With banners flying over floats representing their various trades, Dunedin unionists parade through the Octagon on New Zealand’s first official Labour Day, in 1890. The annual Labour Day parade began as an occasion to demonstrate the strength and aims of the union movement, but by the early 20th century it had lost much of its significance. In most countries the first day of May, May Day, is the annual holiday celebrating the union movement. New Zealand unions are increasingly following this tradition, but Labour Day remains a public holiday.
Using this item
Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference:
1/2-024830; F
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.
Add new comment