Union Trades Hall Building

One of the most significant and outstanding buildings in Broken Hill is the Trades Hall building erected in 1897. The union leaders literally established the rule of law in Broken Hill and people listened when they spoke. They had more sway than the politicians, the police, and the magistrates.
Almost mafia like in their operations, they laid down the law in the best interests of the workers and used all means to ensure their words were adhered to. Anyone not towing the line was blacklisted and could not survive in the town more than a few weeks.
The first 35 hr working week was established here in Broken Hill back in 1925, long before any other industries even came close to getting the same working hours. Even today the Australian standard is a 38 hr week.
Virtually the birthplace of the Australian union and labour movement.Read more