At a recent assembly, students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computing (MATCOM) at the University of Havana (UH) reaffirmed their commitment to continue a strike in opposition to the new pricing policies set by the Cuban Telecommunications Company (ETECSA), which they deem a direct assault on the Cuban populace. This gathering, held at the Manuel Sanguily amphitheater, saw participation from students and faculty representatives across various departments, as well as commercial vice-presidents from ETECSA, highlighting the escalating tensions within Cuban universities.
The assembly saw a series of speeches by both students and professors, which revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the state-run company's management and disappointment with the meeting's proceedings. Attendees criticized the session for being dominated by prolonged technical explanations, which stifled genuine debate among the faculties present.
"We students act as the voice of the people; the public trusts us with these platforms," stated one speaker. According to the 'Reclamo Universitario' Facebook page, another participant emphasized the socio-political nature of the issue: "In a country where people earn less than $15 a month, this is more than a commercial issue—it's a social one."
Student Demands and ETECSA's Response
MATCOM students made their stance clear: they will continue to boycott classes until ETECSA offers solutions that meet the public's needs. They also pointed out that company representatives failed to acknowledge the fundamental flaw in their pricing strategy, despite new financial data about the company being shared during the session.
One student's poignant question captured the collective sentiment in the auditorium: "Are we vulnerable, or do your policies make us so?" This remark was among several grievances aired during the event, including the disparity between the official CUP exchange rate and the dollar, ETECSA's skewed definition of "vulnerable," and the structural exclusion resulting from the tariffs imposed since May 30.
The meeting was initially called as a mediation attempt following days of public declarations from various faculties. However, attendees criticized the format, noting that many faculties were denied a chance to speak. "We were told this was a space for debate, but that didn’t happen," stated student spokespersons.
Continuing the Fight for Social Justice
The assembly concluded with a consensus to maintain dialogue with ETECSA in upcoming meetings and through working committees, but with a firm warning: the protest will persist. "We'd like to give a vote of confidence, but we've seen too much. I will share the sentiment of my Faculty Council and what we've discussed with other Faculties, which is that we will continue advocating for class non-attendance until a new venue is found to reach a solution," declared one speaker at the meeting.
Students assert that theirs is not merely a university sector interest, but a broader struggle for social justice and equitable access to information, education, and communication across the nation. 'Reclamo Universitario,' which has been documenting the protests, released a video of the meeting alongside a statement underscoring the student movement's autonomy and criticizing the "insensitive and accommodating" attitude of national FEU leaders toward bureaucracy.
Criticism is particularly directed at Ricardo Rodríguez González, the national FEU president, accused of being too aligned with official discourse and neglecting student demands. Recently, UH Humanities students demanded Rodríguez González’s resignation, who is also a member of the State Council headed by Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The student-led protest against the price hike has evolved into a nationwide movement, challenging not only ETECSA's commercial decisions but also the representation of official youth structures. As pressure mounts within and outside university walls, students remain steadfast: the strike will persist until the true needs of the people are heard.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ETECSA Protest
Why are students striking against ETECSA?
Students are striking against ETECSA due to the new pricing policies, which they believe unfairly burden the Cuban population, especially in a country where the average income is extremely low.
What are the main demands of the students?
The students demand that ETECSA propose solutions that address the needs of the Cuban people, acknowledging the financial strain caused by the recent tariff increases.
How has ETECSA responded to the protests?
ETECSA has participated in meetings but has not yet recognized the fundamental issues with their pricing strategy, according to student representatives.