The struggling people of Cuba are going through difficult days, due to the consequences of the murderous longstanding imperialist blockade imposed by the United States and its allies, which has caused severe shortages. The well-known circles, those who are trying in every way to overthrow the Cuban revolution, are trying to take advantage of the reactions of dissatisfaction by the citizens because of the shortcomings that exist, in order to exert pressure and intensify the attacks on the socialist state of Cuba.

In this difficult situation, along with the attempt for the international isolation of Cuba, the inclusion by the USA of the country in the list of countries that “allegedly sponsor terrorism” is added. The WFTU condemns Donald Trump’s first act as US President, which was to put Cuba back on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list—just 6 days after its removal. This action consists a blatant mockery, disrespectful, and deceitful move that escalates the economic war on the Cuban people.

The WFTU reaffirms its solidarity with Cuba, and reiterates its unwavering demand for:

1. The immediate and complete lifting of the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba, and the permanent removal of the country from the list of countries that “allegedly sponsor terrorism”.
2. An end to all forms of external interference in Cuba’s sovereignty.
3. The non-negotiable right of the Cuban people to determine their future. We support their just demand for a peaceful recovery and an end to all coercive measures.

Solidarity with Cuba! End the Blockade Now!
WFTU Presidential Council

The post WFTU Presidential Council Resolution of Solidarity with the People of Cuba first appeared on Labor Today.

While this action represents a step in the right direction, it is insufficient to address the core issue: the murderous, illegal and inhumane economic blockade that has been imposed on the Cuban people for over six decades.

The blockade has inflicted severe economic and social hardships on the Cuban people, cutting off access to essential resources, limiting economic development, and restricting their right to self-determination. The blockade stands in blatant violation of international law, hindering the Cuban people’s right to dignified work and their freedom to shape their economic future.

The WFTU extends its gratitude to the international movement of solidarity with Cuba whose tireless struggles and solidarity have kept the demand for justice at the forefront of international discourse.

Despite the positive development, the struggle is far from over. The WFTU reiterates its unwavering demand for:

1. The immediate and complete lifting of the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba.
2. An end to all forms of external interference in Cuba’s sovereignty.
3. The non-negotiable right of the Cuban people to determine their future. We support their just demand for a peaceful recovery and an end to all coercive measures.

Solidarity with Cuba! End the Blockade Now!

The post WFTU Statement on Recent U.S. Measures Regarding Cuba: The Struggle Against the Blockade Continues first appeared on Labor Today.

For over six decades, the blockade has inflicted severe economic and social hardships on the Cuban people, cutting off access to essential resources, limiting economic development, and restricting their right to self-determination. The blockade stands in blatant violation of international law, hindering the Cuban people’s right to dignified work and their freedom to shape their economic future.

The struggling people of Cuba are now facing intensified hardships, including severe energy shortages, exacerbated by the longstanding imperialist blockade. In this hard situation, the well-known circles, those who are trying in every way to overthrow the Cuban revolution, are trying to take advantage of the reactions of dissatisfaction by the citizens because of the shortcomings that exist, in order to exert pressure and intensify the attacks on the socialist state of Cuba.

The WFTU reaffirms its commitment to supporting Cuba in its pursuit of economic and social justice, urging the class-oriented trade unions of the world to rally in stronger support against the US’s imperialist actions and to demand the immediate lifting of the blockade. We stand with Cuba and its people’s non-negotiable right to determine their future, and we will continue our unwavering support for their just demand for a peaceful recovery and an end to all coercive measures.

With Cuba, until victory!

The post WFTU Statement on the Recent UN General Assembly Resolution Against the U.S. Blockade on Cuba first appeared on Labor Today.

The 26th of July marks the beginning of the revolutionary attempt to overthrow the dictator, Fulgencio Batista, which gave hope to workers all over the world and showed that the people can defeat the exploiters and can create a society free from exploitation. For decades now the Cuban people have been leading and remain a militant example in the struggle against imperialism.

On this day we commemorate the revolutionaries who fought to expel the enemies of the peoples, building for decades an ironclad proof that another society is possible. Their sacrifices should be always remembered and should light nowadays struggles of the working class all over the world against capitalist barbarity. Imperialism is raging against revolutionary Cuba, which proves that the workers can fight and win them, proves that the working class can accomplish its historic cause and can build a human-centered society free of man-by-man exploitation. A society that, regardless of the sanctions and the embargos, sends help, solidarity, doctors, and medicines to other nations instead of troops and bombs. A society whose growth and development are serving people’s needs and not multinationals’ speculation. The heroic people of Cuba have overcome all adversities, difficulties, and attacks over the years and will continue to resist.

The achievements of the Cuban Revolution are pervasive and evident in the daily life and living standards of Cuban workers. Health, education, family policy, housing, are just a few examples that demonstrate that the revolution has already excelled.

