BY GREG McCARTAN
BOSTON - Cuban editor and poet Norberto Codina spoke to 40
garment workers here as part of a three-day visit to the city.
Members of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile
Employees at Sterlingwear, a manufacturer of military coats,
met with Codina during two 30-minute lunch breaks October 6.
Lucelly Meléndez, a sewing machine operator, told Codina of several shop floor struggles the workers have waged. The union put out a flyer demanding that workers be treated with respect, which many posted next to their machines, she said. The effort forced the bosses to agree they would stop yelling at workers on the job. After talking with the Cuban editor about the struggles, Meléndez said she was impressed because "he defends the workers and the union. He clearly supported our fight against discrimination."
Several workers asked Codina about the effects of the U.S. embargo of Cuba; what the role is of the unions in a socialist country; what is the difference between socialism and capitalism; and what he thought about Cuban president Fidel Castro.
"It was good to learn something about Cuba," said José Colón after the event. "I learned workers don't pay taxes there and how Cuba is able to provide schooling and medical care for everyone. I wanted to ask about the elections and how Fidel Castro stays in as president, but we ran out of time."
Carlos Hernández said he came away with the impression that "everyone in Cuba works hard together for the same goal. He explained how the U.S. embargo is no good. I think the same thing."
Greg McCartan is a member of UNITE Local 1 in Boston.