Young UNISON Members Show Solidarity With Cuba
Twenty-eight young activists from across the British trade union movement visited Cuba to enjoy the May Day celebrations and offer their support and solidarity to the Cuban people. Delegates from five trade unions – including Vikki Garratty, Lisa Scott, Geri Cowell and James Robinson from Unison – joined trade unionists and political activists from around the world in a celebratory program of cultural activities, entertainment and political education.
On the fiftieth anniversary of the Cuban literacy brigades – in which mass literacy was brought to working people and peasants for the first time – and the Cuban defeat of a US-backed invading force at the Bay of Pigs, brigadistas learnt about Cuba’s long struggle against foreign intervention and its prioritisation of health, education and internationalism.
“The May Day Brigade was one of the best of my life! It was heart-moving, liberating, educational and most of all life-changing. I can’t wait to go back to the UK and spread the word. Viva Cuba!” Vikki, Unison
The delegation was welcomed into the homes and communities of local Committees for the Defence of the Revolution, met with members of the Federation of Cuban Women and heard about trade unionism in Cuba. The group attended a solidarity conference with more than a thousand delegates from unions and campaigns within Cuba and the rest of the world to share experience of workers’ struggles and strategy for dealing with the world economic crisis.
The British activists met with young contemporaries in Cuba to learn about their struggle living under the effects of an illegal blockade, visited workplaces and heard about Cuba’s economic reforms. As privileged guests of the Cuban equivalent of the TUC – the Confederación de Trabajadores de Cuba (CTC) – the brigade gained valuable insight into Cuban trade unionism and their crucial role in the government and economic management of the country.
Delegates met family members of the Miami Five – who remain unjustly incarcerated within American prisons for fighting terrorism – and their ongoing struggle for justice illustrates the continuing need for support from the international trade union movement.
“I’ve learnt so much about Cuba – I can’t wait to go back!” Geri, Unison
There were a number of outstanding visits – from the Abracadabra theatre production, the Museum of the Revolution and visits to workplaces, kindergartens and schools – but the resounding highlight was definitely the May Day rally.
As the sun rose over Revolution Square in Havana – illuminating the permanent tributes to revolutionary heroes Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos – nearly one million proud Cubans paraded past the monument to Cuba’s Jose Marti waving flags, placards and chanting enthusiastically.
Although there was plenty of time for fun and relaxation – with music and entertainment provided by local artists – the purpose of the brigade was to learn about Cuba’s experience and show solidarity with the Cuban people. Brigadistas braved the scorching heat to undertake agricultural work with their Cuban comrades and experienced life under an illegal and inhumane blockade which denies ordinary people access to basic resources.
“The May Day Brigade was amazing. It was moving to see so many people coming together to celebrate their country,” Lisa, Unison
For over 50 years Cuba has been isolated by the international community but the British trade union movement – with 24 national unions affiliated to the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and regular solidarity brigades to the island – is leading the fight-back against this isolation.
The Unison delegation returned humbled and inspired by their experiences in Cuba and – at their Young Members’ Conference in Cardiff the following weekend – raised over £200 from a Cuban-themed raffle in support of the Campaign. For the people of Cuba, this ongoing support and solidarity is invaluable. Viva Cuba!
If you would like to register your interest in next year’s Young Trade Unionists’ May Day Brigade to Cuba please email CSC’s Campaigns Officer, Dan Smith at campaigns@cuba-solidarity.org.uk
If you would like to get your branch or region affiliated to CSC – or would like more information on the Campaign – please email campaigns@cuba-solidarity.org.uk
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