Born in a Havana neighborhood, Peña, from the age of 18, stood out for his activism in the undercovered Communist Party and the trade union movement of the time, where he was involved in anti-imperialist activities.

After passing through labor and trade union organizations, he assumed leadership of the Confederation of Cuban Workers, which was founded on January 28, 1939.

In 1973, he became head of the Department of Mass Organizations at the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).

His work’s prestige and solidity went beyond borders. He contributed to the foundation of the Latin American Confederation of Workers (CTAL) and the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU).

Trade union leaders and intellectuals who shared his historical time stated that among his qualities stood out his authority, honesty, political acumen and the ability to mobilize workers’ organizations.

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