On Tuesday, Ulises Guilarte de Nacimiento officially handed over his role as the general secretary of the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba (CTC) to Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez in Havana, thus ending a leadership period that spanned over a decade. This transition marks the end of his tenure at the helm of the only labor union acknowledged by the Cuban government.
The handover ceremony, led by Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC), was described as "pleasant and familial" by state journalist Orestes Eugellés. The event was attended by national union secretaries and department heads of the CTC.
Neither this event nor prior communications from the Communist Party provided any concrete reasons for Guilarte's departure, which was announced on July 8 as a planned transition, despite official sources simply stating that he would assume "other responsibilities."
Guilarte, who has been part of the Political Bureau, took on the role in 2013 during challenging times marked by economic crises, declining purchasing power, and mounting labor dissatisfaction in key sectors like healthcare, education, and transportation. His leadership faced criticism for the CTC's subservience to the PCC and inability to independently advocate for workers' rights.
In his recent speeches, Guilarte emphasized a call for "active resistance" to mobilize resources against the crisis, while conceding that the organization could not solve "all the problems" faced by the working class. His exit from the union scene has been managed with precise political oversight. Just days after his removal, he was honored in Villa Clara with flowers, accolades, and speeches during an event led by provincial authorities, highlighting the rigid protocol and pomp that accompany such departures.
Taking over the CTC is Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez, a 51-year-old biochemistry graduate with a long history in party leadership, currently serving as the president of the Organizing Commission for the CTC's XXII Congress. Initially planned for this year, the congress has been postponed to mid-2026, citing unfinished preliminary conferences and the need to focus on consulting the draft of the new Labor Code.
This formal transition closes a 12-year chapter of union leadership marked by political compliance and opens another under the same hierarchical structure that has hindered the CTC from being a true representative voice for Cuban workers.
Key Questions About the Transition in Cuba's CTC Leadership
Why did Ulises Guilarte step down as CTC leader?
The official communications have not provided specific reasons for Guilarte's departure, describing it as a planned transition. However, it was announced that he would take on "other responsibilities."
Who is Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez?
Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez is the new leader of the CTC. He is 51 years old, holds a degree in biochemistry, and has extensive experience as a party leader. He is also the current president of the Organizing Commission for the CTC's XXII Congress.
What challenges did Ulises Guilarte face during his leadership?
During his tenure, Guilarte led the CTC through severe economic crises, declining purchasing power, and increasing worker dissatisfaction in crucial sectors such as healthcare, education, and transportation.