The Revolution was not limited to the Cuban borders. Steeped in internationalist solidarity, Cuba has long been an example of cooperation and mutual aid among the peoples of the world, sending brigades of doctors, teachers, and more.

Cuba is not alone!

The World Federation of Trade Unions once again joins its voice with the struggling people of Cuba and its workers and government, in their longstanding and just demand that Cuba be permanently removed from the list of countries that “allegedly sponsor terrorism”. The international class-oriented trade union movement knows that Cuba is not only not a country that is a supporter of terrorism, but is itself a victim of terrorism. For six decades, the heroic Cuban people have been confronted with the criminal blockade imposed by the USA and the constant attempts at foreign intervention in the country.

The effects of the blockade are visible and felt by the Cubans, as they cause significant shortages on the island. Those responsible, not only refuse to lift the murderous embargo, but are instrumentalizing the reactions of dissatisfaction by the citizens, in order to exert pressure and intensify the attacks on the socialist state of Cuba.

The WFTU and its millions of workers join their voices with Cuba, demanding an immediate and unconditional end to the embargo and the return of Guantanamo to the Cuban people. The international class-oriented trade union movement unequivocally condemns the current suffocating embargo and the interventionist maneuvers of the USA since the very beginning of the Cuban socialist revolution. We support the right of the Cuban People to decide for themselves, freely and democratically, about their present and future, without the intervention of the imperialists.

In this landscape, these days, on the occasion of the 26^th of July anniversary, and in the spirit of internationalist solidarity, several militant trade unions globally following the WFTU’s call, are organizing activities and demonstrations in solidarity with the struggling heroic Cuban people. Because Cuba is not alone. The voice of the international class-oriented trade union movement is heard all around the world, demanding:

Hands off Cuba!
Stop the blockade now!
Viva el 26 de julio!

The post WFTU on the 26th of July, Anniversary of the Attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba first appeared on Labor Today.

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) of the State of California, approved a new resolution in favor of Cuba. The initiative, certified in the plenary session of the recently held convention of that movement, demands that the government of President Joe Biden remove Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT).

The demand reflects the feelings of representatives of trade unions, labor and solidarity organizations in the U.S., who are convinced of the arbitrariness of the sanction and the direct impact it has on the Cuban people.

To date, 113 resolutions have been passed in City Councils, County Boards, State Legislatures, School Boards, Labor Councils, Unions, Workers and other organizations in the U.S., supporting the end of the U.S. blockade against the Caribbean nation, and urging that Cuba be removed from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

The California Labor Federation represents nearly 2.5 million workers in more than 1,300 labor organizations and is one of the largest labor unions in the country.

You can view the full resolution here.

The post California Labor Federation Demands the Exclusion of Cuba from the Terrorist List first appeared on Labor Today.

The 26th of July marks the beginning of the revolutionary attempt to overthrow the dictator, Fulgencio Batista, which gave hope to workers all over the world and showed that the people can defeat the exploiters and can create a society free from exploitation. For decades now the Cuban people have been leading and remain a militant example in the struggle against imperialism.

On this day we commemorate the revolutionaries who fought to expel the enemies of the peoples, building for decades an ironclad proof that another society is possible. Their sacrifices should be always remembered and should light nowadays struggles of the working class all over the world against capitalist barbarity. Imperialism is raging against revolutionary Cuba, which proves that the workers can fight and win them, proves that the working class can accomplish its historic cause and can build a human-centered society free of man-by-man exploitation. A society that, regardless of the sanctions and the embargos, sends help, solidarity, doctors, and medicines to other nations instead of troops and bombs. A society whose growth and development are serving people’s needs and not multinationals’ speculation. The heroic people of Cuba have overcome all adversities, difficulties, and attacks over the years and will continue to resist.

The World Federation of Trade Unions once again joins its voice with the struggling people of Cuba and its workers and government, in their longstanding and just demand that Cuba be permanently removed from the list of countries that “allegedly sponsor terrorism”. The international class-oriented trade union movement knows that Cuba is not only not a country that is a supporter of terrorism, but is itself a victim of terrorism. For six decades, the heroic Cuban people have been confronted with the criminal blockade imposed by the USA and the constant attempts at foreign intervention in the country.

The effects of the blockade are visible and felt by the Cubans, as they cause significant shortages on the island. Those responsible, not only refuse to lift the murderous embargo, but are instrumentalizing the reactions of dissatisfaction by the citizens, in order to exert pressure and intensify the attacks on the socialist state of Cuba.

The WFTU and its millions of workers join their voices with Cuba, demanding an immediate and unconditional end to the embargo and the return of Guantanamo to the Cuban people. The international class-oriented trade union movement unequivocally condemns the current suffocating embargo and the interventionist maneuvers of the USA since the very beginning of the Cuban socialist revolution. We support the right of the Cuban People to decide for themselves, freely and democratically, about their present and future, without the intervention of the imperialists.

