Lázaro Peña's legacy lives on today

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By Lissel Pino Ceballos, translated from the Spanish

The pages of Cuba's history are filled with men of great revolutionary lineage, like that of union leader Lázaro Peña González. His life was marked by his tireless struggle for workers' rights.

He was born on May 29, 1911, in Havana, to a humble family, which led him from a very young age to experience the difficulties faced by the working class. His first contact with the world of work was as a cigar roller, a trade that allowed him to closely observe the injustices and inequalities suffered by workers. With a deep commitment to social justice, Peña Nieto became involved in the labour movement and, thanks to his leadership and commitment, became a key figure in Cuban labour organizing.

In 1939, he was elected the first general secretary of the Confederation of Cuban Workers , where he promoted union unity and the defense of labour rights. His administration was characterized by the promotion of workers' education and political training, convinced that only through knowledge and organization could significant changes in society be achieved.

Peña decisively confronted those seeking to weaken the labor movement and worked tirelessly to consolidate a strong and representative structure. His leadership transcended Cuba's borders: he participated in the founding of the Confederation of Latin American Workers and the creation of the World Federation of Trade Unions, demonstrating his commitment to the labor struggle internationally.

With the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, he assumed a fundamental role in the reorganization of trade unionism within the new political context. In 1961, he was again appointed leader of the CTC, where he contributed to the consolidation of the socialist model and the integration of workers into the country's development. His vision of a trade unionism committed to the Revolution allowed the labour movement to become an essential pillar in the construction of a more just and equitable society. Peña promoted the active participation of workers in the economy and decision-making, ensuring that their rights were protected and that their work was recognized as a key element in the nation's progress.

Lázaro Peña's legacy lives on today. His name is synonymous with workers' struggle, dignity, and social commitment. His thinking is a reference for those seeking social justice. His impact is not limited to history; he continues to inspire new generations of unionists and workers who look to his example for guidance. Remembering this leader means recognizing the importance of labour unity and the fundamental role workers play in transforming their living conditions. His legacy demonstrates that unionism is not only a tool of struggle, but also a path toward building a more equitable and supportive society.

( Lázaro Peña died in Havana on March 11, 1974 at age 62.)

This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC