International Workers’ Day

International Workers' Day, celebrated on 1 May, is an opportunity to recognise workers and the progress of the labour movement.

Minister for Industrial Relations, Natalie Hutchins, said the day – celebrated since 1886 – was also an opportunity to reflect on the work still to be done.

Ms Hutchins highlighted the gender pay gap, family friendly workplaces and insecure work as just a few of the issues that needed to be addressed.

Victoria has a long and proud history of advancing workers’ rights. In 1856, in a worldwide first, a group of stonemasons marched to Parliament to fight for – and eventually win – the Eight Hour Day.

May Day marches began in Victoria in 1893 and continue to this day.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations, Natalie Hutchins

"International Workers’ Day is a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come on the rights of workers, particularly in Victoria where the first eight hour day was secured.”

"While we have come a long way, there’s so much more to do. The pay gap between men and women is unacceptable, and we need to work together to close it.”