Cancún, Quintana Roo — Ruth Sánchez Palma, Secretary General of the Union of Construction, Gas Stations, and Commerce Workers of Quintana Roo, has revealed that between 20 and 30 cases of extortion are reported monthly at various construction sites in Cancún.
Sánchez Palma stated that despite workers repeatedly filing complaints with the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE), the reports are not taken seriously, as authorities fail to prioritize the severity of these crimes against laborers.
“We continue to receive these types of complaints. Unfortunately, the cases are reported, but they are either ignored or not given the attention they deserve regarding the extortion our workers face,” she said.
The union leader also noted that law enforcement operations at construction sites in Cancún have decreased. She urged security and justice institutions to act decisively and provide guarantees so workers can carry out their duties without fear.
Sánchez Palma added that the union offers guidance to affected workers and has a legal team available to assist them.
She further expressed concern that the expansion of the construction sector has been accompanied by a rise in extortion cases, attributing this trend to the fact that construction sites in the state have become a fertile ground for organized crime. Criminal groups frequently demand "protection fees" from workers, a practice known as "derecho de piso."
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