At the XV Ordinary Congress of the Autonomous Confederation of Workers and Employees of Mexico (CATEM) in Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum, National Coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Fourth Transformation, vowed to maintain what she called the significant achievements of the 4T in the labor sector.
“I pledge to the workers of Mexico that we will persist in defending their salaries and labor rights, as we understand that when workers thrive, businesses and the entire nation benefit,” declared the virtual presidential pre-candidate for Morena and its allies, stressing that “for Mexico to keep flourishing, we cannot change our direction.”
Prior to this, Sheinbaum convened a meeting at the Morena national headquarters with nine state coordinators for the defense of the transformation, who are set to run for governorships and the capital’s government next year. “In the 4T, we are united. We stand with the people of Mexico to strengthen and advance this revival of Mexico’s public life,” the Morena leader stated while sharing a photo with prospective candidates and the party’s national leader, Mario Delgado.
During the CATEM Congress on Wednesday at the Arena Ciudad de México, Sheinbaum noted that the alliance with this labor organization is being formalized, following her inauguration of the initial groups designated as committees for the defense of labor transformation. The labor organization has committed to forming at least 10,000 of these committees as its “contribution to the transformation.”
In her speech, Sheinbaum highlighted the “great victories” for workers achieved over the past five years under the current federal government, including the rise in the minimum wage. This is particularly noteworthy, she pointed out, as for 36 years, the country’s inexpensive labor force was marketed internationally. “This is why when people say the neoliberal period is akin to the Porfirio Díaz era or is neo-Porfirismo, it is because, in reality, workers earned less each year,” she remarked.
She also emphasized the “freedom of association” gained through reforms in this area, asserting that workers are united by a common goal: “We do not want to revert to a past of corruption and privilege.”
On a related note, CATEM leader Pedro Haces voiced his opposition to the reduction of working hours, claiming it would lead to lower wages.
The event was attended by governors including Sergio Salomón Céspedes from Puebla, Mara Lezama from Quintana Roo, Miguel Navarro from Nayarit, Marina del Pilar from Baja California, and Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla from Michoacán.
Also in attendance were Francisco Cervantes, president of the Business Coordinating Council, and Héctor Tejada, president of the Confederation of National Chambers of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Concanaco Servytur).
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