In Australia, 1st May (commonly known as May Day) signifies the commencement of the eight hour working day which was brought about by a union movement in Melbourne during the 1800’s. Yes, that’s right, all the way back in the early 1800’s workers from various trades recognised the impact their work life was having on their well-being and they took a strong stance in their belief that all workers should have a reasonable work/life balance. They campaigned for 8 hours of work, 8 hours of recreation and 8 hours of rest and were successful in establishing the eight hour working day and a just wage in all occupations. May Day now holds significant value to the work conditions we have in place in today’s modern world.

[Read the rest of this article...]