Unions for Cuba

THE TUC and Cuba Solidarity Campaign will host a major Unions for Cuba conference at Congress House in London next month. At least 15 Cuban trade unionists, including a representative of RMT’s sister transport union in Cuba, are confirmed for the event. This is the second such conference, the first, in October 2001, was a major success, attracting more than 350 delegates and representatives from 13 Cuban trade unions. The conference will build on links between Cuban and British unions and feature speakers from both countries. Workshops and Q&A sessions will provide delegates with opportunities to meet Cuban trade unionists and ask questions on all aspects of Cuban society and politics, and – at an evening fiesta – celebrate and enjoy Cuban music, culture and achievements. Blockade For 45 years Cuba has suffered a US blockade – the longest economic blockade suffered by any country in the world. This blockade has cost the island more than US$72 billion, and restricted its ability to import food and medicines for its people. In spite of the hardships the blockade causes, Cuba is admired worldwide for its remarkable achievements in health, education, development, and the interna- tional support it has offered to others throughout the world. Support from British trade unions is vital Recent measures by the US against Cuba mean that trade union support for the island is more vital than ever. In June, the Bush administration introduced dangerous new measures designed to increase the suffering of the Cuban people and force a change of government and policies. Most worrying of these include the use of military aircraft to broadcast propaganda into the country, and dedicating US$59 million to a global media campaign aimed to discredit the Cuban tourist industry and further devastate the island’s economy. Despite US attempts to isolate Cuba, the British trade union movement has a proud history of internationalism and solidarity with Cuban workers: through twinning, exchanges, material aid, and campaigning to defend Cuba from US aggression. Unions for Cuba 2004 aims to build on this tradition and the renewed support for Cuba from within the British trade union movement, and to set the agenda for future solidarity work. It is hoped delegates will leave inspired to find out more and to use their influence to ensure that the British government distances itself from aggressive US policies towards the Cuban people. Encouraging RMT delegates to attend, General Secretary Bob Crow said: “The trade union movement has a proud record of supporting Cuba and with the heightening of US aggression there has never been a greater need for our movement to provide assistance to the Cuban people. The November 6 conference will be a vital platform for setting the agenda for future trade union work for Cuba.” 23 Unions for Cuba! SOLIDARITY: Cuban trade union leader Pedro Ross, addressing TUC congress this year