Cuba receives support from US people

HAVANA, Cuba, Oct. 23 (ACN) — Members of the Los Angeles-based "Hands Off Cuba" committee are sharing information during a workers' strike about the harm caused by the genocidal economic, commercial, financial, and energy blockade imposed on the Caribbean nation by the United States government more than 60 years ago.

Union member Mark Friedman, of the International Association of Machinists (IAM), noted in a statement sent to Cuban News Agency today that more than 700 flyers were distributed during the protest, inviting people to a public event in Los Angeles on October 24 at 6:00 p.m., held under the slogan "End the blockade against Cuba!"

The event will take place at the headquarters of Workers United-SEIU (920 S. Alvarado St., Los Angeles) and is supported by 36 unions and organizations.

It is part of an initiative taking place just before the annual UN vote—scheduled for October 28—calling for an end to the blockade.

The solidarity event with Cuba will feature the participation of Cuban-American artist and actress Lili Bernard, founder and director of "Art Roots Mambi"; Evelyn Zepeda, Director of Organizing and Policy for Workers United (part of the Service Employees International Union, SEIU); and Savannah Boyd, West Coast coordinator for CodePink.

The workers' strike involves thousands of members from the local chapter of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)—which has 100,000 members statewide—who are demanding social protections for workers in the face of cuts by an ultra-right, fascist government led by President Donald Trump.

The labor activist reports that the employees' industrial action began on October 21, with picket lines set up in more than 20 cities across the United States—including Los Angeles, where he resides—involving thousands of protesters.

Members of other unions also joined the mobilization, the activist noted, explaining that the demands include better wages—specifically a 20% increase over three years to keep pace with rapid inflation—as well as higher employer contributions toward healthcare and the development of new policies for remote work.
This union represents public-sector employees who work in various fields, including veterans' services offices, the Department of Motor Vehicles, schools, health centers, museums, prisons, and libraries.

In the United States, there has long been a significant number of people who have supported the Cuban Revolution since its inception in 1959.

These individuals have opposed the "maximum pressure" policies pursued by the White House through various actions, such as sending donations, organizing "people-to-people" exchange visits, countering media-driven smear campaigns, and holding public events and demonstrations.