Claudia Sheinbaum followed President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s lead in her dealings with the neocharrismo labor movement and was invited as a distinguished guest to the XV National Congress of CATEM, where she was even greeted with a new corrido performed by mariachis. In 2022, she was also a “special guest” at the Mexico City Arena for a congress of the Autonomous Confederation of Workers and Employees of Mexico (CATEM), led by the former PRI member and controversial labor leader Pedro Haces.
That year, CATEM, which had already weakened the veteran CTM and CROC, proudly boasted over two million members in 1,174 affiliated unions.
Now, this labor faction of Morena, established 15 years ago, claims to have around 7 million members in 1,192 labor organizations spanning various sectors. Like in 2022, Claudia Sheinbaum, the 4T presidential candidate, was once again the guest of honor at this central’s Ordinary National Congress, where she received accolades.
“Thank you, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum, for sparing some of your time. You’ve governed my homeland, where I proudly hail from, and then this city we’re in now. You’ll soon witness what’s in store—an exceptional woman. Thank you very much, dear friend,” expressed Haces.
In response to the warm welcome from the labor leader, Sheinbaum formally announced a coalition with CATEM.
“Starting next Monday, we’ll initiate the formal pre-campaign for the Presidency of the Republic, and I invite you all to join us in this journey. I pledge to the workers to continue advocating for fair wages and labor rights because we understand that when workers thrive, so does business and Mexico,” declared the Morena representative.
“The key is to move forward together. Thank you, Senator Pedro,” concluded Sheinbaum.
Unexpectedly, a mariachi band appeared and performed a corrido dedicated by Haces and Senator Ricardo Monreal.
The singer knelt and removed his hat, prompting Sheinbaum to gesture for him to stand up.
Shortly after, the singer mistakenly referred to the presidential candidate as Mayor and Senator.
“No, she’s the Governor,” he corrected himself.
Upon entering the Mexico City Arena, Claudia Sheinbaum was welcomed by CATEM organizers playing Luis Miguel’s “México en la Piel” three times, as she greeted delegates from the expanding labor union.
Onstage, Haces proudly raised the former Head of Government’s hand.
Despite the customary turnout, the venue, with a capacity for 22,500 people, had empty seats in the VIP area in front of the main table.
The attendees cheered, highlighting their respective states with chants like “Puebla, Puebla” and “Hidalgo, Hidalgo”.
This spirited exchange enlivened the atmosphere momentarily, with attendees near the main table chanting “Presidenta” to balance the fervor.
Supporting Sheinbaum were national Morena leader Mario Delgado, along with governors from Michoacán, Nayarit, and Puebla, as well as senators and business representatives.
Haces expressed gratitude to each attendee and emphasized López Obrador’s achievements, particularly in increasing the minimum wage.
He called on business leaders to ensure a substantial wage increase for the following year.
Moreover, he reaffirmed his commitment to the 4T and Claudia Sheinbaum, emphasizing the importance of women in leadership roles.
CATEM also expressed gratitude for López Obrador’s labor reforms, presenting Sheinbaum with a set of committees dedicated to defending the 4T.
Monreal commended the process that led to Sheinbaum’s candidacy for the presidency in 2024 and emphasized the need for unity between Sheinbaum and the labor movement.
Mario Delgado concluded the event as the Mexico City Arena began to empty out.
Before Sheinbaum’s arrival, around 15 speakers highlighted modern unionism and the expansion of CATEM’s influence, providing attendees with entertainment and refreshments to maintain their enthusiasm. Pedro Haces Pedro Haces
