On May 3, 1948, Jamaica officially celebrated its first national Labor Day to honor the critical role of workers, particularly Black laborers who fought for social and economic reforms. Labor Day in Jamaica originated in recognition of the 1938 labor uprisings that had sparked greater rights for working-class Jamaicans. These uprisings were pivotal to Jamaica’s path toward independence in 1962. The observance of Labor Day celebrated solidarity, worker dignity, and Black leadership in shaping a fairer society, setting a precedent for similar recognitions across the Caribbean.
© 2025 KnowThyHistory.com. Know Thy History
