Revolutionary Learning: Report from the 2025 Young Trade Unionists May Day Brigade
Campaign News | Friday, 6 June 2025
Entering the grounds of the Julio Antonio Mella International Camp (CIJAM) in Artemisa province, 40km outside of Havana, one has the feeling of walking amongst giants of history. Murals dedicated to Cuban military operations against apartheid in Southern Africa, alongside depictions of Cuban heroes such as Fidel Castro and Jose Martí, coupled with the knowledge that the camp has, for decades, hosted delegations from socialist and national liberation movements from around the world, all contribute towards this feeling. It is a feeling that would reappear for me many times throughout Cuba Solidarity Campaign’s 2025 Young Trade Unionists May Day Brigade to Cuba.
Camp & brigade programme
The programme for the brigade was developed by the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), and allowed delegates to experience a wide variety of Cuban life—both its joys and its challenges. This included visits to Cuban hospitals, biomedical labs, schools, universities, farms, train depots, blacksmiths, and more. We stood where Che Guevara led the Cuban forces to victory at the Battle of Santa Clara and laid a wrath in his honour. We heard speeches from high-ranking trade union officials, Communist Party members and President Díaz-Canel himself, and we spoke with ordinary Cubans about the difficulties of life under siege and blockade.
The schedule was packed, yet what we lost in rest was nothing compared to what we gained in knowledge of Cuba’s revolutionary history and strength from the example of its people and their ongoing defence of their sovereignty. We will take this knowledge and strength with us into our own organising contexts in Britain.
Our delegation consisted of 41 young trade unionists from branches across the country, representing a wide range of unions and sectors. We arrived with suitcases full of aid, primarily medical and educational supplies. In total, the brigade brought together 283 brigadistas from 16 countries. The communal nature of camp life and the brigade programme offered ample opportunities to connect with organisers from around the world, learn from their struggles, and build meaningful relationships with fellow trade unionists based in Britain.
It is difficult to choose a single highlight of the programme, but the May Day March in Havana undoubtedly left an indelible mark on many of us. Over 600,000 people filled the streets to celebrate the Cuban working-class and the achievements of its socialist revolution. Banners and chants honoured the revolution’s historic leadership and expressed defiance against US imperialist aggression. It was particularly moving to witness how much our presence meant to the Cuban people—that even in this time of great hardship and uncertainty, they are not alone in their struggle.
Another personal highlight was the honour of meeting veterans of the Cuban armed forces, including some who fought at the historic Bay of Pigs battle in defence of Cuban sovereignty against US invasion. When asked how they achieved victory despite the invading force being better armed, better trained, and more experienced, the veterans replied that their collective pride and commitment to their socialist project was the driving force behind their bravery and willingness to sacrifice. At the time of the invasion, the combatants were just 16-19 years old—many of them had never fired a weapon—yet they did not hesitate to respond to Fidel’s call and head to Playa Girón to defend their nation's right to self-determination.
In addition to this iron commitment to protecting their right to choose their own path, we also witnessed other defining traits of the Cuban people during the brigade. One of which was their immense ingenuity and creativity in the face of hardship. We learnt how the effects of the blockade and the difficulty it causes in obtaining essential materials has brought about the need for the Cubans to find innovative ways to repurpose existing resources. This was evident across sectors, from rail transport to biomedical science and manufacturing.
This sentiment was perhaps best explained by Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández De Cossío, during his speech at the International Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba, Anti-Imperialism, and the Resurgence of Fascism: “the Cuban people do not assume defeat, just new challenges, learning from every imperialist aggression.” Aggression breeds resistance, and resistance breeds creativity. It is this creativity that has allowed the Cuban revolution to continue meeting the needs of its people, even in the face of immense pressure.
Solidarity is a weapon
Cuba today faces significant challenges and hardship—to deny this would be foolish. Over six decades of brutal blockade—somehow recently tightened further still by the Trump administration—coupled with the ongoing effects of Covid-19 and the blow it dealt Cuba’s tourism industry, have made life increasingly difficult for the Cuban people. During the brigade, we experienced daily power shortages and witnessed long queues for essential items at banks and shops. At every single establishment we visited—whether a medical centre or a train depot—people spoke of the suffocating impact of the blockade on Cuba’s ability to access vital resources, trade, and finance. There is not a single aspect of life in Cuba that remains untouched by it.
