Maya Train Workers Report Abuse and Misused Luxury Cars

Mérida, Yucatán — Employees of the Maya Train project have reported labor abuses by military personnel overseeing the rail construction, as well as the alleged misuse of premier-class train cars for transporting tools and equipment instead of passengers. The complaints add to ongoing concerns about working conditions and mismanagement in the flagship infrastructure project led by the Mexican government.

Mandatory Flag Ceremonies and Labor Grievances

At least 415 administrative workers are required daily to participate in a Mexican flag ceremony at the central courtyard of the Maya Train corporate offices in Mérida. Conducted at 8:00 a.m., when temperatures reach 27°C (81°F), the workers—dressed in white shirts and khaki pants—are lined up in formation under the supervision of approximately 25 military personnel. The ceremony is overseen by General Óscar David Lozano Águila, the director of the project.

Anonymous workers, fearing retaliation, have accused military supervisors of workplace harassment, mistreatment, low wages, and abuse of power. They claim that internal complaints are ignored by the company’s oversight body. Additionally, workers allege that many coordinators, managers, and directors lack formal training in construction, despite holding key positions in the project.

Previous Labor Violations and Poor Working Conditions

These latest allegations follow earlier complaints from construction workers in December 2023 and August 2024 regarding labor law violations in sections 6 and 7 of the project, which are managed by the military. Workers reported unsanitary restrooms and living quarters, wages and benefits below promised levels, and workdays exceeding 10 hours.

Misuse of Premier-Class Train Cars

Separately, workers and passengers have raised concerns over the alleged misuse of premier-class train cars, which are reportedly being used to transport construction materials—such as wheelbarrows, shovels, pickaxes, hoses, and scaffolding—instead of passengers. This practice has drawn criticism from users who argue that it undermines the service’s intended purpose and could contribute to the project’s financial inefficiencies.

Key Allegations:

• Improper Use of Passenger Cars: Premier-class cars, designed for travelers, are allegedly being repurposed to haul cargo.
• Impact on Service Quality: The diversion of these cars has reportedly led to passenger dissatisfaction due to reduced availability.
• Financial Concerns: Critics argue that the misuse of resources may be contributing to the project’s lack of profitability.
• Maintenance Funds Diverted: Workers claim that maintenance budgets are being misappropriated by zone managers, leading to deteriorating facilities, including neglected gardens at the Chetumal station.

Authorities’ Response

No official statement has been issued by Maya Train authorities regarding these allegations. Calls for an investigation into the reported misuse of resources and labor conditions have yet to be addressed.

Project Background

The Maya Train is a major railway initiative aimed at connecting key cities and tourist destinations across the Yucatán Peninsula to boost regional economic and tourism development. However, the project has faced criticism over environmental concerns, financial viability, and labor disputes since its inception.

The project is divided into three operational zones—North, South, and East—each managed by administrators accused of workplace harassment and fund mismanagement.