In a previous publication, it was wrongly reported that the Paysandú Refrigerator was the establishment that suspended its operations. This was a drafting error and confusion in identifying the plant. The refrigerator that has actually announced the suspension of the work is the Casa Blanca Refrigerator (Fricasa), located in the department of Paysandú. We regret the imprecision and proceed to clarify and detail the correct information based on the facts reported. Casa Blanca Refrigerator suspends work: 220 workers will be insured against strike The Casa Blanca Refrigerator (Fricasa), one of the key industrial establishments in Paysandú, has announced the temporary suspension of its work activity. The measure directly affects 220 workers currently working at the plant, who will switch to a special unemployment insurance scheme. As reported by the workers' union and confirmed by the company's board of directors, the stoppage is mainly due to the sharp increase in the price of live cattle, which has generated significant losses for each animal slaughtered. Reports indicate that the plant loses between US$ 150 and US$ 350 per head, making it impossible to continue operations under current market conditions. This situation is framed in a context of record meat prices, but with raw material costs that exceed business profitability. The president of the union, Nelson Medina, explained that special unemployment insurance will be implemented to guarantee employee coverage, since some would not reach the minimum wage required to access the standard benefit. The measure impacts not only the families of direct workers, but the entire local economy of Paysandú, where the refrigeration industry is a fundamental pillar. The company plans to maintain the suspension for an initial period of three to four weeks, approximately one month, with a possible extension. The return to activity will be evaluated after Tourism Week (Holy Week), depending on the evolution of livestock prices and market conditions. If there are improvements, an attempt will be made to resume the work as soon as possible. It should be noted that this is not the only impact on the sector in Paysandú: with this measure, 220 more workers are added to the 180 who were already under unemployment insurance in other refrigeration establishments in the area, totaling around 400 people under this regime in the department. In addition, Fricasa has been at the center of public attention in recent times for a million-dollar debt with Conexión Ganadera, a company founded by Pablo Carrasco and Gustavo Basso (the latter it had also provided direct loans to the refrigerator). Although this financial situation is not directly linked to the current suspension, it adds complexity to the plant landscape. The Uruguayan refrigeration industry is facing a challenging time, with tight margins and volatility in international and local prices. This case at Casa Blanca reflects the difficulties that many establishments experience in maintaining sustainable operations
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