. Some argue that non-union members should also be able to march while others say only union members should be able to participate.
7. There are more than 100 different marches across New Zealand every year: Every year more than 100 different organisations hold marches across New Zealand on Labour Day.
8. Many people wear red during Labour Day parades: Red is often worn by participants in Labour Day parades to show solidarity with workers and represent blood spilled during industrial disputes.
9. Many businesses shut down over Labour weekend: While some businesses choose to remain open during Labour weekend, many close up shop so employees can spend time with their families instead of working.
10. Union membership has declined significantly since 2000: Between 2000 and 2015, union membership dropped from 41% to 23%.
1) Why do we celebrate Labour Day?
Most countries around the world have a statutory holiday which celebrates workers and their rights, usually on May 1. In New Zealand, it is officially called Labour Day, and was once known as Eight Hour Demonstration Day. But why do we celebrate Labour Day? Let’s look at some facts and history of Labour day that might surprise you!
1. It started out as an eight hour demonstration: The first Labour Day was held in New Zealand on 28 October 1891 by unions and socialist groups to promote support for an eight-hour working day. It was held again every year until 1913 when Prime Minister William Massey banned all public meetings during World War I. This ban lasted until 1920 when celebrations resumed with a march through Auckland city centre to show support for workers' rights to unionise without interference from employers or government officials.
2. It's not just one day: While most people think of Labour Day as being celebrated on just one day, there are actually two days that are marked each year. First is Labour Day itself - held on a Monday in October - but there's also Workers Memorial Day (WMD) observed each year on 23 April. WMD honours those who have died while at work, including those killed in industrial accidents or from occupational diseases such as asbestos exposure.
3. You can get paid extra: New Zealand law requires most employers to pay employees either time-and-a-half or double time if they work more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week respectively.
2) What do they celebrate?
New Zealand Labour day is an annual public holiday to mark New Zealand’s labour movement. It was first held on 28 October 1882 and became a national holiday in 1887. The day honours workers and their achievements, but is not meant to be a celebration of work itself – or what people do for work. Today, many New Zealanders enjoy a paid day off work on Labour Day. Others choose to attend rallies, marches and other events organised by unions around New Zealand. Some workplaces close entirely while others have shorter hours so employees can participate in events. Many businesses also use Labour Day as an opportunity to promote themselves as family-friendly employers with policies such as flexible working hours and generous parental leave provisions. In some countries, it's known as International Workers' Day. This is celebrated internationally on 1 May. New Zealand has its own Labour Day because its trade union movement was born out of an event that happened overseas –the eight-hour day campaign of 1879. This campaign began in Melbourne when building workers went on strike for a reduction in their working hours from 10 to 8 per day. Australian unions adopted Eight Hours Day as their rallying cry, and New Zealand soon followed suit.
The first Labour Day rally in New Zealand took place on 28 October 1882 at Oamaru, North Otago (then called Waitohi). About 1500 miners marched through town behind banners demanding an eight-hour working day.
3) Where is it celebrated?
Although it's called a 'national' holiday, it is only observed by unionised workers (i.e. most public sector workers and some private sector workers). It is not a statutory holiday so if your company isn't unionised then you're free to come to work! Some people also choose to have a public holiday on Labour day as well; however, don't be surprised if any shops that are open decide to remain open (after all, many employees won't be able to take an extra day off work!). New Zealand has always been at the forefront of working rights for its citizens, including having one of first equal pay acts for women. Many other countries still struggle with these issues today, but New Zealand was leading by example back in 1894 when women were granted equal pay for equal work. In fact, New Zealand was one of just three countries to vote against female suffrage at a League of Nations meeting in Geneva during 1927-28 (the others being Afghanistan and South Africa)! This might seem surprising given how progressive we are today but back then we were seen as too ‘liberal’ when it came to social issues such as women’s rights – they thought we might influence other countries into making similar moves! So what do New Zealanders do to celebrate? Well, there aren’t really any traditions surrounding Labour Day except for family barbecues and going out for picnics. However, if you want to celebrate like a Kiwi then why not try going down to your local beach or park with friends or family? You can even bring along some food from home or order pizza from Dominoes - after all, who doesn't love pizza?! And remember: no matter where you live in New Zealand - Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch - there will be somewhere close by where you can enjoy yourself. So go out there and get involved! Happy Labour Day everyone.
4) When is New Zealand's Labour Day?
It's on October 23. It’s a public holiday and it is celebrated to commemorate New Zealand workers. The first organised trade union was formed on September 21, 1871, when 6 carpenters marched into a meeting of 1,000 members of Auckland’s Carpenters Society and demanded to be allowed to join. To recognise their effort towards achieving an eight-hour working day for all workers, New Zealand celebrates its Labour Day on October 23 every year.
5) How did it become a holiday?
Labour Day was originally established as Eight Hour Demonstration Day on 14th November 1913. This was a call for workers to come together and demonstrate their desire for an eight hour day. On Labour Day 2013, it will be 100 years since it became an official public holiday in New Zealand. During that time, how much do we really know about it? Today I am going to share some fascinating facts with you all.
