Do you know the Origins of Labour Day in Jamaica?

International Workers Day, International Labour's Day,  Labour day, workers day  or May Day is a commemoration of the struggles, oppression and exploitation of the labour market in the late nineteenth century and the subsequent gains made by the labour movement. It is observed in many countries across the world. In the United States and Canada it's observed on the first Monday in September. But most countries celebrate it on May 1 every year. In Jamaica however it's celebrated on May 23.

Before 1961 Jamaica would celebrate May 24 as a public holiday. It was called Empire Day because it was Queen Victoria of England's birthday. In 1961 Parliament passed a bill abolishing this holiday. It was replaced with Labour Day, but instead of May 24 it was set for May 23. However, if the date falls on the weekend it will be celebrated on the following Monday.

No maternity leave paid vacation

Why May 23 Though? 

This was to commemorate the 1938 Labour Rebellion that took place on May 23 that year. 

In 1938 Jamaicans were just about fed up with being underpaid (not much has changed I see) Additionally, they would not receive maternity leave or paid vacation. As a result many workers across the island protested. And what were they asking for? Well better pay of course and better working conditions.

Though there were many riots across the island, the riots at the Frome Sugar Factory that started in May of that year was considered most outstanding, several people died and many were injured. 

But much was gained from the 1938 strikes as they led to trade unions being formally recognized by the government so they can effectively improve pay, benefits, and the working conditions of their members.

 For a better understanding let's take a brief trip back in time before the 1930s. 

From the early 1900s Jamaicans, and in fact Caribbean nationals overall, have laboured for improvements in their working conditions, without much success. Some of the earliest labour movement leaders in Jamaica include Bain Alves, who formed the Longshoremen's Union No.1. These early unions never gained much support and were very weak for a number of reasons ( for example lack of government support and the fact that many Jamaicans could not afford to pay Union fees). The 1938 riots in Jamaica, which were a part of a wider movement throughout the Caribbean starting in 1934, made it abundantly clear that Jamaicans would only be able to see improvements in their living and working conditions if they were able to unite their efforts together, backed by full government support of trade unions. And thankfully this would eventually come to fruition.

Now the  British government's response to the 1930s riots was to send a West Indian Commission, more popularly known as the Moyne Commission, to investigate why there were riots throughout every British territory in the Caribbean throughout the 1930s. The Moyne Commission made several recommendations, one of which was that the governments needed to formally recognise trade unions and that they were to receive the same kind of protection received by trade unions in Britain.

Why do we Labour on Labour Day?

It was Michael Manley who in 1972 proposed that Labour Day be a day where Jamaincans would participate in community activities, which include volunteering to spruce up public areas. This was of course a good idea, however, do you agree that we should have a day after labour day to rest? And that do you normally do on Labour Day?