Caridad Humiliana Barredo Rodriguez knows no rest and fully enjoy her stay at job. Her identity was lost many years ago between dreams and longings. The ariguanabenses and workers of the Ariguanabo Apparel company in San Antonio de los Baños, a place where she works since 1961, the first and only place of work, everyone calls her Caruca.
Reach to the outstanding company and ask about her, is synonymous of courtesy, respect, sense of belonging and love. This woman is simple, humble, colloquial and sincere. She also shows enmity with the interviews, but knowing my visit, gladly agreed to talk to our segment.
She was born May 23rd, 1945 and has 67 years old, Caruca is callous, charisma, kindness, dedication and sacrifice. Short, serene look, optimism for the future, slow walk the terrain and thick, this woman makes Revolution and lets out a breath of life for the good of the workers.
As I prepare the agenda to begin the dialogue, she offers me a cup of coffee and clear, waiting for my questions.
When does your work life begin?
At the age of sixteen, right here in the company. First I was responsible for the cost, then the manager of Roberto Tamayo workshop, later I was promoted to the headquarters of the Company as Director of Human Resources and for over forty years I am the General Director of this organization to which I love as my own life .
I imagine that in many years of work, expect several awards. Is that right or am I wrong?
Smiles and shows her modesty. Shut up for a moment and then back to her memory, answers. I´m National Vanguard, a member of the Communist Party of Cuba since 1973, delegated to the Provincial Assembly of People's Power, which holds the distinction Featured Leader of State and Government of the Republic of Cuba, delivered by the Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and Distinguished Daughter of San Antonio de los Baños.
How much responsibility requires directing an entity like yours that is Business Improvement?
A lot. Being in Business Improvement means more effort, more work, more sense of belonging. Improvement is also guarantee compliance indicators and growth in production plans from one year to another. Undoubtedly is a pride while high moral commitment with the country and the revolution.
How comprises the Ariguanabo Garment Company?
We have fifteen workshops, eleven are productive and four for supply,also the company. We serve the two provinces, Artemisa and Mayabeque, because in our case there was no Administrative Political Division.
What municipalities are located these workshops?
We got almost located in the current Havana province. For example I can mention some like San Antonio de los Baños, Guira de Melena. Guanajay, Artemisa, Mariel, Quivicán and Bejucal, among others.
Number of workers?
We are 850 in total, 684 women and 166 men.
Who is intended the company production?
We produce for the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR), but occasionally we pay taxes to education and local industries in the territories, but the greater weight rests on Revolutionary Arms Forces (FAR).
How Caruca sees the role of women?
With the same equality as men. Thanks to the revolution, which has given us the same rights. Cuban society showcases women as leaders in any sphere of life. So we are building as engineers at the construction site, which the head of a scientific investigation, guiding a nursery or pre-university. In Cuba the woman is respect, commitment and love.
How is a typical day of Caruca?
Pretty busy. I get up before seven in the morning and sometimes it's nine in the evening and I have not stopped working. In the moments that I have free, who are the least, I prefer home and family. I like watching soap operas and listen to the radio, especially Ariguanabo, which is my favorite, besides seeing the ball, a sport that I love.
Returning to the company. ? Tell us about job security?
The workforce in our workshops fluctuates, because there are many partners who take retirement and also have a good young workforce guarantees over. Absenteeism is a 3.51 percent and strive to lower it more.
How do they do it?
Guaranteeing workers the comfort in the workshops and the company itself. Since we implemented a new investment that includes fans and water tanks in each workshop, in addition to air conditioning, that of course, have their daily operating schedules to contribute to saving electricity. I also advocate keeping workers with a guaranteed lunch in the dining room of each workshop.
What is the average salary of an employee of the Company, either in workshops or governing body?
Is 381.00 pesos in national currency, but if you meet the standard wage increases. It all depends on what you are capable of.
You spoke of the young workforce. Do you have a training course for girls?
Indeed. We have classroom training of 32 young people enrolled. They learn the cutting and sewing and then go to workshops to improve teaching. Also come intellectually prepared, because they are taught Spanish, Mathematics, Science, and other matters. That gives us very good results and we feel that the girls are happy.
Does Ariguanabo Confections Company ISO 9001 category?
Since 2009 and now renew to stay active in the Quality System.
With over forty years to the Revolution service. Have you thought at some point in retirement?
Never!. Answer categorically. At sixty-seven years I feel full of vigor and desires. I've had my ailments as usual, but I never think about retiring. I live for the company and consider it my second home. No doubt it.
So Humiliana Caridad Barredo Rodriguez, a woman of integrity, capable, determined and secure convictions. I close the book and we talked. As good Cuban baseball approaches the subject and the possibilities of Cuba in the Third World Classic, speaks of the victory of San Antonio de los Baños in the Provincial Championship First Category and asks me an assessment of what might happen with the Hunters from Artemis in the National Series. Astonished of her beisball knowledge, one last question arises.
Why mastered so well the theme of baseball?
She smiles again and turns her seat behind the desk. Because I'm a ballplayer aunt, the young Dayan Garcia Ortega, Artemisa team captain and member of the preselection Cuba preparing for the Classic. I also like the ball and relatively speaking, I'm like William Hernández, the ariguanabense slugger. When deciding I decide and when to connect I connect. The important thing is to produce. The players on the field and we from our company.