Tulum Municipality Implements Financial Restructuring, Leading to Layoffs and Council Debate

Tulum, Mexico — The Tulum municipality has implemented a financial restructuring plan that has led to layoffs and sparked debate among council members over transparency and worker treatment.

Since last year, the municipality has conducted a workforce review aimed at reducing public spending and correcting what officials describe as excessive payroll growth. In 2025, this process resulted in the dismissal of approximately 100 municipal employees following an internal analysis led by administrative departments.

Authorities stated the review focused on evaluating staff performance, departmental functionality, and the alignment between positions, duties, and outcomes. They identified numerous inconsistencies, including employees who did not report to work regularly, cases of prolonged unexplained absence, and workers on the payroll who lacked clear operational roles.

As part of the restructuring, the municipality applied administrative evaluation mechanisms to determine staff retention, aiming to streamline public expenditure, particularly salary payments. Officials justified the measure as a preventive action to avoid financial pressures at the end of the fiscal year and ensure basic operations.

During a recent council session, members raised concerns that some workers only learned of their dismissal when attempting to collect their paychecks, without prior notification from the Human Resources Department. Councilors agreed that while adjusting the payroll may be necessary, dignified and humane treatment of municipal employees must prevail.

They requested that layoffs be communicated promptly, clearly, and directly to avoid surprising workers and affecting their economic stability and personal integrity. The council emphasized that financial efficiency should not come at the expense of labor rights.

The municipal government has not specified how many additional workers have been laid off so far in 2026 as part of this financial restructuring, nor whether the review process will continue in other municipal areas. No timeline or specific staff reduction target has been announced.

The restructuring remains in effect and continues to generate significant attention within the council, as a measure that, while intended to improve public finances, directly impacts dozens of families dependent on municipal employment.