Cuba Solidarity Trip

By Charlotte Hoole, North West Young Worker, CWU

Introduction

From 27 April to 9 May 2025, I joined 40 young trade unionists from the UK representing CWU, Unite, UNISON, RMT, ASLEF, and others on the Young Trade Unionists’ May Day Brigade to Cuba. Together with 283 delegates from 16 countries, we travelled to learn from and stand in solidarity with the Cuban people as they face the daily impact of a 63-year US blockade.

Living at CIJAM: A Lesson in Resilience

Our base was the Julio Antonio Mella International Camp (CIJAM) in Artemisa. Conditions were tough—shared dorms, power cuts, and plenty of bugs—but so was the spirit. We were welcomed by Fernando González of the Cuban Five, now President of ICAP, who reminded us that ‘you will witness the resistance of the Cuban people.’ We planted trees to mark ICAP’s 65th anniversary and learned about their global solidarity work.

Education & Healthcare: Rights Not Privileges

Visits to the University of Artemisa and Flores Betancourt Polyclinic gave us a real insight into Cuba’s model. Education is free, and aligned with local needs—from agriculture to engineering. Healthcare is preventative, universal, and deeply personal. We delivered over 15 suitcases of donated aid, including paracetamol, PPE, and contraceptives, much of it raised by our unions and supporters.

Women, Workers & The Revolution

Cuban society is actively addressing gender and racial inequality. We learned about national programmes supporting women’s economic advancement, sexual health, and leadership. Women make up 85% of university graduates and 55.7% of MPs. The day care system is expanding, and progressive policies like 15 months of shared, paid parental leave are in place. Workshops challenge gender stereotypes, including in traditionally male-dominated sectors like train driving.

The US Blockade: A Daily Struggle

The impact of the US blockade was everywhere—from stalled infrastructure to restricted internet and scientific research. Raul Capote, a former CIA target turned revolutionary, explained how social media and scholarships were used to manipulate youth. At the train depot, staff explained how US sanctions stop them from importing parts, so high-speed trains run at just 70 km/h. Despite sanctions, Cuba’s people are still innovating and resisting.

Volunteering: Getting Stuck In 

We contributed to cooperative farms, helped maintain university grounds, and supported a community arts programme called Arte Vivo. The schoolchildren’s dance  performances were heartwarming, and our donations of books, paints, and footballs were joyfully received. Being able to physically contribute—even for a few hours—was deeply meaningful.

May Day in Havana 

We marched through Plaza de la Revolución alongside 600,000 Cubans. The banners read: ‘The Young Will Not Fail’ and ‘Long Live Palestine.’ The energy was electric. Ulises Guilarte of the Cuban  Workers’ Central (CTC) addressed the crowds alongside President Díaz-Canel and Raúl Castro. I’ll never forget the feeling of being part of such a proud and unified working-class demonstration.

History & Resistance 

We visited the Che Guevara mausoleum and the Tren Blindado—site of the decisive revolutionary battle. At the Provincial Museum, veterans of the Bay of Pigs shared how they defended Cuba against a CIA invasion in just 66 hours. These were regular people—farmers, students—who took up arms to defend their country. Their courage, sacrifice, and revolutionary spirit were incredibly moving.

Reflections & The Road Ahead

At our final meeting, we discussed how to bring this experience home. From raising awareness to political lobbying, solidarity can’t end with a plane ticket. This trip has changed me. Cuba isn’t perfect, but it’s brave, creative, and defiant in the face of cruelty. I’ll keep organising, educating, and fighting for justice—not just for Cuba, but for working-class people everywhere. As the final declaration said: ‘With all of these promises, our ultimate commitment is to fight for the betterment of the world… until Cuba, Palestine and all workers of the world are free.’