Students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science (MATCOM) at the University of Havana (UH) remain on a teaching strike in protest against the new rates imposed by the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA), which they describe as a direct assault on the Cuban people.
According to reports from a note published on the Reclamo Universitario profile, less than 5% of the total enrollment has attended classes since last Tuesday when the faculty students called for an endless academic strike in protest against the recent measures imposed by the state-owned company.
The publication reiterates that the university shutdown is not mandatory: "Students stop attending of their own accord."
Since MATCOM, the stance has been clear since the fare increase was announced: they will maintain their absence from classes until ETECSA proposes solutions that meet the needs of the people. They also pointed out that the company's representatives did not acknowledge the fundamental error of the measure, even though new data regarding the company's financial situation was shared during the meeting.
In a recent assembly, attended by students and representatives from various faculties, as well as executives from the commercial vice presidency of ETECSA, students and professors expressed a significant dissatisfaction with the management of the state-owned company and a deep disappointment with how the meeting unfolded, which, they reported, was dominated by lengthy technical explanations that hindered a genuine debate among all the present faculties.
As a form of protest, students called for a class boycott from Wednesday, June 4, until four fundamental demands are met:
- Revocation of the measures imposed on May 30, or at least their modification in favor of collective solutions.
- Conducting a meeting between representatives of ETECSA and the student community, with clarity and transparency regarding the context of the decisions.
- Utilization of students' technical knowledge to design viable and equitable solutions.
- Active participation of all affected social sectors in the development of sustainable alternatives.
The Faculty of Communication and Letters at the University of Holguín also made a statement and called for an indefinite academic strike starting June 7 and "until the measures are revoked": "We are not a privileged minority; we are the voice of a people tired of paying for inefficiency," they claimed in their statement.
The Faculty of Biology also publicly rejected the authority of the national president of the FEU, Ricardo Rodríguez González, whom they accused of not representing the genuine opinions of the student body.
For its part, the Faculty of Philosophy, History, Sociology, and Social Work demanded his immediate resignation, describing his management as "complacent, passive, and lacking in critical thought."
However, the National Television News states that nothing is happening and implies that the semester is coming to an end, undermining the determination of thousands of students united around a cause they believe is just.
Frequently Asked Questions about the university strike and protests against ETECSA in Cuba
Why are the students of the University of Havana on strike?
The students of the University of Havana are on strike in protest against the new rates imposed by the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA), which they see as a direct assault on the Cuban people due to its negative economic impact.
What are the students' demands in the university strike?
Students are demanding the repeal or modification of the tariff measures imposed by ETECSA, a transparent dialogue with the company's management, the utilization of students' technical knowledge to design solutions, and the active participation of all affected social sectors in the development of sustainable alternatives.
What impact do the new ETECSA rates have on Cuban students?
The new ETECSA rates severely restrict internet access for students, hindering their academic and professional activities, as the cost of digital services is unaffordable for many, in a context where the average salary in Cuba is very low.
What position has the University of Havana taken regarding the student strike?
The University of Havana has issued a statement affirming that it will not allow interruptions in its teaching processes and reiterates its loyalty to the Communist Party of Cuba, which implies a rejection of the students' protest actions.
What other Cuban universities have joined the strike against ETECSA?
In addition to the University of Havana, other Cuban universities have joined the strike, including the José Antonio Echeverría Technological University of Havana (CUJAE), the Central "Marta Abreu" University of Las Villas, and the University of Oriente, among other faculties and educational centers.
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