Amber Longo not only took part in the historic May Day event but also joined an internship with the Workers Central Union of Cuba (CTC). She highlighted three main takeaways that the Cuban people wanted to share with her and the world. ​

Point 1 – Education 

During the internship, Londo took part in roleplaying exercises that she found valuable. “The instructors would put us in these sophisticated role-playing sessions for workplace scenarios. They would give us roles with different individual needs and desires for a workplace setting. In order to learn how to cooperate with the other roleplayed co-workers, through compromising, we had to learn what our own role was willing to give up.” ​
Workers in Cuba have the right to training and can use two weeks of their annual leave for daytime education of their choice. Higher education keeps producing skilled, well-prepared workers. There is a strong focus on science, education and knowledge among Cuban workers. 
Longo spoke not only as a labor unionist but also as a scientist. “We got to hear from someone from The Cuban Institute for Molecular Immunology.” She explained that she left her academic work for moral reasons. As a scientist in the United States, her work could be used for war or profit. She described how, in Cuba, scientific institutions focus on creating medicines to help people, not for war or profit. “If I had been doing science in Cuba, I would not have left the field of science,” Longo said, her voice full of emotion. ​ 

Point 2 – Unity 

Londo said the roleplaying sessions showed an important lesson from the Cuban trade unionists: “No one is going to get everything that they wanted, but if you participate in this struggle, we will all have a better outcome.” Trade union participation is a key part of Cuba’s democracy, making sure that the everyday members’ workplace struggles are included in how the government works. ​ 

The Workers’ Center of Cuba has been the country’s main trade union federation since 1939. Today, the CTC unites 15 sectoral unions that organize over 80,000 workplace branches. These unions work at municipal, provincial, and industrial levels. They are funded by members’ dues, usually based on earnings. Each union elects committees at the municipal, provincial, and national levels. 

Having trade unions represented at all levels of government helps Cubans stay resilient. For example, Longo mentioned that solar panels are provided for prenatal care for women. This support came about because women raised their concerns at work, and these issues were brought to the government by delegates elected through the CTC. 

The CTC’s role in both the workplace and government shows this unity. “The CTC’s job is to act as a representative of the workers in opposition but not antagonistically to the government,” Longo says. The strength of having one union helps keep everyone united. Longo shared that during their roleplay sessions, they were asked, “What are you willing to give up to maintain unity… As a working class movement our power comes from numbers and from unity.” ​ 

Point 3 – Adapting to the Changing Workplace 

For most of the 67 years since its Revolution, Cubans have lived under American embargoes. The Cuban people are used to making sacrifices to protect their way of life. Their dedication to their country helps them adapt and find new solutions. ​ 

Cuba’s creativity and determination have helped them survive tough times. They use solar panels and electric motorcycles. Doctors keep working to save lives, especially newborns. Cuban researchers are working hard to dilute the country’s heavy oil, which is hard to refine, especially since they cannot import what they need. 
The Cuban people’s resilience and commitment to defending their country during the Trump regime’s six-month-old embargo continues to show their strength. Imagine if the U.S. had to go six months with almost no oil.

“There is a lot the American labor movement can learn from its fellow Cuban trade unionists.” Longo’s message is important for U.S. workplaces. American workers are working longer hours and facing tougher conditions as prices rise, making life harder. Unionization is growing in the U.S., but the Amazon model is spreading worldwide. “Gig work is here. It is causing destruction to unions… Now we have the AI revolution and giga-fication. Our current union structure is not creative enough to overcome. If anyone has the experience to come to those collective creative solutions, it is the people of Cuba.” Longo ended her talk by saying, “We need their knowledge to fight our demons. So it’s important for us to show solidarity with [Cuba] but also to learn from them.” ​ 

“Do the Work in Our Unions” ​ 

Longo ended her talk by saying, “There is a lot to do [to help Cuba]. But the most important thing to do is do the work in your unions. You can also sign a petition Cuba is not Alone and use that as an organizing tool. This is the same petition that the Cuban people signed and sent to Raúl Castro. “If you are doing the individual organizing work with people, you can connect why you should support Cuba [to your co-workers.]”

The post Cuban Labor Mobilizes Against Invasion Part 2 first appeared on Labor Today.

The post Cuban Labor Mobilizes Against Invasion Part 2 appeared first on Labor Today.

Longo said the big turnout at the rallies was expected. She highlighted the strong sense of working-class identity among Cubans that contributed to the turnout. “As an Amazon worker, I saw that it was like they were negotiating with their oppressor, as if we as unionists negotiate with our employer.” Longo also spoke about the “My Signature for the Homeland” petition, launched nationwide to defend Cuba. The petition denounces the U.S. blockade, energy restrictions, and threats of war, and it reaffirms the Cuban people’s right and duty to protect their national sovereignty. Over 6.2 million Cubans over the age of 16 signed the petition, which is more than 80% of the population in that age group. The petition was given to Raúl Castro to show solidarity.

Cuban law allows workers to form and join trade unions, and at least 90% of Cuban workers belong to a union. In contrast, only about 10% of American workers are union members.Longo said this strong labor-orientated organization helps Cubans link their workplace struggles to their broader fight against U.S. oppression.

Longo, as a trade unionist, saw firsthand how strong the Cuban labor movement is in facing the U.S. economic blockade. The Cuban people do not want war, but they are prepared to defend their country.

One can add their signature in support for Cuba at: https://www.firmoporcuba.com. By Jerry Ginsburg

The post Cuban Labor Mobilizes Against Invasion Part 1 first appeared on Labor Today.

The post Cuban Labor Mobilizes Against Invasion Part 1 appeared first on Labor Today.

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.

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

The post WFTU Statement on Recent U.S. Measures Regarding Cuba: The Struggle Against the Blockade Continues appeared first 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 post WFTU Statement on the Recent UN General Assembly Resolution Against the U.S. Blockade on Cuba appeared first 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 post WFTU on the 26th of July, Anniversary of the Attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba appeared first 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 post California Labor Federation Demands the Exclusion of Cuba from the Terrorist List appeared first 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.

The post Hands off Cuba! WFTU Solidarity Campaign with the People of Cuba! appeared first 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 post WFTU Statement on the US Removal of Cuba From the List of Countries that “Allegedly Sponsor Terrorism” appeared first 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.

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