Tulum Airport Workers Allege Labor Harassment, Document Retention by Security Firm

Tulum, Quintana Roo — More than 10 workers who provided security and screening services at Tulum International Airport have accused private security firm Tecnología en Seguridad Privada de Quintana Roo of labor harassment, including threats of dismissal, retention of personal documents, and failure to pay outstanding wages.

The affected employees, who worked as screeners and profilers in various areas of the terminal, said they were recently verbally informed that they would be laid off due to an alleged reduction in operations during the low tourist season.

According to one worker’s testimony, on May 27 they were told they could no longer work at the airport. The company offered them the option to relocate to Cancún to continue working, but several rejected the proposal due to family commitments, active rental contracts, health issues, and other personal circumstances.

“They say they’re not firing us, but they won’t let us enter to work either. They want us to sign documents as if it were a voluntary resignation,” one affected worker said. The workers also alleged that the company attempted to withdraw their Airport Identification Card (TIA), a document required to access airport facilities.

Some employees handed over the identification, while others refused, arguing that the card is issued by the airport and linked to the holder. They also reported that the company has not returned personal documents submitted during hiring and that there is uncertainty about payment for the current pay period.

According to the workers, the company only offered a severance payment without the legally required liquidation. Some employees had been with the company for over a year and a half; one said he started in August 2024 and never received formal notice of termination.

The complainants also accused coordination staff of mistreatment during meetings about their situation. After rejecting the Cancún transfer proposal, the company allegedly withdrew the transportation that had taken them to a meeting, forcing them to return to Tulum on their own.

Among the affected staff are female workers with health issues requiring upcoming medical procedures who depended on continued employment to maintain access to medical services and benefits.

The company stated that the decision was due to reduced operations at Tulum International Airport during the low season and offered workers temporary housing for three months in Cancún to continue their duties. However, employees consider this proposal unfeasible given their contractual, family, and medical commitments in Tulum.

The workers said they have sought legal advice from labor authorities and will initiate proceedings to claim benefits, unpaid wages, and respect for their labor rights.

Tecnología en Seguridad Privada de Quintana Roo provides private security services to various companies and facilities, including screening and security control for airlines and airport operations through external contracts.