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ACTION ALERT, 22 JULY 2010 - USW invites supporters to a reception for the wives of the "Cuban 5" -- Cuban anti-terrorist political prisoners who have been in U.S. prisons since 1998.

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Dear Sisters and Brothers,

I want to invite you to a very interesting and moving reception on Sunday, August 8th.

Come and hear the emotional story of the Cuban Five from their families. The wives of these political prisoners have been campaigning across the world for their release. Each of these Cuban citizens has been in U.S. prisons since 1998.

Come and hear from them about their fight to get visitation rights and ultimately the release of their husbands whom they have not seen for as many as 12 years.

The Cuban Five were arrested by the FBI in 1998. Their arrest has outraged human rights campaigners. Amnesty International described their imprisonment and the denial of visitation from their families as "contrary both to standards for the human treatment of prisoners and to a state’s obligation to protect family life."

WHAT:	Reception for the family of the Cuban 5
WHEN:	Sunday, August 8th, 7:00 p.m.
WHERE:	Steelworkers Hall 25 Cecil Street, Toronto (South of College, east of Spadina)

Come and meet these brave women when they visit Toronto.


Olga Salanueva is the wife of Rene Gonzalez. She has not seen her husband since 2001 and has since been denied an entry visa on 10 occasions. Last year she was declared permanently ineligible to apply again.

Adriana Perez is the wife of Gerardo Hernandez, and has been refused a visa on 10 separate occasions. Adriana has not seen her husband for 12 years.

Irma Gonzalez is Olga and Rene's eldest daughter. She holds joint Cuban and U.S. nationality and is able to visit her father.

United Steelworkers through Workers Uniting has joined the campaign to bring rights to the families of the Cuban Five. Our partners in hosting this event are Tony Woodley, Unite Joint General Secretary, Andy Stern, SEIU President Emeritus, Heide Trampus, from the Canada-Cuba Labour Solidarity Network, and Leo Gerard.

We will provide light refreshments and drinks. Please join us.

In Solidarity,

Ken Neumann
United Steelworkers National Director for Canada.