'Harmony ... Between the Employer and Employed': Employer Support for Union Formation in Brisbane, 1857-90‪.‬

On 1 March 1865 Brisbane's leading politicians, employers and unionists joined together in attending a ball held to celebrate the inauguration of the eight-hour day movement a few years before. It was a glittering occasion, characterised by 'patriotic toasts' and renditions of 'Rule Britannia'. A place of honour was reserved for John Petrie, Brisbane's principal building contractor, who chaired the festivities. Petrie's role in fostering the eight-hour movement was widely acknowledged. His brother-in-law and foreman, James McNaught, had overseen the first 'shorter hours' meeting in September 1857. In the early 1860s two other Petrie-employed foremen, James Spence and William Murdoch, led the movement. In recognising Petrie's contribution, one parliamentarian observed that this employer was 'honourably connected with the working classes; one who had done so much for and among the working men in this city'. Petrie responded by calling upon all assembled to raise their glasses to their shared ideal: 'Harmony ... between the Employer and Employed'. (1) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]