Cuban ties put powerful US union under microscope over alleged communist influence push

FIRST ON FOX: The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions is investigating reports that a union representing roughly 600,000 members is working to advance the interests of the Cuban regime.

Sen.

Bill Cassidy, R-La., sent a letter to the International Association of Machinists (IAM) on Thursday night demanding information about its possible links to the Cuban government.

His letter follows reports that IAM has traveled to Cuba, taken policy positions aligned with the regime, put out public messaging aligned with the regime’s interests and participated in a meeting at a local IAM union hall where a Cuban diplomat addressed union members.

IAM did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital.

"I am concerned that IAM Union member dues are financing efforts to change U.S. policy related to the Cuban regime, a State Sponsor of Terror , instead of supporting American workers’ priorities," Cassidy wrote.

"These examples raise serious concerns that IAM Union officials have used their positions within the union to advocate for policy objectives promoted by the Cuban regime as part of a foreign influence scheme." INSIDE CUBA’S FOREIGN INFLUENCE CAMPAIGN: FROM THE '60S VENCEREMOS BRIGADE TO A CALIFORNIA UNION HALL "American workers should not be compelled to finance advocacy that advances the foreign policy aims of a hostile foreign power, particularly one responsible for the deaths of at least three U.S. citizens and one U.S. resident in international waters," the senator added.

Cassidy was referencing a 1996 incident where Cuban MiG fighters destroyed two unarmed civilian aircraft operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue, resulting in the deaths of three American citizens and one permanent resident.

David Ramírez Álvarez, second secretary at the Embassy of Cuba, spoke at a U.S.

Hands Off Cuba campaign meeting held at Machinists Hall, a local IAM union hall, Fox News Digital reported in May.

Cassidy’s letter says Ramírez Álvarez instructed union members on ways to support Cuba’s policy priorities and oppose U.S. policy toward the island.

Sources told Fox News Digital that Ramírez Álvarez has drawn the attention of American officials for allegedly coordinating an influence network within the United States.

Ramírez Álvarez spoke to union members and leaders on how they could help Cuba by lobbying , following certain pieces of legislation and engaging in national activism.

CUBA BUILT COVERT NETWORK INSIDE AMERICA THROUGH SPIES, ACTIVISTS AND UNIVERSITIES, STATE DEPT ALLEGES "The job now is defending Cuba in whatever way we can," an IAM representative told attendees, encouraging them to visit the island if possible, according to previous reporting.