International Worker's Day: One of our transcendental commemorations

The calls in Cuba for marches, parades, and rallies for International Workers' Day are part of a long tradition of struggle and celebration, likely to continue even under difficult material conditions.

"For Cuba, Together We Create" was the slogan outlined by the Workers' Central, which brings together several unions, with the aim of reaffirming the unity and resistance of workers, peasants, students, and the entire population on May Day in times of renewed U.S. aggression.

From the distant date of 1890, when May Day was celebrated here for the first time, following the agreements of the Second International Congress in Paris, until 1958, the labor movement in this country demonstrated its strength or tried to do so and failed, as it faced repression.  In their denunciation of corruption, social neglect, and the disrespect for labor rights, which were prevalent until the revolutionary triumph of 1959, Cuban workers made their voices heard.

Only after the triumphant insurrection were workers able to celebrate their international day, not to demand demands but to celebrate and underscore unity throughout society.

Under current conditions, the labor movement still has work to do, such as prioritize economic goals, seek efficiency, harmonize state-owned enterprise with private actors, and contribute ideas to administrations on the best ways to perform their jobs.

All of this is relevant in very adverse circumstances, as material shortages and inadequate services are evident, essentially due to the intensified US blockade and Cuba's inclusion on a list of countries that, according to Washington, support terrorism.

Added to this is a team of officials and politicians with a macabre anti-Cuban track record, close to President Donald Trump, determined to cut off all means of support for the Caribbean nation's economy.

As Cuban workers point out, these are ideal times to gather strength and resist.
As International Worker's Day approaches, it is necessary to pursue economic plans, agricultural production, scientific research, and the application of new technologies with greater vigor.

It is true that the obstacles are enormous, but the workers' spirit remains undiminished.

We must advance socioeconomic transformation and development, as expressed in the call by Cuban unions for the May Day celebration.