Construction work at the Hotel-Casino San Rafael in Punta del Este is set to resume on Monday.
The decision came after Grupo Cipriani and SUNCA reached an agreement covering the return of more than 600 workers affected by the recent stoppage.
The agreement was reached after several days of negotiations between Cipriani and the union. Workers sent to unemployment insurance by Criba have been called to return to the site on Monday, August 24.
The agreement also provides for the return of workers who were already part of the project and wish to continue, including employees of Criba and subcontracted companies. Cipriani and SUNCA also agreed to maintain a dialogue channel to address labor issues and monitor compliance with workplace safety rules and the construction sector's collective agreement.
The agreement with SUNCA does not establish that Criba will remain in charge of the project. Cipriani and the contractor have been negotiating separately over the future of their commercial relationship, with the possibility of continuing together or ending the contract and having another company take over some or all of the work.
The dispute had brought construction to a standstill and affected more than 600 workers.
Criba had progressively sent workers to unemployment insurance before suspending the remaining workforce assigned to the project. The companies had been involved in a commercial dispute over the construction works, while the union had pushed for the workers to be protected regardless of how the dispute was resolved.
The San Rafael project is part of Cipriani's larger Punta del Este development, which includes a hotel, private casino, residences and other facilities. The total investment has previously been estimated at more than $600m, with the first stage estimated at $450m.
Cipriani confirmed earlier this month that the hotel and casino will not open during the 2026-2027 summer season because of accumulated construction delays. The company has set the 2027-2028 season as the new target for opening.
The company said it has invested about $250m in the San Rafael hotel and casino and a further $45m in acquiring and refurbishing the building that houses the Cipriani training academy.
The San Rafael project has been postponed to the 2027-2028 summer season after accumulated construction delays
