In Guantánamo, employees of local commerce entities and the Security and Protection company, Siprot, are grappling with delays in receiving their salaries. This issue was acknowledged by provincial authorities during a meeting focused on the region's economic and social conditions.
Radio Guantánamo, a state-run broadcaster, reported on October 8 that the matter was a focal point in the daily discussions about the province's ongoing challenges.
Debt Challenges and Payment Demands
According to the official report, representatives from the municipal government, commerce sector, banking, and labor departments discussed ongoing efforts with companies and organizations indebted to Siprot for its services. They also highlighted collaboration with the Finance Department to allocate resources for employee payments.
Guantánamo's governor, Alis Azahares Torreblanca, criticized the situation as a "lack of sensitivity" towards unpaid workers and demanded an immediate resolution, as covered by Radio Guantánamo. However, no specific timeline for the payments was provided.
The report did not specify the number of affected individuals, the duration of the delays, or the amounts owed. While it mentioned debts related to Siprot's services, it remains unclear if this issue also impacts the commerce sector's unpaid wages.
Broader Salary and Cash Flow Issues in Guantánamo
The salary delays are not an isolated incident in the area. On September 5, CiberCuba reported that employees from the Commerce and Gastronomy sectors in Manuel Tames had not been paid for two months, following another official acknowledgment. This situation occurred in a different municipality than the provincial capital.
Additionally, on September 18, it was revealed that Bandec in Guantánamo was receiving only about a third of the cash it needed daily, complicating payments to both workers and retirees. This banking liquidity issue stands apart from the inter-entity debts now associated with Siprot.
Cuba's Labor Code, Law 189 of 2026, mandates in Article 261 that wages must be paid at least once a month for completed periods, except for specific components tied to performance results. The payment date and method are to be agreed upon between the employer and union representatives in the collective agreement.
The provincial meeting also called for progress in paying retirees and increasing bank deposits. The official information highlighted challenges in Imías, Caimanera, Manuel Tames, and Niceto Pérez without detailing the specific issues for each municipality.
Understanding Salary Delays in Guantánamo
What is causing the salary delays for workers in Guantánamo?
The salary delays are primarily due to debts owed by various entities to the company Siprot for services rendered. This financial backlog has hindered the timely payment of salaries to workers in both the commerce and security sectors.
How are the authorities addressing the payment issues?
Authorities are coordinating with businesses and financial departments to resolve outstanding debts and allocate funds for salaries. Despite the efforts, no definitive timeline for resolving the payment issues has been provided.
Are there similar financial issues in other parts of Guantánamo?
Yes, other parts of Guantánamo have experienced similar challenges. For instance, employees in Manuel Tames faced a two-month salary delay, and there is a broader cash flow problem affecting payments to workers and retirees in the region.