The objective of this study was to estimate the basic employment and its multiplier effect on total employment in the of the Cidade Gaúcha municipality, emphasizing the contribution of Usaciga plant. According to the results, 1,739 people make up the basic employment of the municipality, while 1,176 people are part of the non-basic employment. The Usaciga is responsible for 39.7% of the basic employment of Cidade Gaúcha. The dynamics of population growth of Cidade Gaúcha has changed from the 1980, when the Usaciga started its activities. There was also positive evolution in terms of Human Development Index (HDI) in this municipality.