Independent organizations denounced this May Day the systematic labor repression in Cuba, particularly against professionals in the cultural and educational sectors, in a context where the only permitted union, the Central de Workers of Cuba (CTC), operates under state control.
The Cultural Rights Observatory (ODC) warned that the right to work and labor protections on the Island are being violated through “paralegal loopholes” and with the complicity of the CTC, which the organization claims acts as a "partner of political power" instead of representing the workers.
According to the ODC, multiple professionals in the cultural sector have been expelled from their positions without union support, and some cases have reached the courts without finding effective legal backing.
They mentioned that this May Day, several workers woke up under police surveillance, like the anthropologist Jenny Pantoja Torres. Others have been forced into exile after being separated from institutions such as the Casas de Cultura or the Cuban Institute of Art and Cinematographic Industry (ICAIC).
For its part, the Observatory of Academic Freedom (OLA) reported more than 200 documented cases of job expulsions in the education sector.
The organization points out that since the early years of Fidel Castro's regime, unions in education were reduced to a singular subordinate structure, eliminating any organizational autonomy.
Teachers, researchers, and assistant students have been marginalized for political reasons or for attempting to join a union, facing misery, exile, and repression.
Additionally, the OLA denounced the absence of a dignified retirement system for teachers and the criminalization of those who seek to survive outside the state system.
Both organizations demanded the right to independent association and urged official unions to take an ethical stance in defense of workers, reminding that there is no right to strike in Cuba and that any attempt at autonomous organization is suppressed.
This Thursday, Havana woke up with thousands of people moving towards the Plaza de la Revolución to participate in the traditional march for International Workers' Day.
In the midst of a deep energy crisis, the government unexpectedly stockpiled fuel to mobilize and transport more than 600,000 people in the capital and nearly 5.3 million workers across Cuba.
While the leaders celebrated from the podium, millions of Cubans were dealing with power outages, hunger, and shortages. The Plaza de la Revolución filled up out of obligation, under pressure in the workplaces, and not necessarily from conviction as the regime tries to portray.
Frequently Asked Questions about Labor Repression in Cuba
Which organizations have reported labor repression in Cuba?
The Cultural Rights Observatory (ODC) and the Academic Freedom Observatory (OLA) have denounced labor repression in Cuba, particularly against professionals in the cultural and educational sectors. These organizations have pointed out the complicity of the Cuban Workers' Central (CTC) with the regime, rather than defending Cuban workers.
How does labor repression affect workers in the cultural sector in Cuba?
Labor repression in Cuba has led to the expulsion of numerous professionals from the cultural sector without union support, and some cases have reached the courts without effective legal backing. The Cultural Rights Observatory has documented that the repression has forced several workers into exile, after being removed from institutions such as the Casas de Cultura or the ICAIC.
What role does the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba (CTC) play in labor repression?
The Central Workers' Union of Cuba (CTC) is the only union allowed on the island and operates under state control. According to reports, it acts as a "collaborator of political power" instead of representing and defending workers' rights, thereby contributing to the systematic labor repression in the country.
How has repression impacted the education sector in Cuba?
The Academic Freedom Observatory (OLA) has documented over 200 cases of professional cancellations in the educational sector, affecting teachers, researchers, and student assistants who have been marginalized for political reasons. Repression hinders autonomous organization and restricts academic freedom in Cuba.
What does the international community demand regarding repression in Cuba?
The international community has expressed concern over the worsening repression in Cuba and has called for respect for human rights and freedom of association. Organizations such as the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) have documented numerous repressive actions and have warned about the need for significant changes in the Cuban regime to ensure the fundamental rights of its citizens.
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