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Cuban trade unionists visit Edinburgh
Edinburgh UNISON welcomed two Cuban trade unionists on a visit to the city last month in the person of Armando Plaza Olazabal and William Rodriguez Arias from the Cuban TUC’s Holguin Province.
Plaza and William were welcomed to Glasgow, Dundee and Edinburgh during their stay.
They told of the terrible devastation caused by the recent hurricane and the problems caused by the U.S boycott. William, a computer enthusiast, went home with surplus equipment from the Edinburgh branch.
As part of their visit, the branch arranged a lunch, a visit to the People’s Story museum and a lively and informative tour of the City Chambers by UNISON member - and Edinburgh history expert - John Wilson.
Then there was time for a couple of hours exchange of information about trade unionism here and in Cuba.
Message of thanks from Cuban trade union
Edinburgh UNISON's Lyn Williams has brought a thankyou message from CTC (SNTECD) colleagues in Cuba's Holguin province, following her recent "school twinning" visit.
The branch had sent a commemorative paperweight and Drummond High School had sent a plaque to commemorate their twinning arrangement. Much needed supplies were also provided.
The Cuban union sent a miniature tea set as a return gift to the UNISON branch and it will be greatly treasured. The message from our Cuban colleagues reads:
"Esteemed workers of UNISON. Many thanks for your gift which is so very kind and beautiful.
We send you our most sincere greetings from the CTC Holguin Cuba."
CTC, SNTECD.
Branch International Officer
The Branch International Officer post exists to foster and maintain links with trade unionists around the world, most particularly recently in Cuba, Nicaragua and South Africa, although there have been formal links in the past with Sweden and Canada.
The post is designed to exchange information and ideas, to earn from each other and to provide assistance where possible. It is also there to advise the branch on international policy issues.