José Collado González, who dedicated 19 years as an “A” level driver for the Empresa de Ómnibus Nacionales (EON), has publicly accused his former employer of neglect, workplace harassment, and retaliation. Collado was a victim in a severe accident in 2021 while on duty, though he was not the one driving at the time.
The Tragic Accident
In January 2021, an EON bus was transporting teachers from Havana to the eastern part of Cuba after their accommodations had been repurposed as isolation centers due to the pandemic. The bus tragically plunged off a bridge at kilometer 44 of the National Highway. The accident resulted in 12 fatalities and 25 injuries, with Collado among the injured.
He sustained serious injuries, including a fractured tibial plateau in his left leg, a fractured ulna in his right arm, dislocated shoulder and ankle with ligament damage, and two broken ribs. After nine months of medical leave, he was deemed physically and mentally fit to return to work.
Allegations of Mistreatment
Upon his return in October 2021, Collado claims he was not reinstated to his previous position as a driver. “Instead of receiving support, I was subjected to mistreatment and workplace harassment by the Base administration, UEB de Transportación de Colaboradores (EON). They denied me my constitutional rights, harassed me for requesting a bus that was without a permanent driver, and to this day, I have not received any fair compensation for the physical and emotional aftermath,” Collado stated.
He insists that EON failed to protect a severely injured worker who had an exemplary work record and had never faced any disciplinary action. Collado points out violations of Articles 49 (health) and 51 (dignified work) of the Cuban Constitution, emphasizing the lack of apologies or compensation, only abandonment.
Collado has medical reports, work documents, and witnesses that support his claims. He demands “a public and transparent investigation” along with “compensation for physical and moral damages,” reinstatement to an "A" level bus driver position, and “guarantees that no other worker will suffer this.”
Clarification on Driver Identity
A crucial aspect of the controversy was the initial, mistaken belief that Collado was driving the bus during the accident. In his first statement, he did not clarify this, which led to speculation and attacks from some users. On July 12, Collado clarified, “EON buses operate with two crew members who rotate duties. I started as the driver but was sleeping at the time of the accident, as per my rest schedule outlined in the regulations.”
He added, “The bus was in perfect technical condition. The investigation determined the cause was driver fatigue at that moment. I was never called to testify nor held responsible.” This account was corroborated by firefighter Yoan Manuel Sendoya Reyes, who was involved in his rescue, stating in the comments of the initial post, “We carried you out of the bus. I asked what happened, and you said you were sleeping.”
Struggles for Reemployment
After returning to work in October 2021, Collado explained that the UEB Transport administration in Havana offered him roles such as cleaner or guard, which were unsuitable given his health conditions. Refusing these positions and advocating for his rights at higher levels, including the Ministry of Transport, led to further harassment, retaliation, and job obstruction. “I’m not asking for privileges, just to work. Is it fair to be denied a livelihood for exposing negligence?”
In 2024, he attempted to join TRANSTUR but couldn’t attend the recruitment sessions due to being on duty in Granma and Guantánamo. He requested his release from EON to pursue this job but never received a response, leaving him in a professional limbo. “I’m not asking for privileges, just to work. Is it fair to be punished for seeking what the law guarantees?” he concluded.
Public Reactions and Systemic Criticism
The case has sparked a heated debate in the Facebook group “Accidents Buses & Trucks,” where messages of solidarity, criticism towards Collado, and broader reflections on the Cuban labor system were shared. One of the most circulated comments came from moderator Pedro Domínguez, who blamed senior management for the tragedy: “No one cared if the drivers were fit for the trip. Here, drivers are fuses that burn out when something goes wrong. Sad reality,” he wrote.
Other users highlighted the precarious conditions of transportation, the lack of labor rights, and the absence of protection for workers post-accidents. Some comments were hostile, based on the now-corrected assumption that Collado was the driver at the time of the accident, which exposed the vulnerability of public judgment when crucial details are missing.
José Collado González’s complaint has highlighted not just his personal plight but a larger issue: the vulnerability of many state sector workers in the face of serious accidents, the lack of institutional reparations, and the arbitrary handling of human resources.
Understanding the Challenges of Cuban Transportation Workers
What were the injuries sustained by José Collado González in the accident?
Collado suffered a fractured tibial plateau in his left leg, a fractured ulna in his right arm, dislocated shoulder and ankle with ligament damage, and two broken ribs.
Why was there confusion about who was driving the bus during the accident?
Initially, Collado’s statements were unclear, leading to the mistaken belief that he was driving. He later clarified that he was resting during the incident as per regulations.
What actions is Collado seeking against EON?
Collado demands a public and transparent investigation, compensation for damages, reinstatement to his original driver position, and assurances that no other workers will experience similar treatment.