We call on our affiliates all over the world to express their solidarity and support, by organizing protests and demonstrations in front of American embassies and consulates, under the slogans of the World Federation of Trade Unions:

Hands off Cuba!
Stop the blockade now!

The post Hands off Cuba! WFTU Solidarity Campaign with the People of Cuba! first appeared on Labor Today.

Even the recent report of the US Secretary of State does not include Cuba among the countries that “do not cooperate with US counter-terrorism efforts”, as it slanderously included it in previous years.

The international class-oriented trade union movement knows that Cuba is not only not a country that is a supporter of terrorism, but is itself a victim of terrorism. For six decades, the heroic Cuban people have been confronted with the criminal blockade imposed by the USA and the constant attempts at foreign intervention in the country.

The inclusion of Cuba in the list of countries “allegedly sponsoring terrorism” is just another attempt by US imperialism to isolate the island politically and economically, in order to intervene in the internal affairs of the country and impoverish its people.

Therefore, the WFTU reaffirms its firm solidarity and support to Cuba and its just demands!

The post WFTU Statement on the US Removal of Cuba From the List of Countries that “Allegedly Sponsor Terrorism” first appeared on Labor Today.

The World Federation of Trade Unions expresses its solidarity with the struggling people and the government of Cuba, who are once again being subjected to the consequences of the murderous embargo imposed on the country and the attempts for external intervention.

It is obvious that the well-known circles, those who are trying in every way to overthrow the Cuban revolution, are trying to take advantage of the reactions of dissatisfaction by the citizens because of the shortcomings that exist, in order to exert pressure and intensify the attacks on the socialist state of Cuba.

It is unacceptable that those responsible for the shortages and the situation, due to the criminal blockade imposed, now try to pretend the protectors of the heroic Cuban people.

The class-oriented trade union movement stands firmly in solidarity with Cuba, and supports its people’s non-negotiable right to decide for themselves for the present and future. We demand the immediate withdrawal of the anti-democratic, anti-people blockade, which for more than 6 decades is hindering the access to essential resources, limiting economic development, and impeding their right to self-determination.

The post Those Responsible for the Situation, Now Pretend to be the Protectors of the People! — WFTU Statement on the Recent Developments in Cuba first appeared on Labor Today.

Struggling workers and people of Cuba,

On behalf of the World Federation of Trade Unions, I extend you our fraternal greetings and congratulations on the anniversary of the 65 years since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution. These congratulations belong to the heroic people and the government of Cuba, who despite the murderous embargo and the imperialist interventions all these decades, under the leadership and the vision of the Communist Party, continue to keep the flag of the Revolution high. A revolution led by Fidel Castro and his comrades, and deeply rooted in the society and defended by the heroic Cuban people.

The achievements of the Cuban Revolution are pervasive and evident in the daily life and living standards of Cuban workers. Health, education, family policy, housing, are just a few examples that demonstrate that the revolution has already excelled.

The Revolution was not limited to the Cuban borders. Steeped in internationalist solidarity, Cuba has long been an example of cooperation and mutual aid among the peoples of the world, sending brigades of doctors, teachers, and more.

It is no exaggeration to say that the victory and the achievements of the Cuban Revolution are a source of inspiration for the struggles of millions of workers all over the world. The triumph of the revolution remains a lighthouse of hope and optimism. Cuba is the living proof that another world, another society is possible. The Revolution proves every day that the organized struggle and militancy, can, and must defeat imperialism and overthrow the system of exploitation of man by man.

Dear comrades,

The World Federation of Trade Unions has always stood firmly by the side of heroic Cuba at all stages and milestones of the Cuban Revolution. The international class-oriented trade union movement expresses its full international solidarity with the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba, the workers, and the people of Cuba, who by their example inspire workers. The heroic Cuba has overcome all adversities, difficulties, and attacks over the years and will continue to resist, will continue to promote peace, brotherhood, and solidarity among the peoples and the workers of the world.

Long Live the Cuban Revolution!

Comradely,
Pambis Kyritsis
General Secretary WFTU

The post Letter of the WFTU General Secretary to the General Secretary of the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba on the 65th Anniversary of the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution first appeared on Labor Today.

For more than 6 decades, the blockade has inflicted severe economic and social hardships on the Cuban people, hindering their access to essential resources, limiting economic development, and impeding their right to self-determination. The blockade not only violates the principles of international law, but also hinders the Cuban people’s right to dignified work and the right to choose the system of economic development for their country.

The WFTU reaffirms its commitment to supporting Cuba in its pursuit of economic and social justice and reiterates its support for the immediate lifting of the blockade. We call upon the class-oriented trade unions of the world to strengthen even more the struggle against the murderous imperialism of the US, and their support of the just demand of the Cuban people.

With Cuba, until victory!

The post The WFTU on the UN General Assembly’s Resolution Condemning the Blockade of Cuba first appeared on Labor Today.