Infringements of labour rights in Cuba
4.12.2020
Question for written answer E-006629/2020
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138
Antonio López-Istúriz White (PPE)
Labour rights infringements in Cuba are part of a political, economic and social system that breaches the fundamental principles and rights of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on a daily basis.
The ILO has continuously asked the Cuban Government to guarantee the free functioning and exercise of trade union activities in accordance with the principles of freedom of association, including ensuring that workers are not discriminated against on the basis of their political opinions.
Trade agreements between the EU and Latin American and Caribbean countries make specific references to fundamental rights as regards labour, such as freedom of association and collective bargaining, as well as banning forced labour, child labour and discrimination in the workplace.
The Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Cuba does not include any articles on this subject, leaving a void on one fundamental right.
- 1.What is the EU doing to fill this legal void?
- 2.What specific steps are being taken to incorporate this issue into the forthcoming dialogues with Cuba?
- 3.Will the EU propose an amendment to the agreement under Article 87, in order to incorporate the elements it included in the Association Agreement between Central America and the EU concerning labour issues?