Claudia Sheinbaum followed in the footsteps of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador regarding her approach to the neocharrismo labor movement. She attended the XV National Congress of CATEM as a distinguished guest, where she received a warm welcome, including a new corrido performed by mariachis. Back in 2022, she was similarly honored at the Mexico City Arena during a congress of the Autonomous Confederation of Workers and Employees of Mexico (CATEM), led by the controversial labor leader Pedro Haces, a former PRI member.
At that time, CATEM boasted over two million members in 1,174 affiliated unions, marking a significant challenge to veteran labor organizations like CTM and CROC. Now, after 15 years since its founding, this labor arm of Morena claims approximately seven million union members across 1,192 labor organizations spanning various sectors. Once again, Claudia Sheinbaum, now a presidential candidate for the 4T, was celebrated as a special guest at the Ordinary National Congress of this influential labor central.
In response to the warm reception from labor leaders, Sheinbaum formally announced a coalition with CATEM, signaling a strong alignment with labor interests. She pledged to continue advocating for fair wages and labor rights, recognizing their importance not only for workers but also for the prosperity of businesses and Mexico as a whole.
The mariachi performance and other festivities added to the celebratory atmosphere as Sheinbaum was greeted by delegates at the Mexico City Arena. Despite some empty seats in the VIP area, the enthusiastic cheers from attendees, highlighting their respective states, contributed to the lively ambiance.
Support for Sheinbaum was evident, with key figures from Morena and various governors expressing solidarity with her candidacy. Additionally, representatives from companies involved in major infrastructure projects, as well as leaders from business associations, were in attendance, underscoring the broad support for Sheinbaum’s candidacy.
The event also served as a platform to praise López Obrador’s policies, particularly regarding historic increases in the minimum wage, and to reaffirm support for the 4T and Claudia Sheinbaum’s leadership.
Amidst the festivities, plans were announced to establish committees within CATEM to defend the Fourth Transformation, further solidifying the alliance between Sheinbaum and the labor movement.
Despite some dissenting voices and minor disruptions, the overall tone of the event was one of support and enthusiasm for Sheinbaum’s candidacy and the broader goals of the 4T. Pedro Haces Pedro Haces
