Tourism Workers Reject New Contracts at Cozumel Marina, Demand Legal Certainty

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Tourism workers operating at Cozumel Marina have voiced opposition to new contracts proposed by the National Port System Administration (ASIPONA), arguing they fail to provide legal security or equitable conditions for their operations within the port facility.

Members of the Cooperative Society of Tourism Workers and Users of Cozumel Marina said this conflict dates back to when the marina was concessioned under a rights transfer scheme, a situation they claim has worsened with the new contract proposals that ignore previous agreements and acquired rights.

Wiliam Güemez Vidal, president of the group, stated that the new conditions leave them vulnerable, with the possibility of losing their docking spaces. “These contracts leave us very vulnerable in all aspects—we could even lose our docking spots if they decide so,” he said.

He added that current clauses absolve the administration of any responsibility for vessels and limit legal recourse. Accepting these documents would mean starting from scratch without recognition of their history at the marina.

Adrián Angulo noted that the group’s main goal is long-term certainty. “What we’re looking for is certainty, security that our boats will have a safe space long-term,” he explained.

Workers indicated that while mid-April has been mentioned as a deadline for signing contracts, the administration has said they’re not mandatory and doesn’t plan evictions. However, protesters believe implicit conditions put them at a disadvantage and create uncertainty about their continued presence.

Alberto Angulo Sauri, a marina user since its operation in the Caleta area, emphasized they don’t oppose paying fees, having even reached an economic agreement. “The only stumbling block is the fine print in the contracts,” he said.

He detailed that some clauses would allow unilateral cancellation of spaces within 15 days, creating uncertainty for users and their families. “We’re fighting for medium- and long-term legal certainty,” he added.

The service providers reiterated their aim to maintain the marina’s social character, which they say was created to support maritime workers and generate local economic activity. They hope to continue dialogue with the administration to modify contractual terms.

As background, protesters recalled that marina operations have passed through different administrations—from schemes linked to the National Tourism Development Fund (Fonatur) to the current ASIPONA management—resulting in changing operational conditions for users.

Protesters were eventually met by an ASIPONA representative who committed to organizing working tables between the dissatisfied parties and port authorities.