Dublin, March 25, 2026. The Cuban Ambassador to Ireland, Bernardo Guanche Hernández, met this morning with representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) at its headquarters.
Chaired by members of its national leadership, David Joyce and Ann Pigott, the diplomat read a message sent to ICTU by the Cuban Workers' Federation (CTC), expressing gratitude for their solidarity.
The diplomat gave a presentation on the preparations for the upcoming CTC congress and the ongoing discussions regarding the new Labor Code, which will be submitted to the National Assembly of People's Power in the middle of this year.
He also denounced the difficult situation his country is facing due to the energy blockade imposed on Cuba because of the Executive Order issued by the US President on January 29. He explained that this order reinforces the economic, commercial, and financial embargo, as well as the damage caused by Cuba's inclusion on the US State Department's List of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
The ambassador expressed his gratitude for the solidarity shown by Ireland, particularly by its trade unions, with Cuba, citing as an example the work carried out by SIPTU and the participation of Irish people in the "Our America" convoy, where they have had a prominent presence, including the musical group Kneecap.
During the exchange, the participants, representing more than 20 Irish trade unions, pledged to strengthen solidarity with the Caribbean island and it’s Revolution.
ICTU is the largest civil society organization in Ireland and brings together trade unions from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, representing more than 800,000 workers in 44 affiliated unions.