Despite these hardships, the Cuban people remain defiant in their resistance to imperialist coercion and steadfast in their solidarity with one another and with oppressed people around the world. A particularly strong theme throughout our trip was Cuba’s solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Whether it was through murals and street art in Havana, chants and flags at the May Day March, or speeches by Communist Party members and President Díaz-Canel, Cuba was full of principled anti-imperialist solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to resist occupation and genocide. This is a historic solidarity based on the fact that the Cubans, just like the Palestinians, know what it is to face colonialism and imperialist violence and refuse to submit, no matter the costs. The Palestinian and Cuban peoples will never accept a life of subjugation and humiliation—a powerful example for all of us fighting for a better world.
Revolutionary lessons
Despite the many challenges of life in Cuba, everywhere we went we encountered the warmth, strength, steadfastness, and joy of the Cuban people. It was clear that they have a deep love for life and pride in the society they have built. This is likely because, in Cuba, society is organised in the interest of the people, rather than in the interest of profit. At universities and farms, we learnt how educational and agricultural priorities are based on the specific needs of the region in which these institutions are based. Production is geared towards meeting human needs, instead of the needs of capital.
Our delegation consisted of young people from diverse organising backgrounds, political perspectives, and varying levels of familiarity with Cuban history. While each of us likely took away something different from the brigade, my hope is that we all carry what we learned back into our own struggles—whether in our workplaces or within our communities—and continue to stand in solidarity with Cuba.
Over 60 years ago, Fidel Castro proclaimed that what the imperialists cannot forgive is that the Cubans had made a socialist revolution right under their noses. Despite immense pressure from those same imperialist forces, that revolution endures today. It is our responsibility in the solidarity movement to ensure it lasts for another 60 years and beyond.
by Jack Noel, Unite the Union participant in the 2025 Young Trade Unionists' May Day Brigade
Brigadista testimony
If I had to summarise my experience in Cuba apart of the May Day brigade, when embracing life, it’s about taking opportunities like this one (May Day brigade) the sole importance of uniting under the trade union ideology with those from all around the globe and understanding the very struggles that workers suffer in the birth place of the modern revolution. It’s not just inspiring, but also humbling. We take too much for granted in the global North, my time in Cuba has reinforced my passion for a a world where we are all treated equally, fairly and with dignity as workers on a daily basis. There is no one highlight of the trip I experienced. The whole experience will live and resonate with me until my very last breath. Viva Cuba
Abdo Sincik, POA
I extend my utmost gratitude and respect to ICAP and the people of Cuba for welcoming us to their country and extending such generosity and kindness to us. I am immensely grateful for how graciously they shared their knowledge, struggles and wisdom with us. The two weeks I had were life changing and no amount of reading or researching can capture just how much I learnt.
Ammaarah Felix, Unite London & Eastern
Completely life changing. Seeing first hand the dedication to creating and maintaining a fair, just and humane society that centres life before profit was a dream. May day being a highlight, seeing the March lead by doctors and nurses in their uniforms, the countries heros. Followed by cleaners holding their mops and brushes high in the air with pride. Seeing a working class population that is autonomous ,healthy and informed. I will forever hold the experience in my heart to give myself the strength to fight for our people at home to one day be afforded such dignity and respect.
Annie Cogan-Thomas, UNISON North West
The Cuba May Day Brigade was nothing short of life changing. Being able to not only see a truly socialist country in action, but to work together with Comrades from across the U.K was a blessing, reinforcing the belief that there are good socialists still around.
Ben Jordan, Unite NEYH
The youth brigade was a life changing experience, I've never done anything like it - every single thing we did was so amazing. Everything was so interesting, we learnt so much - and everyone was so kind.
Bradley Corrigan, CWU (UTAW)
The brigade was a once in a life time experience! It was amazing to get to see the lives of the Cuban people and be able to listen to all their experiences. The highlight of the trip was watching the parade, all the working people coming together for the march in solidarity. The trip has inspired me to want to help stop the blockade and encouraged me to want to work more in my union. Cuba vive!!
Charlotte Hoole, CWU
As someone holding a long-term fascination with the Cuban Revolution, taking part in the 2025 Young Trade Unionists’ May Day Brigade was a deeply humbling and inspirational experience. Everywhere you went on the island, you saw and sensed reminders that we were treading in the footsteps of true revolutionary giants and that the revolution was still being being constructed and nurtured through the everyday sacrifice, solidarity and strength of the Cuban people. As the whole trip was overflowing with equally moving and unique experiences, it is a truly difficult task to isolate a particular highlight. However, witnessing the proud determination and resolve of 600,000 Cuban workers to defend and celebrate their socialist revolution on May Day is a memory that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I hope that one day in the future, workers in our country will be able to experience the same kind of revolutionary dignity and pride that was ripe in the air that day in Havana. What the Cuban Revolution has managed to achieve, not only for its own people but for all oppressed peoples around the globe, is nothing short of remarkable. In spite of a brutal economic siege and acts of terror directed from Washington and Miami in a bid to smother hope, Cuba stands proudly as a defiant and sovereign beacon of solidarity and socialist development, right on the doorstep of empire. Witnessing what Cuba has accomplished firsthand has reinvigorated and reaffirmed my belief that a better world is not only possible but necessary, and that the Cuban revolution serves as a vital reference point for this transition. Through its world-leading international solidarity efforts, Cuba has shared so much with humanity over the last six decades. Yet the ramping up of the illegal blockade and imperialist hostility engenders dire material effects, and the revolution finds itself at a precarious crossroads. Now more than ever, we must bolster our solidarity with Cuba to safeguard the continuation of a revolution that has aided so many. It is the utmost duty of anyone who stands against oppression to push harder than ever, wherever and whenever we can, for the end of the cruel blockade and for enriched solidarity with Cuba. ¡Hasta la Victoria Siempre!
Ian Caulfield, UNISON North West
Visiting Cuba as part of the solidarity brigade was life-changing. I saw the strength and kindness of the Cuban people and learned what real solidarity means. There were so many unforgettable moments, and I’m grateful for memories and friendships I’ll treasure for life. I want to thank the Cuba Solidarity Campaign for making this experience possible—joining this brigade is something I would recommend to anyone and everyone.
Jordan Rawlings, Unite National Young Members
My time in Cuba was, without a doubt, one of the most informative, moving and educational experiences of my life. Not to mention it was great fun getting to know my fellow brigade members as well as those from brigades from around the world, I can say with certainty I have made friends that will last a lifetime and memories I will never forget!
Joseph Robinson, Unite South West
A life changing and eye opening experience. I will never stop shouting about how amazing Cuba is, how they share what they have, not what they have left. And the determination of the Cuban people to push on, despite the blockade. The fortnight was packed full of history, information and fun activities, visiting schools, universities, workplaces, a polyclinic and so much more. Being a part of the delegation was one of the best things to happen to me. I will return to Cuba in future.
Keira Stevenson, Unite SW/8006
For me, seeing first hand the life of the ordinary Cuban was important. It can be easy to get lost in debates about the merits of the Cuban economic or political system, but one cannot ignore the fundamental injustice of the blockade, which causes ordinary people to suffer needlessly. However, alongside the suffering was a lot of joy, and seeing the May Day celebrations was a real highlight! As a Roman Catholic I had conflicted feelings going, as the Cuban government has not always been friendly to my faith, however I learned so much from being there. I've returned feeling like a better and more committed trade unionist - we have a responsibility to help workers in other parts of the world who do not have the same power and privilege as us.
