Labor Day in Jamaica is observed every May 23 and commemorates the labor rebellion that occurred in 1938. The holiday was established in 1961 when Empire Day, celebrated on May 24, was abolished. Chief Minister Norman Washington Manley proposed to replace Empire Day with Labor Day, marking the date with commemorative celebrations. The rebellion arose due to underpaid Jamaican laborers, leading to several strikes as workers demanded better wages. A key figure in these strikes was St. William Grant, who is recognized for initiating the struggle of the working class in Jamaica. Although his fate remains largely unknown, he was posthumously awarded the Order of Distinction. Alexander Bustamante, another significant figure from this period, later became the first prime minister of Jamaica and was honored as a National Hero.