WFTU Statement on the 26th of July 2026 On the 73rd Anniversary of the Attack on the Moncada Barracks

The World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) salutes the heroic Cuban people on the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of the attack on the Moncada Barracks.

The 26th of July remains a historic milestone in the struggle of the peoples against exploitation and imperialist domination. The heroic action led by Fidel Castro and his comrades in Santiago de Cuba marked the beginning of the revolutionary process that culminated in the triumph of the Cuban Revolution and inspired generations of workers and peoples throughout the world. The ideals of sovereignty, social justice, internationalism and workers' dignity that emerged from Moncada continue to illuminate the struggles of the international working class today.

This year's anniversary takes place under conditions of intensified imperialist aggression against Cuba. The criminal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States continues to suffocate the Cuban economy and deliberately creates enormous difficulties for the Cuban people. The continued inclusion of Cuba on the arbitrary list of countries allegedly sponsoring terrorism further strengthens this unjust policy, restricting access to fuel, medicines, food, technology and essential resources, while attempting to isolate socialist Cuba internationally.

Despite these unprecedented pressures, the Cuban working class and people continue to defend with dignity the achievements of their Revolution. Their resistance once again demonstrates that no blockade, no sanctions and no imperialist intervention can break the determination of a people committed to their sovereign right to determine their own future.

The WFTU reiterates that Cuba is not alone!

The WFTU has already called upon its affiliates and friends to continue and intensify practical solidarity initiatives, including humanitarian assistance and material support for Cuban workers facing the serious consequences of the blockade. International solidarity must be expressed not only through declarations but through concrete actions that strengthen the resilience of the Cuban people in the face of imperialist aggression.

At the same time, the international class-oriented trade union movement stands firmly alongside Cuban workers. Inspired by the unanimous decisions of the WFTU Presidential Council, our affiliates throughout the world continue to strengthen the Global Campaign for Signature Collection, "Cuba is not alone! - FIRMO POR CUBA," expanding solidarity in every workplace, every sector, every university and every community.

The WFTU also renews its demand for the immediate and unconditional end of the criminal blockade against Cuba, the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, and the return of Guantánamo to the Cuban people. These are indispensable conditions for respecting international law, national sovereignty and the right of every people to freely choose its own political and social system.

On this historic anniversary, the WFTU pays tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives for the Cuban Revolution and expresses its profound admiration for the enduring example of revolutionary Cuba. An example of solidarity, peace, social progress and internationalism that continues to inspire workers and peoples struggling against exploitation, war and imperialism across the globe.

The voice of the international class-oriented trade union movement will continue to be heard in every continent:

Hands off Cuba!

End the blockade now!

Cuba is not alone!

¡Viva el 26 de Julio!