The current state of employment, labor laws and regulations in Cuba is a bit ambiguous. That being said, there are some aspects of the law that are clear-cut and will not likely change anytime soon.
In this blog post, we will explore the most recent developments in Cuban labor law, as well as what ex-pats need to know before working in Cuba.
Minimum Wage
Cuba’s minimum wage laws and regulations are designed to protect workers and ensure they are paid a fair wage for their work.
The minimum wage in Cuba is currently set at 225 Cuban pesos/month, which is higher than the minimum wage in many other countries. Cuba’s minimum wage laws are enforced by the government’s labor inspectorate.
Overtime Pay
The Cuban government has enacted several labor laws and regulations regarding overtime pay. The following is a summary of these laws and regulations.
- Overtime is any work performed more than the normal 8 hours per day or 44 hours per week.
- Overtime work may not exceed 4 hours or 24 hours per week.
- Overtime work must be compensated at 1.5 times the employee’s regular hourly wage.
- Overtime work must be authorized in advance by the employer.
- Employees are entitled to an additional day off for each day of overtime worked or may choose to receive additional pay at their regular hourly wage rate.
- Overtime work must be recorded in the employee’s time sheet.
- Employees under the age of 18 may not work overtime.
Holidays and Vacation Days
Cuban labor laws and regulations govern holidays and vacation days. Labor Day, May 1, is a national holiday in Cuba. Workers are entitled to paid vacation days, including sick and maternity leave. The law also provides for paid holidays, including Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Revolution Day.
Vacation Days
Workers are entitled to a minimum of 30 days of paid vacation per year. Vacation days may be taken in increments of at least five days. Workers may not carry over more than 10 vacation days from one year to the next.
Maternity Leave
Maternity leave is available to women who have been employed for at least one year. Women are entitled to a leave of up to 12 weeks, with six weeks of paid leave and six weeks of unpaid leave.
Sick Leave
Sick leave is available to workers who have been employed for at least six months. Workers are entitled to a maximum of 30 days of sick leave per year.
In addition to the holidays mentioned above, Cuban workers are entitled to paid leave for certain other events, such as weddings and funerals. Leave for these events is typically limited to three days.
Sexual Harassment and Discrimination
Sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace are both serious problems in Cuba. The government has enacted laws and regulations to protect workers from these forms of abuse, but enforcement is often lax.
The Cuban government has adopted a number of measures to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. These include:
- Providing training for managers and employees on how to prevent and respond to these forms of abuse
- Creating an anonymous reporting system for workers who experience sexual harassment or discrimination
- Investigating all reports of sexual harassment and discrimination
- Disciplining or firing employees who are found to have engaged in these activities
The Bottom Line
As the Cuban labor market opens up, it will be important for businesses to understand the employment and labor laws and regulations of Cuba. Doing so will help ensure compliance with Cuban law and avoid costly fines and penalties.
Keep in mind that these laws and regulations are always changing, so be sure to check back for updates at www.globalpeoplestrategist.com.
FAQs
Cuban labor laws and regulations govern holidays and vacation days. Labor Day, May 1, is a national holiday in Cuba. Workers are entitled to paid vacation days, including sick and maternity leave. The law also provides for paid holidays, including Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Revolution Day.
What are the labor rights in Cuba? ›
There is a framework for workplace protections. Labor legislation mandates vacation, maternity leave, and a maximum 44-hour work week, while setting health and safety rules. A system of labor courts exists to adjudicate worker grievances and discipline issues.
How do I employ someone in Cuba? ›
To employ in Cuba, companies must own a local legal entity in the country or work with a global employment solution.
Who controls the jobs in Cuba? ›
The economy of Cuba is a planned economy dominated by state-run enterprises. Most of the labor force is employed by the state. In the 1990s, the ruling Communist Party of Cuba encouraged the formation of worker co-operatives and self-employment.
What is minimum wage in Cuba? ›
Cuba's minimum wage is fixed at CUP 2,100 ($87.52) per month. Of course, it's a given that skilled employees and expatriates based in the country will negotiate rates on a case-by-case basis which will tend to be higher than the minimum wage.
What is Cuba's labor force by occupation? ›
Literacy--97% (according to Cuban government sources). Work force (4.87 million): Services--4%; industry--13%; agriculture--20%; science and technology--1%; construction--5%; education--12%; health and social services--12%.
What does Cuba do for labor day? ›
Cuba. This day is known as Labour Day in Cuba. People march in the streets, showing their support to the Cuban Communist government and the Cuban Revolution during the whole morning.
Can a US citizen work in Cuba? ›
Foreign nationals that have secured a job position in Cuba and tend to work there must obtain a work visa. Cuba offers different types of work visas depending on your situation: D-1 visa for employees with technical, scientific, or other specialized training. D-2 visa for students and scientists.
Does Cuba allow labor unions? ›
Cuban law guarantees the right to form and join trade unions. Legally, a Cuban trade union's constitution and rules must be approved by its members. Trade unions and their members remain central to the political system and the development of the island's economy.
Do Cubans need a work permit? ›
Work permits under the Cuban Adjustment Act
Cubans who have not been paroled into the United States have to wait to apply for work permits in conjunction with their green card applications, which can typically be filed one year after “inspection, admission or parole” into the U.S.
There have been many testimonies of Cuban workers denouncing long workdays without the required overtime payments, the payment of low wages that fail to support basic living standards, and precarious working conditions including a lack of means and tools or the prevalence of unhygienic conditions in places of work.
Is it illegal to be unemployed in Cuba? ›
Joblessness can be illegal in Cuba but, at the same time, losing one's job is sometimes used as a punishment by the government, said the report, titled “New Castro, Same Cuba.
Who is the largest employer in Cuba? ›
Although the Cuban Government has reduced its role as employer, thus partially achieving that goal, it continues to be the main employer of the economy, occupying around 64% of the total number of workers in 2022 (ONEI, 2022), while 23% of employees work in the private sector.
What is the Cuban average monthly income? ›
The minimum wage is set at 2,100 CUP (Cuban Pesos) per month. The average salary in Cuba is around 4,000 CUP per month (see Table 1 below). The average salary of health and professionals with higher education is around 6,000 CUP per month. The average retirement pension does not exceed 1,528 CUP per month.
How much do Cubans earn a month? ›
Since 2018, the average monthly income of employees in state-owned and mixed enterprises in Cuba has more than quintupled, from 777 pesos per month in 2018 to 4,219 Cuban pesos in 2022.
How much money do Cubans make per day? ›
These people, on average can expect to earn upwards of the equivalent of $30 per day. I know many who earn double that and don't work very long hours either. $30 per day works out to the equivalent of $10 000 USD per year.
Does Cuba have child labor laws? ›
Cuba had ratified the International Labour Organisations Convention 182 on the prohibition of the worst forms of child labour. Due to the stability and security in the society, there was no armed conflict or non-state armed groups in Cuba.
What rights do Cuban citizens not have? ›
The right to political rights
Political opponents are regularly targeted by the Government, arbitrarily arrested and prevented from carrying out political work. Citizens in Cuba have a right to vote but not a right to choose.
What are labor rights or workers rights? ›
Labor rights or workers' rights are both legal rights and human rights relating to labor relations between workers and employers. These rights are codified in national and international labor and employment law. In general, these rights influence working conditions in the relations of employment.
