Victorian Trades Hall Council — Local services in Melbourne

A testament to the ongoing battle for workers rights, Trades Hall is steeped in history.

The carefully-restored and preserved walls bear battle scars from various struggles and scuffles, whilst proudly displaying honour boards recognising those who led the early union movement in Melbourne.

Its carpets are emblazoned with the “888” motif, paying homage to the 8-hour day (8 hours work, 8 hours rest, 8 hours play).

The central bluestone staircase is worn and uneven from many thousands of workers hobnail and steel-capped boots who ascended to meet in the Old Council Chambers – which has recently been painstakingly restored, or in Solidarity Hall – also recently restored and home to a living museum of the various campaigns of the Union movement, or to celebrate in the Ballroom.

Today, Trades Hall is home to various Union movement-affiliated events including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Fringe Common Rooms, the New International Bookshop, and more. Various Unions continue to use Trades Hall as their headquarters office, though these are tucked out the back in a bland, 1960s-era blonde brick office building.

The layout is confusing, with multiple staircases and narrow corridors that quickly disorient. Wayfinding signage is stuck in the early 1900s – simultaneously both a feature and a bug – so finding your way around can, at times, be a challenge.

Regular tours are conducted and Trades Hall is well worth a visit.

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As someone who loves Melbourne, I sincerely hope that the city can preserve more of its old buildings. These historic structures add a unique charm and character to the urban landscape, connecting us to the rich history and cultural heritage of the area.

Walking through the streets of Melbourne, the old buildings tell stories of the past, offering a glimpse into different eras and architectural styles. Preserving these structures not only maintains the city's aesthetic appeal but also fosters a sense of continuity and identity among residents and visitors alike.

It's essential to strike a balance between modernization and conservation, ensuring that new developments do not overshadow the historical significance of these buildings. I believe that with thoughtful planning and dedicated efforts, Melbourne can continue to thrive as a vibrant, dynamic city while honoring and preserving its architectural legacy for future generations to...

FOUR STARS FOR THE GREAT BONES OF THE BUILDING! The Victorian Trades Hall Council occupies a beautiful, but sadly negelected, building on the corner of Victoria and Lygon Sts. Its not a public building but its worth walking along the street to get a sense of an important part of the development of Australia's industrial relations system. There is a lot of history encapsulated in this building and even today it is often draped in campaign banners concerning workers rights. The early days of the Australian labour movement saw stonemasons walk off the job (a building at the new Melbourne University) in 1856 in support of better working hours. The "eight hour work day" was born from this and there is a monument on the opposite corner commemorating...