Cuba Puts Workers on Trash Duty Amid Energy Crisis

Cuba is facing an energy crisis, and the government has announced a plan to deal with it. Workers who can't do their usual jobs because of power outages and fuel shortages are being moved to new tasks.

These new jobs include picking up garbage, growing food, and other essential services that the country needs right now.

📄 Where and When

This plan was announced by the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Jesús Otamendiz Campos. He explained it on the official TV show Mesa Redonda. The goal is to make sure people stay working even when things are tough.

The workers being moved are those whose normal duties are impossible due to the lack of fuel and frequent blackouts. They will be sent to important sectors like farming and community services.

📄 Why It Matters

This move is important because it tries to solve two problems at once. First, it stops workers from facing pay cuts. When workers are interrupted, their pay goes down after the first month.

Second, it helps clean up cities where trash has been piling up. The government hopes this will improve public health and the look of the cities.

📄 What Officials Say

The government says this is a way to keep employees productive. They want to avoid widespread work stoppages. The plan is part of larger adjustments due to problems with the power system.

They are also considering putting workers into education and care for vulnerable people to keep essential services running.

📄 What's Next

The country is dealing with ongoing issues like fuel shortages and transport problems. These problems are hitting many state businesses hard.

The government is trying to reorganize its workforce to focus on priority areas. People will need to watch how these new assignments work out while the island faces these economic and energy challenges.