Elderly Fired in Matanzas / Laritza Diversent

Elderly Fired in Matanzas / Laritza Diversent
Laritza Diversent, Translator: Unstated, Yaremis Flores


At least 25 retirees were fired by the Chief of the Basic Unit of
Cooperative Production (UBPC), located in the town Merceditas, in
Matanzas, 2 weeks ago. "The reason for the dismissals was the death of
one of the elderly, after being trapped in a fire in the cane-growing
area of the cooperative," said Silvia, daughter of one of the unemployed.

According to the source, the deceased worker was trying to create a
backfire (the method used to prevent the spread of the flames). But a
wind gust spread the fire to surround him. "The firefighters never came.
When they managed to put out the fire the man was already incinerated,"
he said.

Enrique, age 60, is one of those affected by the layoffs. He had a
monthly salary of 700 Cuban pesos (25 U.S. dollars). "We made up more
than 70% of the workforce of the cooperative," he said and asserted that
the response of the managers, before the fatal incident occurred, was to
fire the retirees. "Other UBPCs (basic units of agricultural production)
like Hoyo Colorado in the town of Marti in Matanzas, have also initiated
some unfair dismissals."

The laid-off worker argued that "the bosses fear that there will be
another death, or we will cause losses through carelessness." But he
claimed that he has never been disciplined for any misconduct during his
employment.

Enrique receives monthly support of 300 Cuban pesos, about $10, as his
pensionfrom the State. Senior citizens on the island have to subsist on
a "little extra work" because the pension does not cover their basic needs.

In general, retirees in Cuba are hired for a limited time period.
However, the labor law does not empower the managers to end the
employment relationship without legal justification.

May 18 2012

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