Raúl reaffirms the Revolution's confidence in the trade union movement

PRESIDENT Raúl Castro Ruz participated in the closing session of the 86th plenary of the Central Organization of Cuban Workers (CTC) National Council, where he reiterated the Revolution's confidence in the labor movement, which is playing a leading role in current efforts to reform Cuba's economic model.

"The only way to break through dogma, bad habits and taboos is to promote massive participation with the working class in the lead, since along with campesinos and the people, it is the most revolutionary class," Raúl affirmed. Later on, he emphasized the need for trade union leaders to understand the principles which govern the economy, given that that is paramount to the functioning of any revolution.

Raúl continued, "It is up to you, from the CTC Secretariat to the most modest leader, to take on the same role played, in his day, by Lázaro Peña who, in the historic 13th Congress of the CTC in 1973, proposed, with wisdom and experience, to revoke certain victories won from the bourgeoisie, given that the situation had changed and the workers were the owners of the means of production. For example, he proposed repealing the law – well intentioned but wrong, economically unsustainable – which allowed for retirement at 100% of one's wages for those who had made exemplary contributions during their working lives."

"In order to defend and explain the measures, however, the working class must be knowledgeable and be convinced of their importance to the survival of the Revolution; if not we are on the verge of ruin," he added.

Raúl reiterated the need to be demanding of CTC cadres, to root out the pernicious tendency to hide shortcomings, and to learn from mistakes, "Errors should at least give us useful experience, [allowing us] to avoid repeating them."

The president commented that, in terms of the current economic reform, Cuba is not copying any other country, that it is an autonomous process, adapted to the nation's unique characteristics and in no way whatsoever renouncing the construction of a socialist society.

Marino Murillo Jorge, vice president of the Council of Ministers, presented the 202 participants attending the expanded plenary with detailed information about the current economic situation in Cuba and the measures being adopted. Among other issues, he clarified details of the investment planning process, which is currently operating inefficiently, creating the underutilization of much capital. He reported the decision to include within the plan only those investments which had been thoroughly formulated.

At the same time, he mentioned the imbalanced relationship between average wages and labor productivity, which translates "into a society which distributes consumer goods faster than it produces them." He reported that there are more workers currently employed in the service sector than in manufacturing, "a structure that does not allow for a well-functioning economy anywhere."

Consequently, Marino Murillo said, the new measures are directed towards ending unwarranted guarantees and excessive subsidies; withdrawing the state from activities beyond its domain; reducing inflated staff rosters and increasing labor productivity. All of this should allow for the needed changes in wages and pensions.

The economic leader described how the adjustments to inflated workforces must be implemented, requiring, in the first place, the redesigning of workplace staffing patterns, the development of a staff reduction process based on the principle of demonstrated suitability for a given position and the implementation of labor and salary policies for displaced workers which eliminate paternalistic approaches. He also detailed the expansion of self-employment opportunities and the redesign of the tax system.

Closing the expanded plenary session, Salvador Valdés Mesa, CTC general secretary, reaffirmed that workers will support these labor reorganization measures which will strengthen discipline, increase productivity and create a producers' mentality.

Valdés Mesa emphasized that the strengthening of workplace organization will be necessary, as well as better performances by cadres who must assume their work with more commitment, thoroughness, responsibility and planning so that the working class can participate even more in the economic development of the country.

The trade union movement has a critical role to play in this current historic juncture and in future prospects, he concluded, "During 50 years of Revolution the working class has never failed the Revolution, since that would be failing ourselves."

Leaders of the Communist Party of Cuba, other state and government leaders also participated in the event.