Former Employees Accuse Mandala Group of Evading Severance Payments After Tulum Beach Club Closure

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Former employees of the recently closed Vagalume beach club have publicly accused Mandala Group, the parent company, of failing to pay severance and legally mandated benefits, sparking outrage in Tulum’s tourism sector.

Workers allege that management pressured them to sign resignation letters under the promise that their financial compensation would be transferred promptly. However, more than a month after operations ceased, the affected employees say they have not received any payment and have been left without clear communication from the company’s legal representatives.

The unpaid severance has left dozens of families in a precarious situation, struggling to cover basic needs such as housing, food, and accumulated debts. Some former employees who had relocated to other states, trusting the company’s word that they would receive their payments remotely, say they have also been left empty-handed.

The financial dispute extends beyond former staff. Local suppliers and contractors report that they too are waiting to be paid for goods and services already provided. The collective frustration has grown as Mandala Group continues to promote new projects and expansions across Mexico despite the outstanding debts.

Neither Vagalume’s management nor Mandala Group executives have issued a statement addressing the allegations. The scandal has raised concerns within Tulum’s business community, which is already navigating a difficult economic period. Affected workers have vowed to pursue all legal avenues to force the company to comply with labor laws.