LABOR

The labor movement is a powerful and growing voice for freedom for the Cuban 5, even inside the United States. In Britain, Ireland and Canada unions hear directly from Cuban 5 family members who speak about the unjust U.S. imprisonment of their anti-terrorist family members at conventions and public meetings — but they cannot speak inside the U.S.

In 2008, on the 10th anniversary of the arrest of the Cuban 5, Tony Woodley then General Secretary of Unite the Union, pledged to involve U.S. unions in the movement to free the Cuban 5. A short video with information on the case was prepared in 2008 and updated in 2013 and is available for you to show to your co-workers, union meeting or neighborhood.

The United Steel Workers Union, United Food and Commercial Workers, and Postal Workers represent or have strong ties with workers across borders. Labor organizations like the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and Coalition of Labor Union Women have taken a stand. Transportation giants like the Maritime Union of Australia and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union have embraced strong resolutions supporting freedom for the Cuban 5. Literature tables have been staffed at the Service Employees International Convention in 2012 and the Women of Steel Conference in 2013. AFSCME locals have sponsored meetings about the Cuban 5. But it is now more than 15 years, and much more is needed.

This web page reproduces some of the letters and resolutions from unions to help build support in this important arena.