CTM Denies Tip Misappropriation at Cozumel Hotels, Blames Union Rivalry

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The leader of Mexico’s Confederation of Workers (CTM) has denied allegations of irregularities in tip payments to employees at two major hotels on Cozumel island, attributing the accusations to external union disputes.

Maricruz Alanis Helguera, head of the CTM in Cancún, rejected claims of misappropriation at the Secrets Aura and Dreams hotels, stating that only “union politicking” by outside groups seeking to take over collective bargaining agreements drives the allegations.

She explained that a committee comprising union delegates, company representatives, and workers oversees tip distribution, ensuring funds reach members promptly and properly. “There is prior oversight to guarantee the resource reaches affiliates on time and in full,” Alanis Helguera said, dismissing accusations of embezzlement.

The CTM leader noted that only 15% of the union’s collective agreements involve dispersed tip payments, with the rest handled directly, allowing for rigid oversight that prevents diversion or theft as some CTM members in Cozumel have alleged.

Alanis Helguera asserted that members of other unions are behind the accusations, engaging in political maneuvering to seize contractual relationships. The CTM is investigating the matter while respecting the autonomy of other unions and demanding the same in return.

She added that delegates will visit workers to gather information directly from members rather than from “self-proclaimed leaders” influenced by external actors seeking to create noise and gain union advantage.