Cuba's actions in defense of social justice and decent work as inalienable pillars of sustainable development were presented by Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, Minister of Labor and Social Security, speaking at the 113th International Labor Conference.
In her remarks, she reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to multilateralism, and affirmed that the majority of the labor force on the Island is formally employed with full rights, has universal access to free health and education services, and 100% social security coverage.
She emphasized that work is being done to implement policies that diversify the economy, promote science and innovation, protect vulnerable sectors, among others, as tools for reaching fair and sustainable solutions.
Feitó Cabrera described the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the government of the United States against Cuba as the main obstacle for the economic and social development of the country.
She denounced that the blockade prevents the Caribbean nation from having more resources to improve the quality of life of the people and workers in particular, their working conditions and their remuneration; it limits access to personal protection equipment and technologies for safety and health at work, hinders the prevention of work accidents and occupational diseases, among other effects.
Feitó Cabrera reiterated Cuba's willingness to continue working, together with the International Labor Organization, to build a world in which decent work is not a privilege, but a guaranteed human right.
The defense of labor rights, equity and human dignity will continue to be an inalienable banner of the Cuban people, the Minister emphasized.
