The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) stands in solidarity with the Cuban people, workers and trade union movement as the country faces extreme abuses of power by the government of the United States.
Intensified, predatory sanctions have manufactured an economic and humanitarian crisis in the country. Cuban people and workers are being starved of their basic rights in the form of food, medicine and fuel sanctions. This week, Cuba’s ambassador to Canada has said that the U.S. is “suffocating an entire people”.
The labour movement has never stood idly by while workers and people are under attack, locally or globally. The Canadian government is sending 8 million dollars in food aid to Cuba. But our work is not done.
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) calls on the Government of Canada to stand with Cuba and defend the Cuban people’s rights to sovereignty and self-determination, and vigorously denounce U.S. aggression and defend the principles of international law. The U.S. must remove the fuel blockade and end the economic embargo against Cuba.
The OFL also encourages support for a project called Containers 4 Cuba that sends urgent medical supplies and equipment to the country.
We must continue to support the Cuban struggle for sovereignty. International solidarity is a practice.
Tax deductible financial contributions can be made:
- Donate — contact Colin Argyle at containers4cuba@gmail.com to arrange your organization’s contribution.
- Ask your members to make individual tax-deductible donations by e-transfer to the niagarawarehouseofhope@gmail.com. Please indicate the donation is for Containers 4 Cuba. Or go to the Niagara Warehouse of Hope page here hosted by Canada Helps. Use the drop-down menu to direct your donation to Containers 4 Cuba. Or by cheque to: The Niagara Warehouse of Hope, 46 Broadway Ave., St. Catharines, ON, L2M 1M4 c/o Containers 4 Cuba.
- Assign a Cuba solidarity contact within your local, labour council, or federation to connect with C4C.
- Bring resolutions and materials to your upcoming labour caucuses and conventions. C4C can provide you with model resolutions, member education materials, newsletter or website articles, and speaking notes. We are happy to speak at your events or organize tables.
- Write or call your MP and urge Ottawa to:
- Publicly affirm Canada’s opposition to the U.S. blockade.
- Increase direct aid to Cuba, including energy resources.
- Ottawa should work with airlines to reinitiate direct flights to Cuba immediately.
See here for more information about the project.
It is championed by members of the Calixto Garcia Solidarity Brigade, including retired union activists. Large containers are filled with donated or discarded supplies from various hospitals, long-term care homes, and other organizations across Ontario (e.g. hospital beds, wheelchairs, medications). Funds raised allow for the goods to be stored and shipped to Cuba.
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