Máedóc Ellis, TSSA
Our fortnight in Cuba was a life-changing experience. For the first time in my life, the possibility of a new, better world became a reality, rather than a dream or abstract notion. Undoubtedly, the Cubans face a difficult road ahead, but their resilience and defience in the face of Yankee imperialism and coercion really puts out own struggle and capacities - or lack thereof - into perspective. To see how the Cuban economy is coping and developing with the challenges it faces was a unique and humbling experience. I particularly enjoyed our audience with the Federation of Cuban Women and our visit to the CIM - despite the economic hardships which so often breed reaction across most of the world, the Cubans have an exceptional ability to continue to advance socially, politically, and scientifically in a way I had never appreciated before. I could write forever on my experience and never do it justice. It is something I will hold dear for the rest of my life.
Nick Troy, Unite Scotland
My brigatistas trip was once in a life time. As a senior trade union rep, going to Cuba on the brigade changed my perspective of socialism and current imperialism in action. I learnt a lot from going to hospitals, biomedical universities, peace conferences and railway workplaces. I'd recommend it to any young trade unionists looking to learn about international issues and/or solidarity with the Cuban government/people.
Rhys Harmer, RMT
I feel incredibly grateful for having been on this brigade, and it was a privilege to witness first-hand the resilience and the power of the Cuban people. The highlight of the trip for me was witnessing the May Day march in Havana. As trade unionists, showing our solidarity with the Cuban workers and joining them in chanting for unity was so special. Seeing their unrelenting passion for their country, their values and their heroes despite economic crisis fueled by the US blockade was inspiring. Another highlight was meeting to learn about the national programmes on woman, racism and youth. The stark contrast in statistics on the prevalence of domestic violence between the UK and Cuba was astonishing, all due to investment of Cuba into womens safety and financial and social stability. Hearing of the steadfast support and inclusion of trans women and the LGBTQ+ community in all of these programmes left me motivated to fight and advocate for similar in the UK in light of the recent rulings on the Equality Act 2010. This was a trip of a lifetime, and has left my heart so full of love and gratitude. Thanks to CSC and Unite the Union for the opportunity.
Sarah Gilligan, Unite North West
The 2025 brigade was in no exaggeration the best fortnight of my life- I met friends for life, witnessed the achievements of not just the Revolution but of ordinary working Cuban people still holding that struggle dear to their hearts in making a better world a possibility today. Their resilience, kindness and hope was inspirational. My personal highlight were meeting with the combants of the revolution and visiting the polyclinic in Artemisa- the very real change that revolution in action brought about brought me to tears and it’s something I won’t ever forget.
Sarah Walsh, Unite East Midlands
The May Day Brigade was a truly rewarding experience. It’s something I would recommend to any young person looking to develop new skills and broaden their perspective. Being in Cuba gave me the opportunity to witness daily life in a country that, despite facing many challenges, is full of warmth, resilience, and solidarity. I was especially inspired by the spirit of the Cuban people and the strength of their community. Taking part in the May Day march and engaging with local organisations gave me a deeper understanding of Cuba’s history, values, and ongoing struggle. It’s an experience I will never forget.
Stefan-Mihaita Plesa, Unite South West
A genuinely life-changing experience. To see first-hand the resilience and innovative spirt of the Cuban people to stay true to the values of socialism and internationalism against almost overwhelming odds was both humbling and inspiring. Living and working alongside like-minded comrades to try to understand and support such a just cause builds bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. The undoubted highlight of the trip was attending the May Day Parade through Revolution Square in Havana. To see the fervour and joy with which over 600,000 ordinary Cubans marched, sang and danced in support of THEIR revolution, is a unique chance to see behind the headlines, and know for certain that by standing in solidarity with the Cuban people, you to stand on the right side of history.
Stuart Latham, Thompsons Solicitors
I'm very grateful for the opportunity to see Cuba, with all its challenges and successes, and meet Cuban people from all walks of life. Seeing the May Day rally was incredibly inspiring, it was clearly a joyful experience for the hundreds of thousands of workers celebrating the revolution they had fought for. No system is perfect, and it was clear that Cubans are continuously striving to build and improve the revolution, but it was heartening to see that there is an alternative to neoliberal capitalism, and an honour to see that alternative in action.
Tom Zagoria, Unite NEYH
