UNISON Eastern is sending one lucky young member on the 2025 May Day Brigade to Cuba.
This is a unique opportunity to experience the gains of the Cuban revolution first hand, meeting ordinary Cubans in their workplaces, communities and trade unions.
The Eastern young member will take part in the UNISON delegation, alongside fellow trade unionists from Britain, Ireland and further afield.
What’s it about?
The brigade will feature a full programme of activities, including:
- Special invitations from the Cuban trade unions to take part in the May Day celebrations at Havana’s Revolution Square and the International Solidarity with Cuba Conference in Cuba’s Parliament;
- Meetings with Cuban trade unionists, women’s organisations and community groups;
- Solidarity agricultural work on Cuban co-operative farms;
- Visits to sites of historical, political and cultural significance;
- Seminars, workshops and film showings on Cuban society; and much more!
Do I qualify for a place?
To apply for a place you must be
- A member of UNISON in the Eastern region,
- Aged 30 or under on 11 May 2025 (this is because the funding is for a UNISON young member which is defined as 30 or under),
- Available from 27 April to 11 May inclusive — these dates are provisional and final dates will be confirmed shortly — and have booked annual leave with your employer for this period before submitting your application,
- Able to attend the UNISON regional council to make a presentation about your experiences in Cuba,
- Active with the regions young members group or within your branch
UNISON Eastern’s finance, development and organisation committee has agreed to fully fund one places, but if you are from a branch with general reserves of more than £12 per member, your branch will be expected to pay for half the cost — half of an estimated at £2,049 plus travel to/from the airport.
We advise you to speak to your branch as soon as possible to confirm the funding will be agreed and any internal processes can be followed. Please speak to your branch secretary before applying to confirm your branch will pay. Contact John Lawrence for more information.
Apply now
Please fill in this form no later than 12 noon on Monday 2 December 2024.
Applicants will be notified at the start of January 2025 if they have been successful or not.