Cargando...Now better tuned following the completion of municipal and provincial assemblies and the strengthening of grassroots leadership structures, the National Union of Culture Workers (SNTC) is intensifying preparations for the final sessions of its second national conference, scheduled for December 12 and 13 in Havana.
This “longest concert”—the highlight of this year’s tribute to workers in the cultural sector—will feature participation from Heroes of Labor of the Republic of Cuba, 100 delegates, and 25 invited guests.
It is expected to be a forum for discussion and motivation, marking the beginning of another five-year cycle of union activity. Ideally, it will lead to changes that address concerns raised during this organic process, which revealed the need to improve the quality of affiliate and worker assemblies in workplaces.
It is essential to harmonize efforts in creating unique emulation systems based on the principles of the national movement Culture in Revolution, and to strengthen incentives—not only through awards and honorary titles, but also by reviving social clubs and vacation homes for workers, especially during holiday periods.
Recurring proposals include greater comprehensive attention to human resources, better implementation of collective labor agreements, more effective worker patrols, stronger leadership from union officials, proper use of the budget for occupational safety and health, and increased union membership.
The SNTC’s “score” in economic matters includes dissatisfaction with procedures and regulations for profit distribution; shortages of materials, supplies, and raw goods that hinder the delivery of higher-quality services; deterioration of cultural institutions nationwide; rising costs of lodging, food, and transportation for artists and creators working in tourist facilities; insufficient wages; and the demand that income from journalistic collaboration be considered in retirement calculations.
Regarding the pursuit of higher union harmonies, SNTC General Secretary Katia María Rodríguez Ramos highlighted a quote from Minister of Culture Alpidio Alonso Grau: “…the conference will serve to chart a path, to attract our artists through conscious and voluntary unionization. It will be another opportunity to make visible the workers’ stance with the Revolution.”
Acerca del autor
Licenciado en Comunicación Social. Economista y periodista. Escribe sobre asuntos económicos, agropecuarios, de la construcción y la cultura. Multipremiado en concursos de periodismo, festivales de la radio y otros eventos. Atesora las distinciones Félix Elmuza y Raúl Gomez García, los sellos Laureado y 50 aniversario del periódico Trabajadores, y la Moneda Conmemorativa 60 aniversario de la UPEC.
