American union members and activists visiting Cuba have expressed their rejection of their government’s blockade against the Caribbean nation in the Cuban capital.
In exclusive statements to Prensa Latina, they explained that they are visiting Havana to participate in the International Union Internship and in the May Day activities, International Workers’ Day, and above all, to learn more about the island and increase actions in support of Cuba.
Mark Friedman, founder and one of the coordinators of the Hands Off Cuba Committee in Los Angeles, with affiliated groups in other U.S. cities, confessed that he “has Cuba in his blood,” not only as a socialist, but also as an activist since the age of 17 in various unions such as the automotive, steel, and others.
The member of the International Association of Machinists Local 1484 emphasized the intention, and more importantly, the need to determine what actions to take to defend Cuba against the blockade upon his return to his country.
He mentioned initiatives such as demonstrations and protests, and educational work in universities and unions to spread the truth about Cuba.
In this regard, he recalled the approval by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) in California, representing 2.3 million members, of a resolution against the blockade and the inclusion of Cuba on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
He also commented that the current delegation includes Amazon workers, members of the longshoremen’s union, and others who will contribute to the strong support for Cuba, which already provides more than $10,000 annually. The committee has sent containers of medical aid every four months, valued at one million dollars. Furthermore, each time they come to Havana, they bring supplies, for example, destined for the Calixto García Hospital, the center they will visit this time on April 30th.
Likewise, Justin Uribe of the Hands Off Cuba Committee and second vice president of the Hawthorne Federation of Classified Workers (HFCE), explained that he came to show solidarity with Cuban workers and the entire Cuban people, and to demand an end to the illegal blockade.
The Cuban people need more solidarity from the American people. Upon their return, the activities will not end; they will conclude when the blockade ends, Uribe, who is also a health and safety liaison for a school district in California, affirmed.
There are people who are unaware of the reality of Cuba; they only know what the U.S. government says it is doing for their security, claiming that Cuba is a threat, but that’s not the case. Another world exists in Cuba, he added. Friedman, one of the trip’s organizers, considers the delegation to be very large and diverse, comprised of representatives from nine unions, leaders, and activists.
Among the union leaders and members in Cuba these days are leaders of the Teamsters, Amazon Labor Union, Service Employees International Union, International Association of Machinists, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, United Union of Roofers and Waterproof Workers, United Domestic Workers (California), Hawthorne Federation of Classified Employees and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
