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Cuba continues to face the longest-running blockade ever imposed by the United States – nearing 67 years with no end in sight. Despite the crippling impact this extreme restriction on international trade has had on the people of Cuba, Cuban workers have deeply appreciated international solidarity from the Canadian labour movement.

To celebrate this international solidarity, two delegates from the Cuban Union of Public Administration Workers (SNTAP), Yaisel Terry and Arisleydis Leyva, will share stories from their leadership experience in one of Cuba’s largest unions and their work to advance workers’ interests in the face of an illegal international embargo and severe imperial repression.

You will learn how Cuban workers resist the long-standing blockade and thrive in terms of education, women’s and children’s rights and health, despite the daily challenges that come as a result of the blockade. They will also describe how Cuban unions use political education to sustain morale, build solidarity, and maintain support, especially during times when democratic spaces and worker power are under threat.

As a worker or a member of the general public you are invited to attend this free public event on Wednesday, October 22 at the Russian Hall, 600 Campbell Street, Vancouver. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the event will start at 7 pm. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required.

This event will also feature local Cuba-solidarity speakers and tables, and 400g bags of ground and whole-bean fair trade Cuban coffee will be available for purchase from Cafe Etico.

CUPE BC has collaborated with the workers of Cuba through SNTAP since 1995 and is hosting the two Cuban labour leaders during their visit to Canada. This relationship reflects decades of international solidarity and stands as a powerful example of global worker cooperation.

This event has been organized by CoDevelopment Canada, which links the labour movement and civil society in Canada with labour movement and community organizations across Latin America, and co-sponsored by the Vancouver and District Labour Council (VDLC).