On July 30, Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power unanimously passed Law 189, known as the "Labor Code." This law governs labor relations across both state and non-state sectors in Cuba and was formalized through Agreement X-182, as published in the Official Gazette.
Signed by Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández, the Assembly's president, the agreement dictates that the law must be ratified by the President of the Republic before it becomes fully effective.
Law 189 replaces the previous Law No. 116, which had been in effect since June 2014 after being approved in December 2013. This, in turn, had replaced the 1984 Labor Code.
Key Changes in the New Labor Code
One of the most notable updates in the new code includes the formal regulation of remote work in Cuba. This provision even allows employees to work from abroad if their role permits, provided they have a contract supplement.
The code also legitimizes multiple employment, capping a worker's total hours across all jobs to 13 hours per day.
However, during the public consultation held in June, a significant omission sparked debate: the text does not recognize the right to strike.
Legislative Package and Broader Reforms
The Labor Code's approval was part of a broader legislative package that encompassed four other structural laws: the Housing Law, the Agricultural and Forestry Land Law, the Law on the Organization of the Central State Administration, and the Law of Personal Identity and Residence System.
All these were enacted during the Seventh Regular Session of the Tenth Legislature on July 29 and 30, held at the Palace of Conventions in Havana.
According to the regime, this legislative package is part of the announced set of 176 economic and social transformations, 90.9% of which had already been approved by the session date.
The new Code is set to take effect 90 days after its final publication in the Official Gazette, contingent upon ratification by Díaz-Canel.
Key Questions About Cuba's New Labor Code
What sectors does the new Labor Code cover in Cuba?
The new Labor Code applies to both state and non-state sectors in Cuba, regulating labor relations comprehensively.
What significant changes does Law 189 introduce?
Law 189 introduces regulations for remote work and legitimizes multiple employment, with a daily limit of 13 working hours across all jobs.
When will the new Labor Code become effective?
The new Labor Code is scheduled to become effective 90 days after its final publication in the Official Gazette, pending ratification by Díaz-Canel.