19/06/2026
Happy Labour Day Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹
from National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago
Happy Labour Day from the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago! in 1937, the Butler Oilfield Riots took place in Fyzabad.
On the evening of June 19th 1937, labour activist Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler met with oilfield workers who were on strike over the poor living and working conditions they faced in the oilfields. When police officials attempted to arrest Butler, a battle took place between the workers and the police.
During these riots, fourteen people were killed, fifty-nine wounded and hundreds arrested. In 1972, June 19th became recognized as an annual public holiday—Labour Day—to memorialise these tragic events and those whose lives were lost. Labour Day also commemorates the contributions made by labour activists and organisations to improve labour legislation over the years.
During this early labour movement, workers from various industries came together and mobilised for better living and working conditions. They also raised concerns about who owned and ran these million-dollar industries and where their interests lay.
Under the leadership of prominent figures like Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler, Captain A. A. Cipriani, George Weekes, Elma Francois, Adrian Cola Rienzi, Daisy Crick, Albert Maria Gomes and many more, thousands of workers met, striked and rioted, starting a trade union movement that would last for decades.
This photo shows an excerpt from our exhibition, “Tubal Uriah "Buzz" Butler. The Man and His Times”. To view or download the file, please follow this link:https://natt.gov.tt/sites/default/files/pdfs/ButlerRevisedBoards11June.pdf