Students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science (MATCOM) at the University of Havana (UH) are currently on strike, protesting against the new rates imposed by the Telecommunications Company of Cuba (ETECSA). They view these charges as a direct attack on the Cuban populace. Recent updates from the University Protest profile reveal that less than 5% of the total enrollment has attended classes since last Tuesday, when the students initiated an indefinite academic strike in opposition to the state company's recent policies.
The statement clarifies that the strike is voluntary: "Students choose not to attend of their own accord."
The stance from MATCOM has been unwavering since the announcement of the increased rates. They have committed to boycotting classes until ETECSA offers solutions that address the needs of the people. It was noted that during a meeting, company representatives failed to acknowledge the underlying issues of their decision, despite new financial data about ETECSA being shared.
Broader Student Dissatisfaction with ETECSA
A recent assembly involving students, faculty representatives, and members of ETECSA's commercial vice presidency highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the state company's management. Many expressed deep disappointment with the meeting's proceedings, which they felt were dominated by lengthy technical explanations, preventing meaningful dialogue among all faculties present.
As a form of protest, students called for a boycott of classes starting Wednesday, June 4, until four key demands are met:
- Revocation or at least modification of the measures imposed on May 30, favoring collective solutions.
- A meeting between ETECSA representatives and the student community, ensuring clarity and transparency about the decision-making context.
- Utilization of students' technical knowledge to devise viable and fair solutions.
- Active involvement of all affected social sectors in developing sustainable alternatives.
Growing Support Across Other Faculties
The Faculty of Communication and Letters at the University of Holguín also announced an indefinite academic strike starting June 7, declaring, "We are not a privileged minority; we are the voice of a people tired of paying for inefficiency."
Furthermore, the Faculty of Biology publicly rejected the authority of the national president of the FEU, Ricardo Rodríguez González, accusing him of failing to represent the true opinions of the student body. Meanwhile, the Faculty of Philosophy, History, Sociology, and Social Work demanded his immediate resignation, criticizing his leadership as "complacent, passive, and uncritical."
On the other hand, the National Television News downplays the situation, suggesting that since the academic year is nearly over, the students' determination might not hold much weight, despite their unified stand for what they believe is a just cause.
Understanding the Student Protests at the University of Havana
Why are students at the University of Havana on strike?
Students are striking in response to new telecommunications rates imposed by ETECSA, which they believe are unfairly burdensome to the Cuban people.
What are the students' main demands?
The students demand the revocation or modification of the new rates, a transparent dialogue with ETECSA, the use of their technical expertise in solution development, and the involvement of all affected sectors in creating sustainable alternatives.