Hyatt closes, 3 more could follow in hotel labor dispute
A spreading wave of hotel strikes threatens to shutter four major properties in Mérida’s tourism district, marking the most significant labor action in Yucatán’s hospitality sector in a decade.
The crisis began Friday when workers at Los Aluxes hotel launched the first strike, which ended after 34 hours when management agreed to a 13.5% wage increase, down from workers’ initial 30% demand. The hotel reopened today, though full services won’t resume until Tuesday.
The Hyatt became the second property affected, evacuating 543 guests and canceling a week of reservations at an estimated cost of 8 million pesos (US$470,000). While a planned strike was postponed for seven days of negotiations, the hotel remains closed to new guests.
Two more properties face imminent labor actions: Holiday Inn, where workers plan to strike Monday, and the Fiesta Americana, where a Tuesday strike could force another closure. The Fiesta Americana is currently housing many of the guests evacuated from the Hyatt.
Marathon negotiations at Yucatán’s Government Palace between union representatives, business leaders, and state officials achieved the breakthrough at Los Aluxes. Juan Jose Martin Pacheco, who owns Los Aluxes and heads the Yucatán Hotel and Motel Association, said the resolution aimed to protect “worker families, guests, and the region’s tourism image.”
The Hyatt has boarded up glass doors and closed its parking facilities while awaiting today’s 10 a.m. negotiations. State police briefly monitored the situation when union members gathered near the property but departed after demonstrators dispersed.
Tourism officials worry that labor unrest could damage Mérida’s growing reputation as a destination for both domestic and international travelers. The successful wage agreement at Los Aluxes may provide a template for resolving the remaining disputes, though union demands at other properties have not been publicly disclosed.
Labor disputes led to the demise of the Montejo Palace and the original Hotel Mérida more than a decade ago.
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