Uruguay's state-run casinos reopened on January 5 after a nine-day shutdown, following the resolution of a labor dispute that had halted operations nationwide since December 26.
The strike occurred during the peak summer tourism season in Uruguay, particularly in the coastal resort areas of Punta del Este and in the capital city of Montevideo, amplifying the operational and revenue impact across the state casino network.
The National Association of State Casino Workers (Anfuce) lifted its indefinite strike after reaching an agreement with government authorities. The union suspended it following negotiations with Casino Director Fernando Estévez and Economy Minister Gabriel Oddone on December 31.
The agreement established formal dialogue tables and included guarantees against rollbacks in worker rights and labor conditions, according to union representatives.
Cecilia Alegre, General Secretary of Anfuce, said: "The strike was lifted as a gesture of responsibility and good faith, betting on a dialogue that will improve with Casino Director Fernando Estévez."
The settlement also introduced budget adjustments and commitments related to the State's online gaming operations.
Under the understanding, workers will be incorporated into the emerging online vertical through redeployment and training mechanisms to protect employment, although implementation details remain under negotiation. The union said this aspect will require close monitoring to ensure compliance.
The dispute originated from budget modifications introduced without collective bargaining, which Anfuce described as concealed salary cuts and measures that weakened administrative career structures. Workers had also demanded participation in online gaming operations, framing the digital segment as critical to long-term job stability across the casino network operated under the Ministry of Economy.
During the conflict, the union criticized what it characterized as simulated negotiation instances and questioned Estévez's management approach, citing unilateral decision-making and insufficient dialogue. Anfuce further sought concrete solutions to secure stable working conditions for seasonal casino workers.
With dialogue channels now formalized, the union said it is entering a new phase focused on developing its negotiation platform, securing technical advisory support and monitoring parliamentary treatment of casino-related legislation.
The organization emphasized its commitment to defending employment and labor rights as Uruguay's public casino system navigates budget reforms and the expansion of online gaming.
Last week, workers from Uruguay's state-run casinos staged a protest outside Casino Nogaro in Punta del Este, joined by staff from Punta Shopping and Atlántico Shopping venues. Union representatives said the dispute was triggered by operational and budget changes introduced without prior collective bargaining
