JCL Series: A Fair Day's Work: the quest to win back time with Sean Scalmer

About this episode

Sean Scalmer discusses the history and contemporary issues surrounding the working day and work-life balance in Australia.

The length of the working day and the challenges of work–life balance are pressing issues for many Australians, as well as lively matters of public controversy. While the winning of the eight-hour day is celebrated as a past industrial achievement, contemporary discussions of working hours often overlook its rich history. Professor of History, Sean Scalmer, will be joined Per Capita for our August John Cain Lunch to discuss his latest book "A Fair Day's Work: the quest to win back time." Visit www.percapita.org.au for more on our research and events. Recorded 20 August 2025. Per Capita's podcasts are recorded and produced on Wurundjeri land.

People in this episode

Host: Per Capita

Guest: Sean Scalmer

Topics covered

• working hours
• work-life balance
• industrial achievements
• history of labor
• public controversy

Keywords

• working day
• work-life balance
• eight-hour day
• industrial history
• labor rights

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: A Fair Day's Work: the quest to win back time

Places: Wurundjeri land

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