Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, is investigating the International Association of Machinists (IAM), a union representing approximately 600,000 members, over its alleged involvement in advancing the interests of the Cuban regime. The investigation stems from reports indicating that the union has traveled to Cuba, adopted policy positions aligned with the Cuban government, and participated in meetings where Cuban diplomats have addressed union members.
Cassidy has sent a letter to the IAM demanding information about its potential connections to the Cuban government. In the letter, he expressed concern that union member dues might be used to fund efforts aimed at altering U.S. policy toward Cuba, a designated state sponsor of terror, rather than focusing on American workers' priorities. He stated that these activities raise serious concerns about IAM officials potentially using their positions to advocate for policy objectives promoted by the Cuban regime as part of a foreign influence scheme.
David Ramírez Álvarez, second secretary at the Embassy of Cuba in Washington, D.C., reportedly spoke at a meeting at a local IAM union hall in May. According to reports, Ramírez Álvarez provided instruction to union members on how to support Cuba's policy priorities and oppose U.S. policy toward the island nation. Sources have indicated that Ramírez Álvarez has drawn the attention of U.S. officials for allegedly coordinating an influence network within the United States. During the meeting, an IAM representative encouraged attendees to defend Cuba and visit the island if possible. This same representative was reportedly involved in an effort that led the California AFL-CIO to adopt a resolution calling for Cuba's removal from the U.S. list of state terror sponsors.
In July, the State Department released a report detailing alleged ties between organized labor and the Cuban government. The report claims Havana utilizes a network of labor union contacts in the United States to advocate for policies beneficial to its regime, such as the lifting of embargoes or its removal from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list.
Cassidy cited a video posted by the Cuban Embassy where an IAM leader purportedly stated, "we must and will continue to defend the sovereignty of Cuba and Cuban self determination." He also noted a separate video where the same leader offered a welcome message to two Cuban officials on behalf of his union.
The senator has submitted a series of questions to the IAM, inquiring whether union employees are collaborating with Cuban officials while on duty, if the union has received or made payments to individuals connected to the Cuban regime, if the union has lobbied on Cuba policy, and if it has concerns about its members being involved in Cuban influence operations. Cassidy also requested a full accounting of union members and leadership who have engaged in advocacy related to U.S. policy toward Cuba and whether they consulted with Cuban government officials during such activities. The IAM did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Cassidy referenced a 1996 incident where Cuban MiG fighters destroyed two civilian aircraft operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue, resulting in the deaths of three American citizens and one U.S. resident. The senator stated that American workers should not be compelled to finance advocacy that advances the foreign policy aims of a hostile foreign power responsible for such actions.