An employee from the state-run telecommunications company, ETECSA, in Cienfuegos has alleged that the regime deducts 10% of their salary bonuses if they fail to retweet a specific amount of state content. "I'll be straightforward. They are cutting 10% of our bonus for not retweeting certain political content related to ETECSA. It's mandatory now," reads a testimony sent to exiled opposition activist Eliecer Ávila.
The employee further explains, "They have made it an indicator, and if you don't comply, you lose 10% of your bonus, which amounts to about 1000 pesos. As I mentioned, this also affects your immediate supervisor if you fail to tweet, which is their way of forcing us to do it." The testimony concludes with a promise to send a list of workers affected by this policy to illustrate the widespread impact.
Ávila shared the document on social media, and CiberCuba has independently verified that this practice occurs in at least one other province. As with many state employees, ETECSA workers frequently face coercion and pressure to adhere to regime mandates.
Military Drills and Social Media Backlash
Recently, ETECSA showcased images of its employees participating in a military drill in Mayabeque, intended to demonstrate the defensive readiness of institutions and work groups. The message, posted on Facebook by ETECSA's Territorial Division, stated, "We all have a commitment to prepare for the defense of the Fatherland."
However, the photos associated with the event sparked ridicule and sarcasm on social media due to the apparent inadequacy of the resources used. The images depicted makeshift shooting practices, featuring women in office attire and high heels. Rather than conveying military might, many users interpreted these scenes as a reflection of the country's decline and criticized the state-owned company for its exorbitant phone plan prices.
One user commented, "Here are the effects of blackouts, hunger, misery, and ETECSA's prices. Congratulations, we're heading for more, it's an embarrassment, a bad joke."
FAQs on ETECSA Employee Pressures
What is the alleged policy ETECSA employees are subjected to?
Employees claim they lose 10% of their salary bonuses if they do not retweet a specified amount of state-related content.
How has this practice been verified?
CiberCuba has independently confirmed that this practice is occurring in at least one other province.
Why did ETECSA participate in military drills?
ETECSA held military drills to showcase the defensive preparedness of its institutions and workforce.