Tulum: taxi drivers block and create chaos affecting hundreds of tourists

Taxi drivers from the Tulum Caribbean Sharks union were the protagonists of a new day of chaos in the region. On September 4, dozens of operators and concessionaire partners gathered at the main entrance to the archaeological zone of Tulum, demanding the release of their general secretary, Eliazar Sagrero Ordóñez, arrested for alleged murder of four possible victims and alleged attempted murder of another.

The protest, which included the suspension of taxi, van and public transport services, seriously affected the mobility of hundreds of local users and tourists. With banners, the protesters sought the release of their leader, who was arrested on August 29. Later, they went in a caravan along federal highway 307, to be more visible, despite affecting the mobility of hundreds of vehicles that circulate on this important artery.

Speaking generally about Quintana Roo, the dispute between taxi drivers and platforms like Uber has intensified tension in the region, highlighting the resistance of unions to adapt to competition and formal regulation by the authorities. Meanwhile, the taxi drivers of Tulum, on this occasion, insist on the release of Sagrero Ordóñez, who is also an elected councilor in the new Tulum City Council and leader of the United Front of Drivers (FUTV).

However, the authorities are continuing their investigation, in a decision that is solely within the scope of the law and not due to pressure from groups seeking to remain outside the law. Meanwhile, uncertainty and disorder continue to affect the region.

As reported by REPORTUR.mxvarious groups of taxi drivers and tourist transporters from Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum have blocked the main access roads to the Cancun International Airport last weekend, in protest against the operation of Uber and other digital platforms. (Cancun: road to the airport cut off by protests against Uber).