In the province of Villa Clara, officials from the Communist Party and the government held a ceremony to honor Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento, who was recently replaced as the head of the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba (CTC). The leadership position was handed over to Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez in an event filled with formal accolades and commendations.
The gathering, hosted at the Villa Clara CTC Lodging and Event Complex, was led by Susely Morfa González, the first secretary of the PCC in the province, along with governor Milaxys Sánchez Armas. According to the provincial newspaper Vanguardia, attendees emphasized the importance of filling union positions, enhancing understanding of new legal standards that safeguard workers’ rights and responsibilities, and boosting membership from the non-state sector.
Maglin del Sol Martínez, the provincial CTC's general secretary, presented a token of appreciation to the outgoing leader. The Provincial Bureau of the PCC and the government paid tribute to both Guilarte and his successor. Authorities bade farewell to the former union leader, wishing him "success" in his future endeavors. Guilarte mentioned that from September 8 to November 30, labor collectives will engage in discussions about the draft Labor Code Law.
This event marked one of Guilarte's final appearances before officially transferring his position in Havana, emphasizing how in Cuba, even the departure of a leader is orchestrated with grandeur and political oversight. The Cuban regime announced Guilarte's removal on July 8 after leading the island's only permitted labor organization for over 11 years.
The decision emerged from a session of the CTC National Council, as reported by the PCC's website, without providing reasons for his departure. The official statement merely noted that Guilarte "was acknowledged for his performance" and would be assigned "other responsibilities." Additionally, the National Council decided to postpone the XXII Congress of the CTC to mid-2026, citing unfinished municipal and provincial conference processes and a need to focus on consulting the draft Labor Code Law in the coming months.
This restructuring of union leadership occurs amid significant labor dissatisfaction in critical sectors such as health, education, and transportation, all during a pervasive systemic crisis. Under Guilarte's leadership since 2013, the CTC has faced criticism for its inaction amid Cuba's severe economic crisis and the declining living conditions of its workforce. The organization has been accused of merely echoing PCC directives without genuinely advocating for workers' interests.
In recent months, Guilarte reiterated, using the regime's rhetoric, the need to "continue urging" the Cuban people to engage in a "resistance exercise" that involves not just passive endurance but an economic mobilization to gather resources that could help address the ongoing crisis. He acknowledged the union's inability to solve "all problems" but believed that if workers see their representatives addressing their concerns, they would trust them.
Key Questions about Cuba's Labor Leadership Changes
Why was Ulises Guilarte removed from his position at the CTC?
While the official statement did not specify reasons, Guilarte's removal follows criticisms of the CTC's inaction amid economic hardships and declining worker conditions.
Who has taken over leadership of the CTC?
Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez has assumed leadership of the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba, succeeding Ulises Guilarte.
What are the main challenges facing Cuba's labor sector?
Cuba's labor sector is currently dealing with discontent in essential areas like health, education, and transportation, all within a broader systemic crisis.