Labour Day 2027 and 2028 in Jamaica

Unlike in most other countries, where Labour Day is celebrated on 1 May, in Jamaica, it falls on 23 May. The date, however, will move to the following Monday if 23 May falls on a Sunday or a Saturday.

In 2027, Labour Day falls on Sunday 23 May. The holiday will be on Tuesday 23 May in 2028.

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2027	23 May	Sun	Labour Day
	24 May	Mon	Labour Day Holiday
2028	23 May	Tue	Labour Day
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

The reason for the differing date is to commemorate the 1938 “labour revolt”, an event that did much to help win Jamaican independence.

Alexander Bustamante led the rebellion and later became Jamaica’s first prime minister. After independence from the UK, Labour Day replaced Empire Day, which had been on 24 May and was a celebration of the British Empire.

Bustamante, when in office, helped promote the idea of using Labour Day as an opportunity to take part in community and public improvement projects, and many still volunteer for these programs every year.

Previous Years

Year	Date	Day	Holiday
2026	23 May	Sat	Labour Day
	25 May	Mon	Labour Day Holiday
2025	23 May	Fri	Labour Day