Friar meatpacking plant announces layoffs and voluntary retirements in Santa Fe

The Friar meatpacking plant in Reconquista, Santa Fe, has initiated a voluntary retirement plan and proceeded with the dismissal of 30 administrative workers. This move has caused significant alarm in the local community, as the company is a primary driver of formal employment in the area.

The company has been facing operational difficulties for approximately three and a half years. During this time, a reduced working hour regime was implemented, which eliminated production and export bonuses. Consequently, workers' monthly incomes have dropped by nearly 50%.

Production capacity has also declined significantly; the plant currently processes approximately 500 animals per day, down from an installed capacity of 850. The Federation of Meat Workers and Affiliates (Fesitcara) has noted that recent wage increases have been insufficient to offset these losses, and the union's health insurance provider has warned that declining contributions are threatening medical coverage for families.