Cargo truck drivers in San José del Cabo suspended a threatened road blockade on March 18 after government officials and a construction contractor agreed to negotiate roughly 10 million pesos ($555,000 USD) in unpaid wages. The workers, represented by the CATEM union (Confederation of Workers and Employees of Mexico) in Baja California Sur, had planned to block the Fonatur roundabout, one of the most congested intersections in Los Cabos.
Overpass Project at Center of Dispute
The wage dispute involves contractor PLACOSA, which hired cargo transport workers for the Glorieta de las Mujeres Libres overpass project. That overpass is being built to replace the old Fonatur roundabout, a chokepoint connecting downtown San José del Cabo with the tourist corridor, the hotel zone, and the airport highway. As of late February, the overpass was reported to be 72% complete with a target opening by late April.
Workers say PLACOSA owes them roughly 10 million pesos in transport fees accumulated during construction. Before the suspension, CATEM announced plans to shut down roads near the roundabout on the morning of March 18. Los Cabos municipal police had not issued a formal contingency plan, and heavy traffic was expected.
Two Meetings Scheduled
The blockade was called off after authorities brokered an agreement to open formal talks. A virtual meeting was scheduled for March 19 at noon, bringing together PLACOSA representatives, federal transport authorities, and municipal and state officials. An in-person session on March 23 aims to finalize a payment mechanism and set a timeline for the workers to receive their money.
The drivers said they will maintain a peaceful protest and work stoppage at the site until a signed agreement is in place. Because the workers operate the trucks hauling materials for the overpass, the stoppage could slow construction progress on a project already under pressure to finish before peak spring travel season.
The Fonatur roundabout has long been the worst bottleneck in Los Cabos, routinely adding 20 to 30 minutes to airport transfers during rush hour. Lane shifts and detours around the construction zone remain in effect, and travelers heading to or from San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD) should allow extra time. The next key date is the March 23 in-person meeting, which will determine whether construction resumes on schedule, as reported by BCS Noticias.