May Day March and Festival

Why May Day Matters

May Day traces its roots back to one of the most significant achievements of the labour movement—the establishment of the eight-hour workday. What we now see as a fundamental workplace right was a groundbreaking victory that set a global precedent, and it all started in Australia.

In the 1800s, Australian workers endured grueling conditions, often working up to 14 hours a day, six days a week. There were no entitlements like sick leave or annual leave, and employers had the power to dismiss workers at any time without justification.

On April 21, 1851, Victorian stonemasons downed tools and, alongside other tradespeople, marched to Parliament House. They bravely carried banners displaying the ‘888’ symbol, representing their demand for a balanced life — eight hours of work, eight hours of leisure, and eight hours of rest.

May Day is a time to honour past struggles, acknowledge the sacrifices made, and recognise the ongoing fight for workers’ rights across the globe.

Together, we have strength, we have solidarity, and by standing united, we can continue shaping a fairer and better world.

This photograph of the Union’s banner for an 8 hour day procession was taken on the corner of Wellington and William Street in Perth, 1922.

‘Procession turns into Wellington Street, 1922’ Sourced from the Izzy Orloff Collection, via the State Library of Western Australia and reproduced with the permission of the Library Board of Western Australia.

May Day March and Festival

First Sunday in May, annually - Esplanade Park, Fremantle - Sunday 3 May, 2026

The May Day Festival is a family-friendly event held annually at Fremantle Esplanade Park.

Everyone is welcome to attend this fun event, which includes free ice cream, coffee, sausage sizzle, and plenty of free entertainment for kids.

Including: Giant Lego set, obstacle courses and “best dressed union dog” competition.

Register here

An organised union march through the streets of Fremantle will occur at midday, with road closures taking place from 12noon to approximately 12:45pm.

2026 Timetable:

• 10am to 12 noon – community festival – free coffee and ice cream, children’s rides and games, union dog competition.
• 11am to 11.30am – music and speeches
• 11.30am – march assemble
• 12noon to 1pm – Union March
• 1.30pm – festival close

Dust off those union banners, crack out your union t-shirt prepared to stand tall and march proud.

Freebies! March with us to claim your free merch.

As per usual we are giving away a T-shirt, free for members.

Plus stubby holders, fridge magnets, badges and more!

We’ll also send a commemorative stubby holder with the 2026 group photo out to all members who marched with us!