Valdés, who previously held the positions of secretary of the Workers’ Central Union of Cuba, Minister of Labor and Social Security, and Secretary of Agricultural Workers, among others, is not from the generation of “los históricos” meaning those who led the 1959 Cuban Revolution, and who have usually ceded power only when they’re ousted or have died. 
Valdés, ambaye alishika nafasi ya katibu wa muungano mkuu wa wafanyakazi nchini Cuba, waziri wa kazi na hifadhi ya jamii, na pia Katibu wa umoja wafanyakazi wa kilimo si miongoni mwa kizazi cha “los históricos” yenye maana wale waliongoza mapinduzi nchini Cuba mwaka 1959, na ambao wamekuwa wakiachiwa madaraka pindi wenzao wanapoondolewa au kufa.