Enjoy Punta del Este Workers Announce Surprise Strikes
Uruguay.- 1 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The workers’ union at Enjoy Punta del Este has formally declared a pre-conflict situation and begun industrial action following a lack of progress in collective negotiations.
The action plan includes surprise strikes that could cause temporary disruption to the resort and casino over the coming days.
Lack of Dialogue
Casino Enjoy union representative Juan Arteaga said the central issue is the absence of an effective negotiating process with the new management.
Workers are seeking answers regarding pay, operating conditions and job stability.
Surprise Strikes
The workers’ assembly has approved stoppages without advance notice.
The aim is to increase visibility around the dispute and pressure management to resume negotiations.
The action could temporarily affect both casino and hotel operations.
Around 250 Casual Workers Released
The union has also criticised the removal of approximately 250 casual workers.
According to employee representatives, many of those workers had previously worked regularly throughout much of the year.
The union argues that the change has significantly altered the previous staffing structure.
Concerns Over Multi-Skilling
Workers have also raised concerns about increased multi-skilling.
The union claims employees from certain departments have been reassigned to other duties to cover positions previously performed by casual workers.
It says the approach is creating uncertainty around working conditions and the allocation of hours.
Workers on Unemployment Insurance
Another point of concern involves employees currently covered by unemployment insurance arrangements.
The union is seeking guarantees over their future employment, particularly as construction work at the property is expected to continue throughout next year.
Uncertainty over potential reinstatement forms a central part of the dispute.
Change of Ownership
The dispute comes only weeks after a change in ownership.
In August 2026, JHSF Península completed its acquisition of 100% of Baluma S.A., owner of Enjoy Punta del Este Casino & Resort.
The union links part of the deterioration in labour relations to the new management period.
Statements
Arteaga said the refusal to establish meaningful negotiations is the main cause of the conflict.
He added that workers remain willing to engage in dialogue but believe they have not yet received sufficient responses to resolve the dispute.
No Official Response
Enjoy Punta del Este management has not yet issued an official statement responding to the union’s allegations or the announced industrial action.
Claims regarding job cuts, working practices and negotiations therefore currently reflect the position presented by employee representatives.
Industry Context
Enjoy Punta del Este is one of Uruguay’s most significant hotel and casino complexes.
Its ownership transition and planned construction works form part of a new phase for the property, which must now also manage growing labour tensions.
Next Steps or Impact
The union intends to continue its action plan unless an effective negotiation process is reopened.
Surprise stoppages could cause temporary disruption to casino and resort services.
The direction of the dispute will depend on management’s response and whether the parties can reach agreements covering pay, employment stability and working conditions.
Editó: @fonta
