Senate Committee Probes Union’s Ties to Cuban Regime

The chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee is looking into claims that the International Association of Machinists (IAM), which has around 600,000 members, might be promoting Cuban government interests.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) reached out to IAM on Thursday, requesting details about any connections it might have with the Cuban government. This inquiry comes on the heels of reports suggesting that IAM has traveled to Cuba, adopted policies aligning with the Cuban regime, and publicly supported its interests. Additionally, a meeting was held at a local IAM union hall where a Cuban diplomat spoke to members.

IAM has yet to respond to requests for comment.

In his letter, Cassidy expressed concern that dues from IAM members may be financing initiatives aimed at altering U.S. policy towards Cuba, a government identified as a state sponsor of terrorism, instead of focusing on American workers’ issues. He highlighted serious apprehensions that union officials might be promoting foreign policy goals set by the Cuban regime as part of a broader influence strategy.

He stated, “American workers should not be compelled to support advocacy that furthers the objectives of a hostile foreign entity, especially one that has caused the deaths of at least three Americans and one U.S. resident at sea.”

This reference pertains to a tragic event in 1996 when Cuban MiG jets shot down two unarmed civilian planes operated by the humanitarian organization Brothers to the Rescue, resulting in the deaths of three Americans and one permanent resident.

In previous reports, it was noted that Cuban Embassy Second Secretary David Ramirez Alvarez participated in a “Hands Off Cuba” rally at IAM’s Machinist Hall, where he allegedly counseled union members on how to support Cuba’s policy goals while opposing U.S. practices.

As a matter of concern, U.S. officials are watching Ramirez Alvarez for reportedly orchestrating influence activities within the U.S.

According to reports, Ramirez Alvarez addressed union members and leaders about ways to bolster Cuba’s interests through lobbying and adherence to specific regulations.

The State Department’s recent findings indicated that Cuba has crafted a clandestine network within the U.S. involving spies, activists, and educational institutions, aiming to request policy changes favorable to the regime.

Cassidy asserted that the Cuban government utilizes IAM members for “propaganda purposes,” citing a video from the Cuban embassy displaying IAM leaders advocating for Cuban sovereignty and promoting self-determination.

“We must persist in our protests and make our voices resonate—whether in the streets, on social media, or beyond,” one union leader emphasized in a separate video that also included a welcoming message for two Cuban officials.

Cassidy’s inquiries to IAM included questions on union officials’ collaboration with Cuban representatives and whether the union has received or sent payments associated with Cuba-related policies. He also asked if the union has lobbied on this matter or if there are concerns over members getting involved in Cuban influence operations.

He demanded a comprehensive report on union members and leadership engaging in advocacy concerning U.S.-Cuba relations, alongside any consultations held with Cuban officials in that context.

Cassidy’s correspondence concluded with the assertion that the situation has raised significant doubts about IAM officials potentially leveraging their positions to promote the goals of the Cuban regime in a foreign influence program.