Tren Maya Union Leader Accused of Corruption in Yucatán

Mérida, Yucatán — José Manuel Peniche Marenco, a Morena councilor in Mérida and secretary general of the Autonomous Confederation of Workers and Employees of Mexico in Yucatán (Catem), faces accusations of soliciting illicit payments—known as moches—from workers involved in the federal government’s Tren Maya project.

Accusations of Extortion in Teya-Progreso Route

William Ancona Chuc, leader of the Transport Union of Construction Materials under the FTY-CTM, alleges that Peniche Marenco attempted to profit from the infrastructure project. According to Ancona Chuc, Peniche Marenco summoned him two weeks ago to Catem’s offices to discuss the Tren Maya’s Teya-Progreso segment.

During the meeting, Peniche Marenco reportedly claimed his organization held the contract for the work—though he provided no documentation—and proposed a partnership contingent on a 4% commission of earnings or a flat fee of 5,000 pesos per truck monthly.

With the CTM operating 200 trucks, the arrangement would yield 1 million pesos monthly. Over the estimated 48-month project duration, Peniche Marenco could allegedly pocket 48 million pesos—funds that would not reach union coffers.

Denials and Counterclaims

Peniche Marenco denied demanding payments from the CTM, stating the fee was intended only for Catem-affiliated unions to cover administrative and oversight costs. "They’re ungrateful—we offered them work," he said.

Ancona Chuc dismissed the rebuttal as false, asserting the proposal was made and rejected. He revealed that Catem previously acted as an intermediary during early Tren Maya phases but failed to pay at least 10 workers. The CTM later bypassed Catem, negotiating directly with construction firms after discovering discrepancies in payment transparency.

Broader Concerns Over Labor Practices

The allegations add to existing scrutiny of Catem, which has faced corruption claims over opaque union fee management and reports of exploitative working conditions, including 12-hour shifts.

Ancona Chuc emphasized the Tren Maya’s potential to provide direct, corruption-free employment for Yucatán’s transport workers. He called for state and federal intervention to ensure fair treatment and wages, stating, "We cannot allow the exploitation of Yucatán’s workers."

The project has spurred local economic activity, but labor advocates stress the need for accountability to safeguard workers’ rights.