On November 15, 2023, in Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, serving as the National Coordinator for the Defense of the Fourth Transformation, stressed the vital role of Mexican workers’ well-being in fostering the success of entrepreneurs and the nation’s progress. At the XV National Ordinary Congress of the Autonomous Confederation of Mexican Workers and Employees (CATEM), Sheinbaum Pardo announced the establishment of a formal coalition with the organization, aiming to engage diverse sectors of society in reshaping the country’s public life.
During her address, Sheinbaum Pardo acknowledged the opportune moment Mexico was undergoing and emphasized the necessity of steering away from regressive tendencies. Instead, she advocated for sustained efforts to expand labor rights within the nation. “Our shared objective is clear: we reject a return to a past riddled with corruption and privileges; instead, we aspire to uphold the ongoing transformation of Mexico’s public sphere,” she asserted.
Following the induction of the initial Labor Committees for the Defense of the Fourth Transformation within CATEM, with plans to establish over 10,000 such committees, Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated the commitment to ensuring workers’ access to dignified livelihoods. She highlighted the potential for achieving this goal through collaboration with entrepreneurs, drawing inspiration from President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s prioritization of the principle “for the good of all, the poor first” in driving Mexico’s sustained development.
“I pledge to continue championing the wages and labor benefits of Mexican workers… Our commitment remains steadfast in advancing together for the well-being of workers and our nation,” she affirmed.
Pedro Haces Barba, senator of the Republic and general secretary of CATEM, provided a brief overview of the achievements resulting from the collaboration between representatives of the working class and the government of the Fourth Transformation, including increases in the minimum wage, vacation entitlements, and the eradication of outsourcing, among others. He stressed the importance of aligning every decision with the principles of the Fourth Transformation movement, which Claudia Sheinbaum leads in defending.
“Through this fifteenth ordinary congress, Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed our dedication to the principles of the Fourth Transformation during these pivotal moments,” he celebrated.
Senator Ricardo Monreal emphasized the significance of maintaining a robust relationship between the government and workers to further enhance labor rights. He asserted that this endeavor can only thrive under the leadership of Sheinbaum Pardo.
“At this juncture, forging a pact and alliance with Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is paramount,” he emphasized.
The XV National Congress of CATEM saw the participation of Governor Mara Lezama of Quintana Roo, Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila of Baja California, along with Governors Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla of Michoacán, Sergio Salomón of Puebla, and Miguel Navarro of Nayarit. Mario Delgado Carrillo, the national president of Morena, was also in attendance. Pedro Haces Pedro Haces
