One hundred and fifty years ago, Australian workers became the first in the world to secure an eight-hour working day.

Some recent studies suggest this may now be a relic of history and that Australians work the longest hours in the developed world.

Window on work ... some maintain they are working harder than ever before. Credit:Paul Rovere

But Professor Mark Wooden, of the Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, disagrees ... strongly.

"The idea we work the most hours in the world is absolute crap," he says.