Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged that workers in Cuba's state-run companies are earning meager salaries between 3,000 and 4,000 pesos per month. Despite this, he called on company leaders to enhance efficiency, productivity, and dedication to the economic reforms promoted by his administration.
During a meeting with over fifty business leaders attending a training session on the 176 economic and social measures ratified by Cuban authorities, Díaz-Canel made these statements, as reported by the Cuban Presidency on Monday.
The Cuban leader emphasized the need to engage employees in business decisions, highlighting the retention of workers in state entities despite the low wages they receive.
Díaz-Canel used as an example those workers who, in spite of earning just 3,000 to 4,000 pesos, remain loyal to their factories and companies. According to the Presidency's report, he credited this loyalty to the workers' sense of belonging.
He urged company leaders to listen to employees' suggestions and involve them in decision-making processes. "Include them in your decisions, don't make choices without consulting the workers," he demanded.
The salary figures mentioned by Díaz-Canel reveal stark realities about the cost of living in Cuba. Official data from August indicated an average monthly salary of 7,354 pesos, while a carton of 30 eggs could cost approximately 3,800 pesos in Havana's private markets. This implies that a worker earning 4,000 pesos might have to spend nearly their entire monthly income on just that one item.
Greater Independence Without Privatizing State Enterprises
Díaz-Canel advocated for new powers given to state enterprises, including increased autonomy to manage resources, set wages, and handle imports and exports directly. However, he emphasized that this autonomy must yield tangible economic results.
"This autonomy isn't a blank check," he stated.
The leader reiterated that business transformations wouldn't lead to the privatization of state entities. "We will always shield state enterprises from privatization," he assured.
The goal, he explained, is to attract investment, utilize underused productive capabilities, and separate ownership from management while maintaining state control over companies.
Despite endorsing greater autonomy for state enterprises, Díaz-Canel stressed that their leaders must adhere to political subordination. "You are cadres of the Revolution, you are cadres of the Party," he reminded them, underlining that economic changes should not stray from the socialist model's principles.
Acknowledging Inefficiency and Management Issues
In his address, Díaz-Canel called for a fight against bureaucracy, economic losses, resource misuse, absenteeism, and corruption.
He also criticized managers who blame their companies' issues solely on external factors without addressing internal shortcomings.
The president condemned what he called "complaint-driven management," a practice where difficulties are attributed to macroeconomic conditions or the U.S. embargo without assessing business management.
Additionally, he advised against setting prices based solely on production costs, as these might hide inefficiencies that consumers ultimately bear.
His critiques stand in contrast to the outcomes of the state enterprise system itself. Between January and July 2026, 348 state enterprises reported losses, according to economist Elías Amor. The expert also questioned the leaders' reliance on higher-up decisions, a centralized structure that directly limits the autonomy Díaz-Canel now supports.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What are the current salary levels for workers in Cuban state enterprises?
Workers in Cuban state enterprises earn between 3,000 and 4,000 pesos per month, as acknowledged by Miguel Díaz-Canel.
What economic reforms has Díaz-Canel advocated for state enterprises?
Díaz-Canel has promoted measures granting state enterprises more autonomy in resource management, wage-setting, and direct import-export activities, while emphasizing that these should lead to concrete economic results.
How does Díaz-Canel view the privatization of state enterprises?
Díaz-Canel opposes the privatization of state enterprises, asserting that they will remain under state control to attract investment and utilize productive capacities effectively.