Tereso Medina Ramírez, the long-serving leader of the Confederation of Mexican Workers (CTM) in Coahuila, has formally entered the race to lead the national organization. His candidacy comes ahead of the CTM’s leadership transition on February 23, when current secretary general Carlos Aceves del Olmo is set to retire after nearly a decade at the helm.
Medina is running under the banner of the ‘Planilla de Unidad Nacional’, a slate that emphasizes internal cohesion and institutional continuity. In announcing his bid, he framed his campaign as a response to what he described as a critical moment for organized labor in Mexico. He called for leadership capable of fostering dialogue and consensus, with a focus on preserving union stability and defending labor rights.
The CTM remains Mexico’s largest labor federation and a central pillar of its corporatist labor tradition. Historically aligned with the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the federation has seen its influence wane in recent years amid growing union pluralism and legal reforms aimed at democratizing labor representation. These changes have been accelerated by commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which has placed Mexico’s labor practices under increased international scrutiny.
Medina called for leadership capable of fostering dialogue and consensus, with a focus on preserving union stability and defending labor rights.
Medina claims to have received support from union representatives across several states, though no formal endorsements have been publicly confirmed. His candidacy appears to be positioned as a unifying option within the federation, but it remains unclear whether he will face internal competition or if his slate will run unopposed. The CTM has not yet disclosed details about other potential contenders.
Carlos Aceves del Olmo’s departure marks the end of an era for the CTM. His tenure was defined by efforts to maintain institutional relevance amid external pressures and internal fragmentation. As the federation prepares for new leadership, questions persist about its future role in national politics—particularly in light of Mexico’s upcoming 2027 general elections.
While Medina’s platform stresses continuity, the broader context suggests that any new leader will need to navigate a transformed labor landscape. Independent unions have gained ground, and workers now have greater legal avenues to challenge traditional union structures. Whether Medina can adapt the CTM to these realities—or whether his leadership would reinforce existing hierarchies—remains an open question.
