A new decree, number 179 of 2026, has been enacted by the Cuban Council of Ministers to address labor violations and enforce regulations on work and social security. This legislation was officially published on Friday in the Ordinary Gazette No. 78 of 2026, spanning pages 150 to 157.
Signed by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz on September 4, the decree applies to all employers operating within Cuba, regardless of the sector in which they operate, as outlined in the first article of the decree.
Classification of Labor Violations
The decree divides violations into two tiers: serious and very serious offenses.
Serious offenses include the misuse of temporary contracts for permanent roles, forcing employees to work beyond the legal time limit, terminating employment without lawful cause, employing adolescents aged 15 to 17 without proper authorization, exceeding legal working hours, and infringing on vacation periods, weekly rest, and paid breaks.
Severe Penalties for Major Offenses
Very serious violations involve hiring workers without a contract, assigning excessive work hours to adolescents, and failing to investigate workplace accidents and incidents.
Penalties range from fines of 10 to 200 pesos for individuals and 201 to 1,000 pesos for entities, along with potential permanent closure of establishments and cessation of equipment or machinery operations.
Enforcement and Legal Process
The chief of the Inspection Department within the provincial and territorial branches of the National Office of Labor Inspection (ONIT) is authorized to determine infractions and impose penalties. Inspectors have a ten-day window to report their findings to the relevant authority.
If discovered actions suggest potential criminal liability, administrative measures are halted, and a formal complaint is filed with the appropriate judicial body.
Sanctions expire one year after notification if not enforced or pursued, and no responsibility is assigned if the causes and effects are no longer present at the time of inspection.
Complementary Legislation and New Legal Framework
Decree 179 complements Article 500 of Law 189, the new Labor Code, which mandates the regulation of labor infractions and their enforcement procedures.
The Labor Code, approved on July 30, 2026, and published in the same Gazette No. 78, introduces concepts such as telecommuting, multiple employment with a daily limit of 13 hours, and the right to digital disconnection. It will become effective around December 2026, 90 days post-publication.
In total, Gazette No. 78 comprises 14 regulations, including resolutions from the Ministries of Culture, Education, Finance and Prices, Public Health, and Labor and Social Security, collectively establishing the new Cuban labor legal framework for the upcoming period.
Understanding Cuba's New Labor Decree
What does Decree 179 of 2026 address?
Decree 179 of 2026 addresses labor violations and establishes a regulatory framework for work and social security in Cuba.
Who is responsible for enforcing the labor decree?
The enforcement of the labor decree is the responsibility of the chief of the Inspection Department within the provincial and territorial branches of the National Office of Labor Inspection (ONIT).
What are some examples of serious labor violations under this decree?
Serious labor violations include using temporary contracts for permanent work, forcing employees to work beyond legal limits, and employing minors without authorization.