Thousands Rally Across Yucatan for Higher Wages and Tax Relief on May Day

Merida, Yucatan — Thousands of workers affiliated with the CROC union and other labor organizations took to the streets across Yucatan on May Day to demand higher wages, lower taxes, and improved working conditions.

More than 40 unions and organizations joined the marches in Merida, where an estimated 8,000 people gathered in one of the largest labor demonstrations in recent years. Contingents also marched in Progreso and Tizimin, reflecting widespread discontent among workers in different parts of the state.

In Merida, protesters set off from Santiago Park and La Mejorada Park, converging on the Government Palace for a rally where union leaders and sector representatives aired their grievances.

Speakers highlighted the erosion of purchasing power due to rising prices for basic goods and called for reducing the tax burden on workers. A key proposal was to eliminate income tax for those earning less than 20,000 pesos (about $1,000) per month and to review taxes on labor benefits. Currently, workers earning the average service-sector salary pay between 10% and 17% of their income in income tax.

Union leaders said they track the prices of at least 42 basic goods, which have seen sustained increases. According to regional monitoring in 2026, the cost of the food basket in urban Yucatan has risen faster than the national average, especially for eggs and tortillas.

The general minimum wage for 2026 is 302.26 pesos (about $15) per day. Many workers in Tizimin earn only that amount, fueling their frustration as prices climb.

Other demands included reducing the workweek to 40 hours, implementing unemployment insurance, and strengthening union participation in national economic decisions. A shorter workweek would particularly affect the hotel and service sectors in Quintana Roo and Yucatan, where the CROC holds its largest collective contracts.

In Tizimin, workers focused on local issues, citing a lack of tools, excessive workloads, and stagnant wages. Employees in sanitation, parks, garbage collection, and urban maintenance said they lack basic supplies to do their jobs properly, even though their work keeps the city running.

The marches were peaceful and part of a national day of labor protests. Participants said they would continue organizing until they achieve changes that improve their working conditions and guarantee sufficient income amid rising living costs.