In the 1990s, being a "vanguard" held significant value for many Cuban workers who still placed their trust in the government's rhetoric. They believed the nation's crisis was solely due to the collapse of the socialist bloc. Many hoped that Cuba would navigate through the economic challenges and carve out a path independently. However, the Special Period revealed a stark reality where a worker's highest aspiration was to receive a certificate, a handshake from a bureaucrat, and the chance to purchase a limited selection of essential goods like clothing, shoes, or appliances from a state store.
One of the surreal symbols of that era was the "Fin de Siglo" store, with sections dedicated to sales for vanguard workers. These workers were rewarded with a ticket from their unions, allowing them access to specific stores in their provinces to buy certain items. Although prices were in the national currency, the goods were of poor quality and not exactly affordable.
The Vanguard Workers and "Fin de Siglo"
Faced with severe shortages and unprecedented inflation, vanguard workers often found themselves purchasing items from these stores that neither fitted their taste nor their size. Yet, they couldn't afford to miss out on the "opportunity," the "reward" bestowed by the government. Among these vanguard stores, "Fin de Siglo" was perhaps the most renowned. A documentary of the same name (1992) by Madelin Waterlet and Simon Saleski expertly captured the socialist worker incentive process.
Located on the Boulevard of San Rafael at the corner of Águila in Centro Habana, "Fin de Siglo" was established in 1897 by Galician entrepreneurs in Cuba. Its fame grew so vast that it inspired the globally recognized Spanish department stores known as "El Corte Inglés." Nationalized in the 1960s, the store became an exclusive market for vanguards during the Special Period. These "heroes of socialist labor" had to earn access to basic goods as rewards for their loyalty and sacrifice, rather than as a right.
"Fin de Siglo" didn't maintain these services for long. As the Cuban peso devalued further, the offerings disappeared from state stores. The vanguard workers were later incentivized with Atec-Panda TVs, electric cookers, or hotel vacations—paid in national currency but at exorbitant prices.
Vanguard Workers in the New Millennium
What was perceived as a "privilege" in the '90s is now irrelevant. Who would aspire to be a vanguard in 2025? For what purpose? Thirty years have passed, and Cuba is in worse condition than during the Special Period.
In a crumbling nation, impoverished and with a dollarized economy, no one desires to work for the state, lead businesses, or commit to socialist dreams. Cubans are focused on obtaining dollars to spend on food and survive. Social recognition has vanished along with any hope that individual effort means something in a system that values discipline and resignation over talent and productivity.
People no longer compete for certificates or medals but for the chance to leave the country, to have someone top up their phone credit, pay for a plane ticket, or send a package of food from abroad. No one wants to contribute to the Union or feels excited about being the "employee of the month" because the years pass, and nothing changes. People are tired of the state's crumbs.
The absurdity of the Cuban regime lies in its grim way of turning basic rights into consolation prizes for workers. Clothing, shoes, appliances... items that should be accessible to all, transformed into ridiculous rewards for those striving to advance a country. In Cuba, being a vanguard was never a privilege. It serves as a reminder of how little the government is willing to give in exchange for everything they demand, everything they've taken, and the life they have stolen from you.
The State of Cuban Workers and Vanguard Incentives
Why was being a vanguard important in the 1990s in Cuba?
In the 1990s, being a vanguard was significant for many Cuban workers as it symbolized trust in the government's promises and offered access to scarce goods during the economic crisis.
What was the role of the "Fin de Siglo" store during the Special Period?
"Fin de Siglo" served as a store where vanguard workers could use their tickets to purchase limited essential goods as a reward for their service, despite the poor quality and high prices.
How has the perception of being a vanguard changed in Cuba over time?
Over the years, the status of being a vanguard has lost its appeal as Cuba's economic conditions worsened, and people shifted their focus to acquiring foreign currency for survival instead.
What incentives replaced the vanguard store benefits in recent years?
As the Cuban peso devalued, vanguard incentives shifted to items like televisions, electric cookers, and hotel vacations, all costly despite being paid in national currency.