A visiting Cuban educator has called on AMWU members to support the Cuban people in their 51-year battle to end the US trade embargo. 

Ezequiel Morales, a former union leader and current head of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the People, spoke with members of the AMWU in Sydney and Melbourne in April and May.

Mr Morales told union members lifting the blockade against Cuba was not a question of politics but a question of humanity. 

“For nearly 52 years we have lived with the devastating economic and social consequences of an embargo,” he said.

“If a boat harbors in Cuba it can’t harbor in the United States for six months. We cannot get access to enough fresh milk so we have to buy in powered milk from New Zealand.  These are the kinds of restrictions we have placed on our people.”

Established by the Kennedy administration in 1960, the Cuban blockade limits commercial, economic and financial trade between the US and Cuba.

Despite hopes it would be lifted by the Obama administration in 2010, it has been extended and now remains the longest trade embargo in modern history.

As well as the blockade, Mr Morales raised the issue of current economic changes introduced by President Raul Castro that have seen hundreds of thousands of workers move from state-operated businesses into private, self employed initiatives.  

“Around the world there is a distortion campaign at present. Cuba is battling the affects of economic crisis just like other countries. But our people will not go without. The government will ensure everyone has work to go to.”

AMWU National President Paul Bastian, who met with Mr Morales, said the union would seek to open dialogue with the Cuban trade union movement.

“We had an informal chat about opening up dialogue with their movement.  Given the ongoing effects of the embargo and the large re-structure of the economy, it’s important we have that dialogue. So we can both assist and understand their struggles.

“We welcomed the meeting, it was good to get first hand reports on what is happening in Cuba with the continuation of the embargo, the economic reforms and the current situation with the Cuban 5.”

For more information about Mr Morales’ and his sponsors visit Australia Cuba Friendship Society visit http://friendsofcuba.and.com.au/