**Ricardo Aldana Re-Elected as Leader of Mexican Oil Workers’ Union Until 2030**
Ricardo Aldana Prieto has been re-elected to serve another six-year term as the General Secretary of the Mexican Oil Workers’ Union (STPRM). Beginning January 1, 2025, Aldana will continue his leadership role with the union associated with the state-owned oil company, Pemex, until December 31, 2030.
The union’s Electoral Commission reported that Aldana’s slate—referred to as the “Green Slate”—won with 57,030 votes (around 82%), defeating contender María Cristina Alonso García, who ran under the “Guinda Slate” and received 12,596 votes (18%). Out of a total of 91,579 union members eligible to vote, 70,533 participated, achieving a turnout of 77%.
The union highlighted in a press release that the high participation rate underscores the democratic commitment of its members and validates the legitimacy of the winning slate. Before the official results were announced, Aldana addressed supporters, emphasizing that this election marked a historic moment where employees freely and independently voted for their preferred candidate.
Aldana has pledged to modernize union statutes, ensuring gender parity in leadership positions and instituting recall votes every three years. “There will be no more eternal leaders or anointed ones,” declared Aldana. He assured that union members would retain the authority to influence their contracts, salary increases, and the continuation or change of leadership every three years.
The National Electoral Commission stressed that the process and outcome demonstrate strong support and legitimacy for the elected slate. All related information will be transferred to the Federal Center for Labor Conciliation and Registration, as well as the Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), for compliance and transparency purposes.
### Secondary Article: **Reforming Union Leadership Standards in Mexico**
In recent years, Mexico has embarked on substantial labor reforms to improve transparency and democratization within unions. A significant aspect of these reforms is the introduction of personal, free, direct, and secret voting methods for electing union leaders, moving away from a historically opaque system.
As part of this ongoing evolution, the STPRM’s recent election underscores these changes. The use of the Remote Labor Voting System (SIRVOLAB) implemented by the Secretariat of Labor ensures that union members can exercise their voting rights independently of external pressure.
Noteworthy too is the pivotal role of the Federal Center for Labor Conciliation and Registration in fostering fair labor practices nationwide. This body oversees the legitimacy of union elections and addresses electoral complaints and discrepancies, cultivating trust among workers.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has emphasized the government’s non-interference stance, prioritizing free choice and representation for workers. With ongoing labor reforms, Mexico is positioning itself as a pioneer in safeguarding workers’ rights and promoting democratic processes within labor unions.
Through these efforts, the hope remains to illuminate an era where fairness and equality are at the forefront of labor relations, reforming past discrepancies and paving the way for a transparent future.