Report of rare protest in eastern Cuba

Witnesses say independent vendors in eastern Cuba have staged a highly unusual protest after state inspectors allegedly seized unauthorised goods from their stalls, prompting the state-backed labour union to promise to seek a solution to their grievances.

Home furnishings vendor William Zaldivar said by telephone on Friday that goods were confiscated from about a half-dozen vendors, who were fined 700 pesos ($A32) and stripped of their business licences.

A few dozen went to protest at the regional government offices in Holguin, pushing past police and shouting that they wanted to work.

Zaldivar said officials of the state labour union met them and offered to seek a solution.

Independent human rights activist Elizardo Sanchez said several sources confirmed Tuesday's demonstration and its size.

Officials have complained that some vendors sell stolen state goods.