Van Drivers Threaten Strike on Tulum-Playa del Carmen Route Over Union Dispute

Tulum, Quintana Roo — A possible strike on the Tulum-Playa del Carmen van route has raised alarms among operators and passengers after members of the UNTRAC Section II union denounced alleged broken agreements and unilateral decisions affecting one of the unions providing service on this Riviera Maya corridor.

Moisés Paul Quijano, secretary general of UNTRAC Section II, warned that the conflict could escalate if authorities do not intervene in time to mediate between the transport organizations involved.

According to Quijano, the problem arose after recent changes in the route’s operating dynamics, despite previously signed agreements meant to ensure equitable participation among the three unions working the Tulum-Playa del Carmen route.

Quijano explained that after various efforts in previous years by transport groups and municipal and state authorities, a joint work scheme was established to avoid confrontations and maintain balance in service provision. However, he said those conditions are no longer being respected.

“The problem can grow if it is not addressed. We are trying to resolve it diplomatically to avoid affecting both society and the government, but there is a possibility of a total van strike on this route,” he said.

The transport leader said one of the main grievances stems from unequal passenger capacity assigned to vehicles. According to him, while some groups continue operating with up to 15 passengers per trip, UNTRAC vans are only allowed to depart with 10 users.

He said this measure was not agreed upon among the unions and represents direct economic losses for operators, especially during a season when tourist traffic remains low compared to previous years.

“Leaving with fewer passengers practically means working just to cover fuel. Costs keep rising and the profit is left behind,” he said.

Quijano indicated that similar measures are being considered in Tulum as a response, although he acknowledged this could further aggravate tensions between groups and affect service for hundreds of daily users who rely on this route to travel between the two municipalities.

He also noted concern among drivers due to the uncertainty currently facing the sector, and called on state and municipal authorities to intervene before the conflict leads to a service suspension.

The leader insisted they seek to avoid confrontations and return to the operating scheme that previously maintained stability among the transport groups operating on one of the most important and heavily traveled highway corridors in Quintana Roo.