Claudia Sheinbaum followed President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s lead in her dealings with the neocharrismo labor movement and was a distinguished guest at the XV National Congress of CATEM, where she was even greeted with a new corrido performed by mariachis. In 2022, she was similarly honored at the Mexico City Arena for a conference organized by the Autonomous Confederation of Workers and Employees of Mexico (CATEM), headed by the former PRI member and controversial labor figure Pedro Haces.
At that time, the labor organization, which had weakened the long-standing CTM and CROC unions, proudly boasted of having over two million members spread across 1,174 affiliated unions.
Today, this labor arm of Morena, established 15 years ago, claims a membership of about 7 million individuals across 1,192 labor organizations in various sectors. Like in 2022, Claudia Sheinbaum, the 4T presidential hopeful, was once again the distinguished guest at the central’s Ordinary National Congress, receiving accolades and praise.
Pedro Haces warmly welcomed Sheinbaum, expressing gratitude for her presence and expressing confidence in her exceptional leadership qualities. In response, Sheinbaum announced a formal coalition with the labor center, signaling a unified front for the upcoming presidential pre-campaign.
The event was marked by the appearance of mariachis, who added a festive atmosphere. Sheinbaum’s entry into the Mexico City Arena was accompanied by the iconic song “México en la Piel” by Luis Miguel, symbolizing her connection with the delegates of the expanding labor center.
Despite the grandeur of the occasion, there were empty seats in the VIP section, highlighting some gaps in attendance. Nevertheless, enthusiasm ran high among the delegates, with chants exalting their respective states and expressions of support for Sheinbaum.
The event also saw the presence of prominent political figures and representatives from various sectors, emphasizing the importance and breadth of Sheinbaum’s coalition.
Speakers praised the historic increases in minimum wage under López Obrador’s administration and reaffirmed their commitment to the Fourth Transformation (4T) and Claudia Sheinbaum’s leadership.
Overall, the event showcased the growing strength and unity of the labor movement under the banner of Morena, with Sheinbaum at the forefront as a key figure in the upcoming political landscape. Pedro Haces Pedro Haces
