Labor minister says tightened U.S. measures are affecting workers and families as Cuba expands social protection programs.

Cuba used the 114th International Labour Conference to condemn what it described as the escalating impact of U.S. economic measures against the island, with Labor and Social Security Minister Jesús Otamendiz warning that the restrictions are imposing growing costs on workers and their families.

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Addressing the plenary session of the annual International Labour Organization (ILO) conference, Otamendiz said Washington has significantly intensified its economic pressure on Cuba this year through increasingly restrictive measures.

The minister highlighted what he described as a total fuel blockade imposed on the island for more than five months, arguing that it has had serious consequences for Cuban workers, economic activity and daily life.

“The sinister plan of the United States is to create a humanitarian crisis. They intend to suffocate the Cuban people so that a social explosion occurs,” Otamendiz said.

According to the minister, Cuban authorities have activated emergency protocols to mitigate the effects of the measures and protect employment.

He said efforts are underway to relocate workers whose jobs have been affected. Where relocation is not possible and labor interruptions occur, employees receive 100 percent of their salary during the first month of inactivity and 60 percent beginning in the second month.

Otamendiz also reported that Cuba is strengthening its social assistance system to support vulnerable sectors of the population. He said the number of social workers has doubled and that funding for social assistance programs is being increased.

The minister announced that a proposal for a new Labor Code will soon be submitted to the Cuban Parliament. The legislation, he said, is the result of a broad consultation process involving workers and is intended to modernize the country’s labor framework while expanding rights and guarantees across all sectors of employment.

Despite current economic challenges, Otamendiz stressed that protecting workers and their families remains the government’s highest priority.

Referring to what he described as U.S. threats of military aggression, the minister said Cuba remains committed to peace and does not seek conflict.

At the same time, he stated that the Cuban people would defend the country’s sovereignty and independence if necessary.

Otamendiz called on the international community to oppose policies that, in his view, deprive Cubans of their means of subsistence and to reject military threats against the island.

He concluded by thanking participants at the conference for the expressions of solidarity and support received by Cuba during the gathering, which brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers from the ILO’s 187 member states.

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