6) Is there anywhere else with a similar holiday?
Outside of New Zealand, International Workers' Day is observed in many other countries around the world on 1 May. In most cases, it has a similar purpose and goal as that of Labour Day—to recognise and honour worker's efforts to achieve an eight hour working day for all workers. Many countries call it by other names, such as International Workers' Memorial Day (Argentina), International Worker's Solidarity Day (Slovakia), and Labor Day (United States). Even here at home there is a day we celebrate our hard-working Kiwi heroes – Waitangi day on 6 February. To commemorate our nation’s founding treaty, we give thanks to those who built New Zealand and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. Today we will share 10 facts about New Zealand Labour Day that you might not have known.
7) Was there always a Labour Day?
The origins of a national public holiday to recognise workers' achievements and struggles are often forgotten. They go back not to recent decades but more than 100 years to when unions first sought an official day to commemorate their fight for shorter working hours, writes Jane Bowron. In 1892, a workers' picnic at Lower Hutt became one of many protests marking an eight-hour day campaign, which culminated on May 1 later that year. An event was staged at Kelburn Park in Wellington to mark and celebrate that historic moment as well as other significant events. Organised by Trades Hall founder and Socialist Party leader John Bainbridge Wright - who became known as the father of New Zealand Labour Day - it drew 5,000 trade unionists from around New Zealand. It was also attended by Premier Richard Seddon, who offered his support for a public holiday in honour of workers. New Zealand now has four official public holidays: Waitangi Day (February 6), ANZAC Day (April 25), Queen's Birthday (June) and Labour Day (October).
The first labour day march took place in Auckland with 2,500 people attending. This led to further marches across New Zealand. A petition calling for a national holiday attracted 35,000 signatures and Parliament agreed to establish Labour Day as an annual event from 1900 onwards.
8) What kind of celebrations happen during Labour Day?
With New Zealand being a really big country and with lots of different cultures, there are so many different kinds of celebrations. Some celebrations are related to unions and working class heroes and some focus on celebrating all people that have worked hard during their lives. Here is a list of 10 things you may not have known about New Zealand Labour day
1) It was first celebrated as 'Eight Hour Demonstration Day' in 1890 by workers demanding an eight-hour workday. They had been inspired by a similar event held in Australia where more than 50,000 workers went on strike for an eight-hour workday. In 1892 it became an official public holiday called 'Labour Day'. Today it is commonly referred to as 'Labour Weekend' or just 'Labour Day'.
2) It's now celebrated every year on the fourth Monday of October but originally it was always held on May 1st (Mayday). The change was made because May 1st had become associated with socialist protests.
9) Do businesses close or people take off work?
Labour Day is a paid public holiday, so most businesses and organisations close or have reduced operating hours. This means that many employees have a day off work – but it also means there’s less chance of running into members of staff who might otherwise be working on another day. Schools are open for students to attend classes, although some schools may hold special events to celebrate Labour Day. Some shops and supermarkets will open for longer than usual hours. The stock market does not operate on public holidays, so investors can rest easy knowing their investments won’t take any unexpected hits!
The first Labour Day was held in 1890: The first Labour Day was held in 1890 as part of an international campaign to promote worker rights.
10) Labour Day parades are fun, but how did they start?
What started out as a demonstration of support for workers’ rights and a safe working environment has turned into a day-long party, complete with parties, bbqs and family fun. Here are 10 facts to help you understand what began as ‘Labour Day’ but is now known as ‘Labour Weekend’.
1. It was first held on 28 October 1882: The first official Labour Day parade was held on 28 October 1882 in Christchurch, where marchers demanded an eight-hour workday. The march ended at Hagley Park where speakers addressed those gathered there before everyone went home for dinner.
2. It became a public holiday in 1941: In 1941, Labour Day became a public holiday under legislation passed by Peter Fraser’s First Labour Government.
3. But it wasn’t always called 'Labour Day': In fact, it wasn’t until 1958 that it officially became known as 'Labour Day'. Before then it was referred to as 'Eight Hour Demonstration Day' or simply 'Demonstration Sunday'.
4. And not all unions took part in its early years: While many trade unions supported Labour Day from its inception, other unions were concerned that it would take away from their own efforts to achieve shorter hours.
5. Today, most Kiwis have three days off over Labour weekend: These days most Kiwis get Friday off as well - meaning they get three days off over Labour weekend!
6. There’s been a lot of debate around who should be allowed to participate in Labour Day parades: Since 1984, only registered unions have been allowed to participate in Labour Day parades. Some argue that non-union members should also be able to march while others say only union members should be able to participate.
7. There are more than 100 different marches across New Zealand every year: Every year more than 100 different organisations hold marches across New Zealand on Labour Day.
8. Many people wear red during Labour Day parades: Red is often worn by participants in Labour Day parades to show solidarity with workers and represent blood spilled during industrial disputes.
9. Many businesses shut down over Labour weekend: While some businesses choose to remain open during Labour weekend, many close up shop so employees can spend time with their families instead of working.
10. Union membership has declined significantly since 2000: Between 2000 and 2015, union membership dropped from 41% to 23%.
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