Cargando...From April 6 to 12, the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) convened the International Week of Solidarity with Cuba. As part of these activities, a videoconference took place on Saturday, bringing together leaders of the Workers’ Central Union of Cuba (), headed by Osnay Miguel Colina, president of the organizing commission for the 22nd Congress, along with the general secretaries of national unions and some members of the federation.
Among those present was Mzwandile Makawayiba, president of the WFTU, who denounced unexpected aggressions and called on each of the world’s unions to carry out actions in support of the Cuban people. These efforts have been expressed through demonstrations, meetings, and initiatives of material aid, including medicines and basic supplies.
“Today more than ever, Cuba needs international solidarity, which cannot be limited to declarations but must take practical and material form,” affirmed the president. Each of the voices of the international trade unionists represents around 110 million workers from more than 130 countries.
Pambis Kyritsis, WFTU’s general secretary, reiterated that Cuba is not alone and extended a warm greeting to the Cuban people. He emphasized that in the current context, marked by aggressions and threats, workers across the planet must remain united. In this sense, he insisted that the WFTU must continue showing solidarity and support for Cuba, as well as for other countries victimized by imperialism, recalling that the organization has always defended peoples attacked by capitalism.
He also highlighted the need to strengthen international unity and the defense of the working class, which faces its own difficulties, and called for extending actions of support from workplaces to all corners of the world, as has already been done in countries like South Africa.
For his part, Osnay Miguel Colina expressed gratitude for the many demonstrations of solidarity and stressed that “Cuba, a small nation but great in heart, trusts in solidarity and in the maintenance of peace.” He denounced the oil blockade imposed since January, which adds to more than 240 pressure measures and has caused serious harm.
He noted that around 96,000 Cubans, including 11,000 children, are awaiting surgery due to lack of electricity. More than 16,000 patients need radiotherapy and 2,800 depend on hemodialysis, all affected by the energy crisis. Schools and universities have had to adjust programs toward semi‑in‑person formats, while food production and the business system suffer severe impacts.
Colina reminded that the U.S. embargo constitutes prolonged collective punishment, violating international law and human rights, and called for intensifying denunciations in all forums. “This is a people that fights, that grows in the face of adversity, and that will never surrender,” he affirmed.
Recalling the idea once expressed by Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz that “a better world is possible,” he reiterated that the path for the peoples of the world is international solidarity, self‑determination, and independence.
The union leader announced upcoming activities to be held in celebration of International Workers’ Day with the patriotism and unwavering independence that characterize them, such as the union internship scheduled for April 23–28, and the International Symposium on May 3 to debate a world without blockade and the right of peoples to decide their destiny.
The meeting once again made clear that Cuba is not alone. The WFTU and the agreed that solidarity must be expressed in factories, workplaces, and streets around the world. In Colina’s words: “Our humble and hardworking people will never forget those who, in the most difficult moment, raise their voices and hands on the side of truth and justice.”
