Independent Labor Unions Outlawed in Cuba, For The "Proletariat" and the Self-Employed Alike

Yoani Sanchez Award-winning Cuban blogger



Independent Labor Unions Outlawed in Cuba, For The "Proletariat" and the

Self-Employed Alike

Posted: 08/04/2013 8:48 pm



The National Tax Administration (ONAT) office is open and dozens of

people have been waiting from very early. An employee shouts directions

for what line to get into for each procedure, although a few minutes

later confusion will reign once again. At a desk without a computer

another official writes the details of each case attended to, by hand.

The wall behind her back is damp with humidity, the heat is unbearable

and people constantly interrupt to ask for forms. An institution that

takes in millions of pesos in taxes every year carries on with feet of

clay, suffering from material precariousness and poor organization.

Congested offices, interminable paperwork and lack of information are

only some of the problems that hinder its management.



However, the setbacks don't stop there. The lack of stable wholesale

markets with diversified products also slow down the private sector. The

inspectors fall on the cafes, restaurants and other autonomous

businesses. Strikes or any public demonstrations to reduce taxes are

strictly forbidden. It is expected that the self-employed will

contribute to the national budget, but not that we will behave like

citizens willing to make demands. The only union permitted, the Central

Workers Union of Cuba (CTC), tries to absorb us in their straitjacketed

structures. Paying monthly dues, participating in congresses where

little is accomplished, and parading in support of the same government

that lays off thousands of workers: it is to this that they want to

reduce our collective action. Why not create and legalize our own

organization, one not managed by the government? An entity that is not a

transmission line from the powers-that-be to the workers, but the reverse?



Unfortunately, most of the self-employed don't consider that salary

independence and productivity must be tied to union sovereignty. Many

fear that at the slightest hint of a demand their licenses will be

cancelled and other measures taken against them. So they remain silent

and accept the inefficiencies of ONAT, the inability to import raw

materials from abroad, the excesses of the inspectors and other

obstacles. Nor have emerging civil society organizations managed to

capitalize on the needs of this sector to help them achieve

representation. The necessary alliance between social groups that share

nonconformity and demands doesn't materialize. So our labor demands

continue to be postponed, caught between the fear of some and the lack

of attention from others.



Source: "Independent Labor Unions Outlawed in Cuba, For The

"Proletariat" and the Self-Employed Alike | Yoani Sanchez" -

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/yoani-sanchez/independent-labor-unions_b_3705234.html