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The union leader Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento handed over the position of general secretary of the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba (CTC) to Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez this Tuesday in Havana, thus concluding more than a decade at the helm of the only labor organization recognized by the regime.
The ceremony, presided over by Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), took place in a “friendly and family-like” atmosphere, according to the state journalist Orestes Eugellés, with the attendance of general secretaries of national unions and heads of departments of the CTC.
Neither in this event nor in the prior communications from the Communist Party were explanations provided regarding the true reasons for Guilarte's departure, announced on July 8 and presented as a planned transition, despite official sources only stating that the leader would take on "other responsibilities."
Guilarte, a member of the Political Bureau, took office in 2013 and held it during years of severe economic crisis, decline in purchasing power, and increasing labor discontent in strategic sectors such as health, education, and transportation.
Under his command, the CTC was criticized for its subordinate role to the PCC and for failing to independently defend workers' rights. In his recent speeches, the leader had insisted on calling for an "active resistance" to mobilize resources to confront the crisis, while admitting that the organization could not solve "all the problems" of the working class.
His departure from the union scene has been managed with meticulous political control. Days after his dismissal, he was honored in Villa Clara with flowers, recognitions, and speeches, at an event led by provincial authorities that emphasized the protocol and the trappings of power even in farewells.
The change in leadership at the CTC places Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez, 51 years old, a graduate in Biochemistry, at the forefront, with extensive experience as a Party leader and current president of the Organizing Committee for the XXII Congress of the CTC.
That congress, originally scheduled for this year, has been postponed to mid-2026, arguing that the preliminary conferences have not yet been completed and that the organization must focus on consulting the draft of the new Labor Code.
The formal transfer this Tuesday closes a 12-year chapter of union leadership characterized by obedience to political power and opens another under the same vertical structure that has prevented the CTC from being a true voice of Cuban workers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Leadership Transition at the Cuban Workers' Central (CTC)
Who took on the position of general secretary of the CTC in Cuba?
Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez took on the role of General Secretary of the Central Workers' Union of Cuba (CTC), succeeding Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, following his dismissal after 12 years in the position. Colina holds a degree in Biochemistry and has a background as a leader of the Communist Party of Cuba.
Why was Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento dismissed from the CTC?
The Cuban regime did not provide clear explanations regarding the reasons for the dismissal of Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento as the General Secretary of the CTC. The official statement merely mentioned that Guilarte was acknowledged for his performance and would take on other responsibilities, without detailing the actual reasons for his departure.
What criticisms have been directed at the CTC under the leadership of Ulises Guilarte?
During Ulises Guilarte's leadership, the CTC was criticized for its subordinate role to the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and for failing to independently defend the rights of workers. Its inaction in the face of the economic crisis and the deterioration of living conditions for the Cuban working class was noted.
What challenges does Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez face as the new general secretary of the CTC?
Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez faces the challenge of leading the CTC in a context of significant labor discontent and economic crisis in key sectors such as health, education, and transportation. Furthermore, he will need to manage the consultation of the draft of the new Labor Code and prepare for the XXII Congress of the CTC, postponed until mid-2026.
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