Biography
Castillo was born in La Paz,Canelones in 1952. [2] He attended School No. 164 in Jardines de Manga until the second grade and completed the rest of his primary education at the School No. 106 in Parque Artigas,Las Piedras. [3] He attended the University of Labor of Uruguay (UTU) in Las Piedras for his initial training as a lathe operator-mechanic,then continued at the Naval Industries School in Montevideo for his advanced studies,graduating in 1976 as a Naval Mechanic and Machinist. [3] He completed his practical training aboard fishing vessels and ANCAP oil tankers. In 1978,21 years old,he was selected to join the Dredging Sector of the Port of Montevideo,having earned one of the top 10 graduating scores at UTU. [3]
He has been a member of the Broad Front since 1984,a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Uruguay since its 22nd Congress,and also serves on its Executive Committee. [3] He was a member of the Representative Board of the Inter-Union Plenary of Workers –National Convention of Workers (PIT-CNT) and its Executive Secretariat,holding various roles including Secretary of Organization,Propaganda,and International Relations. [4] Beginning in 1999,he served as General Coordinator of the PIT-CNT. [4] [5]
In 2008,Castillo became increasingly involved in internal debates within the Broad Front ahead of the 2009 general election. [6] That year he was mentioned as a potential candidate for the presidency of the coalition,though he stated that any decision regarding such a role would have to be determined by the Communist Party of Uruguay. [6] He also participated in discussions about the future leadership of the coalition following President TabaréVázquez’s term. [7]
In 2011,Castillo was one of four candidates running for President of the Broad Front,representing the PCU. [8] The other candidates were Ernesto Agazzi (MPP),Mónica Xavier (PS),and Enrique Rubio (VA). [8] A poll conducted shortly before the election showed Castillo with 11% support among Broad Front supporters,placing fourth. [8] The election also highlighted the Communist Party's organizational strength within the coalition's base structure,with the party presenting candidates in 17 of Montevideo's 18 coordination committees and fielding 38 candidates for the National Plenary—more than any other political sector. [8]
In 2017,while serving as Director of Labor under President TabaréVázquez,Castillo found himself at the center of a political controversy. [9] When the government declared education an essential service during a teachers' strike and therefore not allowed to strike—a measure opposed by both the Communist Party and trade unions—he placed his position "at the disposal" of the government rather than resigning outright. [9] The Communist Party held an emergency meeting to discuss his situation,while some union members confronted him at the Ministry of Labor,questioning his commitment to labor principles. [9] Minister of Labor Ernesto Murro did not accept his resignation,leaving Castillo in a uncertain position. [9] The episode sparked broader debate within the PIT-CNT about union representatives simultaneously holding government positions. [9]
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