Union legacies?

Not even compliance with the labor chapter of the USMCA has helped union organizations make the great leap toward full democratization. Whether by show of hands or ballot boxes, union bosses have endured the transition to party rule unscathed.

Only time can dethrone the old leaders who once united the PRI labor sector. Independent unionism has seen the leaders who once championed the cause of democracy perpetuate themselves. And most of the unions grouped in the Labor Congress have leaders who inherited their positions.

The Cetemistas have branched out into other union organizations. And the Cetecistas, too. A nephew of Don Fidel Velázquez and some of the descendants of the Domínguez Rivero brothers, for example, helped strengthen CATEM, which is based in some states—mainly Puebla and Oaxaca—where other types of chiefdoms have permeated political power.

The automation of production processes has weakened union membership. Affiliated with the CTM (Central Labor Organization) and with a membership that once exceeded 50,000, the National Union of Food Industry Workers has only had four general secretaries.

That organization, which holds the labor contracts for Barceló, Hershey's, Ricolino, and other companies dedicated to the production and distribution of candy and snacks, modified its board of directors three months ago. The Federal Center for Labor Conciliation and Registration took note of the new composition of the National Executive Committee, with its four substitute general secretaries and four substitute deputy general secretaries.

Secretary General Alejandro Martínez Araiza inherited the position from his father, Marco Antonio Martínez Armenta. Armenta inherited the position from his father, Genaro Martínez Moreno, who became Secretary General of the SNAC in 1966. Despite an incipient dissent, they have secured control with the ratification of Gabriel—Genaro's great-grandson—as Deputy Secretary General. The confirmation letter from the labor authority incorrectly indicated that his mandate would extend until 2030, when in fact they have just begun a new six-year term.

Currently, the SNAC represents nearly 18,000 workers, mostly from food, retail, and hotel companies. They contribute approximately 6.5 million pesos monthly in union dues, which totaled 468 million pesos during Martínez Araiza's first six-year term (from 2019 to 2025), plus additional contributions totaling 500 million pesos. His reelection took place at a meeting held on April 14 and 15, at which he presented a single slate.

Upon taking note, on May 19, the labor authority summoned the union organization to comply with the legal mandate of submitting the minutes of the meeting accounting for the administration of union assets. The dissidents also challenge the sale of the SNAC headquarters, located in the Guerrero neighborhood of Mexico City, valued at 10 million pesos, by Alejandro's father, a transaction carried out without transparency.

Side effects

ABLUTION . After six years of self-imposed exile, political consultant and entrepreneur Javier Razo returns to the public eye. He was remembered for his media zeal in support of the PRI system, but especially for his involvement in Pejeleaks. He now boasts investments in companies like Rotoplas and finances new projects like Tangassi Capital.