A young Cuban working in a supermarket in Brazil has shared his work experience as a migrant on social media, in a series of videos that have sparked hundreds of reactions, both supportive and reflective.
ArielSteel, as he identifies himself on TikTok (@ariel.prez65), explained that he balances his work at the supermarket with creating content for social media, and he assured that his purpose is not to complain, but to showcase the daily lives of many immigrants. “Those of us who work in shopping malls, stores, and supermarkets do not have a day off… literally,” he remarked in his first video, although he later clarified that they do have one day off per week, as established by Brazilian labor law.
In the video, Ariel describes the usual tasks of his job: unloading merchandise, organizing shelves, picking up products left in aisles, and serving customers. “There are customers who treat us like monkeys on the wall,” he lamented. He also noted that, at times, he has witnessed uncomfortable situations such as thefts or children breaking items without supervision. “I say this so that people are more aware when they go to the supermarket,” he added.
"The better you work, the more work they give you."
In a second post, Ariel shared what he considers to be the most negative aspects of his job. He talked about the favoritism of some bosses toward certain employees, how tasks are sometimes assigned outside of the contract, and how migrant workers are often the most burdened. “The better you do your job, the more work they give you,” he said. “There are days when, if there isn’t much to do, we’re put to clean, organize, or do tasks that are not part of the contract.”
Despite this, Ariel clarified that he is grateful for his job and has no intention of complaining. “I work come rain, shine, or thunder… because believe me, my hula hoop isn’t going to pay the bills,” he stated. He also mentioned his physical disability, which has not hindered him from fulfilling his responsibilities: “You come here to work.”
A story that resonates with other migrants
ArielSteel's posts have received comments from dozens of people sharing similar experiences, including Cubans, Brazilians, and Venezuelans. Some resonated with his experiences, others offered advice on labor rights, and there were those who challenged his viewpoint or suggested he change jobs.
A country with opportunities... and challenges
The story of Ariel is set against a backdrop of increasing Cuban migration to Brazil, particularly to the city of Curitiba, where many seek stability and job opportunities. In 2024, more than 22,000 Cubans applied for asylum in the country, double the number from the previous year, according to figures cited by Bloomberg. Curitiba has notably seen its Cuban community grow, thanks to support networks, social media groups, and a perception of greater stability compared to the island.
“Here, at least, I can live as a person,” said one of the migrants interviewed in a recent report by CiberCuba.
Diversity of experiences
Other Cubans in Brazil have also shared their own experiences. The user @studiodaysantoya, a health professional, praised the country's medical infrastructure but criticized the superficial diagnostic approach of some doctors, recommending that one should opt for private insurance if possible.
On their part, @soy_yu1990 raised concerns about the rising cost of living, comparing their current purchases with those from previous years: “Before, with 600 reais, I could eat for the entire month; now I spend 100 dollars per week.”
A young Cuban on TikTok issued a warning to those who emigrate expecting immediate results: “You can make it here, but you have to push forward.” Meanwhile, @yaicontigo reflected on common mistakes when migrating, such as relying too much on others or spending without a plan.
A message with echoes
ArielSteel's videos have managed to resonate with many people experiencing similar situations. While they depict discomforts and obstacles, they also convey resilience. “I will work come rain, come shine,” he said with conviction. His story does not aim to generalize but rather to add another voice to an increasingly broad conversation about what it means to be a Cuban migrant today: effort, resilience, and the desire to move forward, even when the path is not easy.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Work Experience of Cuban Migrants in Brazil
What are the main challenges faced by Cuban migrants working in supermarkets in Brazil?
Cuban migrants in Brazil face challenges such as working long hours without breaks and performing tasks outside of their employment contracts. Furthermore, they sometimes experience unfavorable treatment from certain clients and favoritism from bosses towards specific employees. ArielSteel, a Cuban working in a supermarket, has shared how these situations are part of his daily life, although he emphasizes that he does not complain about his job and continues to move forward with resilience.
How does Brazilian work culture affect Cuban migrants?
Brazilian work culture can be demanding for Cuban migrants, who must adapt to expectations of constant commitment and avoid giving the impression of being idle. It is advised to maintain a low profile, be punctual, and avoid conflicts with other employees. ArielSteel and other migrants have shared tips on social media for navigating the work culture in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of resilience and effort.
What do Cuban migrants think about the opportunities in Brazil?
Many Cuban migrants believe that Brazil offers job opportunities and stability compared to Cuba, although not without effort and sacrifice. Success depends on the willingness to work hard and adapt to local conditions. Despite the challenges, some migrants, such as ArielSteel, highlight that it is possible to improve the quality of life if one is willing to confront the difficulties along the way.
How is the Cuban community perceived in Brazil?
The Cuban community in Brazil is growing and is perceived as resilient and hardworking. In cities like Curitiba, the community has expanded thanks to support networks and a sense of stability. Many Cubans support each other by sharing experiences and advice on how to adapt and thrive in their new environment.
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