Improving cadre policy has been and continues to be a priority for the labor movement in Las Tunas. For this reason, members of the Provincial Committee of the CTC (Central Organization of Cuban Workers) held in-depth discussions on the objectives and agreements adopted at their 22nd Congress Conference.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- The discussions included reflections from Osbel Lorenzo Rodríguez, First Secretary of the Party in the province, who engaged with the attendees and enriched the debate, which aims to enhance the leadership of the labor organization's leaders in all the arenas where they operate.

Lorenzo Rodríguez detailed the current challenges facing the labor movement. He emphasized the importance of preparing its leaders to assume their roles in a labor market that incorporates other economic actors and includes foreign investment, all within a prolific and evolving legal framework designed to defend workers' rights in a new and different context.

Among other topics, the party leader also affirmed that the recognition of union leaders depends on the proper functioning of the structures and organizations they lead and their ongoing connection with workers, addressing, guiding, and finding solutions to their concerns.

Odalis Batista Pérez, general secretary of the CTC in the province, indicated that special attention should be paid to and implementation of the objectives and agreements approved by the delegates at the 22nd Provincial Congress Conference. These agreements call for the systematic updating of the registry of union leaders, objective monitoring of the reserve list, and providing them with the prominence and opportunities to exercise their responsibilities.

Batista Pérez called on unions to develop more dynamic, modern, and engaging approaches, utilizing new social communication technologies, in the training of union leaders and their successors. He emphasized the imperative of dedicating more time to self-directed learning as the best way to stay informed of the legal instruments governing labor relations and to fulfill the responsibility of effectively representing members.

Currently, there is a shortage of qualified personnel, but there are examples that demonstrate the possibility of changing this situation. The Communications, Information Technology, and Electronics Workers Union (SNTCIE in Spanish), for instance, is proving this by having filled all of its leadership positions.

Ana Ibis García Rodríguez, General Secretary of the Provincial Bureau of SNTCIE; Aniuska Téllez Hernández, a postal worker and member of the governing body, explained how they achieved this, highlighting the leading role they give to union leaders and reserves within the local union sections. “They feel part of the processes, they make decisions, and they are key players,” she emphasized.

Among other topics, the plenary session assessed the level of membership in the private sector, where only 48.2 percent of workers belong to the organization, and agreed that it is possible to grow and have a greater influence in worker representation.

They also planned actions related to the use and monitoring of collective bargaining agreements, the improvement of working conditions, the active and informed participation of workers in the development of the plan and budget, and the assemblies of members and representatives, among other crucial aspects of the organization's functioning.

Ana Rosa Pérez Rodríguez, secretary of the Union Bureau of Non-State Tourism Workers, shared her experiences in this field and how they have sparked the interest of her colleagues, bringing them closer to the organization that represents them and defends their rights under current labor legislation.

The participants also approved the work objectives for this new phase and the working committees that will operate between plenary sessions.

Ayenis Ávila Feria, general secretary of the National Union of Energy and Mines, accompanied the attendees.