Las Vegas Union Tells Workers Jobs Will Be There When Casinos Reopen, Non-Union Employees in Limbo
Posted on: March 26, 2020, 12:45h.
Last updated on: March 26, 2020, 01:23h.
The Las Vegas union that represents 60,000 workers employed by Nevada casinos said its members will have jobs once the statewide shutdown ends and resorts resume operations.
Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, the US Department of Labor said Thursday. That’s almost five times the previous record set in 1982.
In Las Vegas, Culinary Workers Union Local 226, which represents workers in Las Vegas and Reno, said nearly all of its members are presently laid off. But when the hysteria surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic subsides and business and life gets back to some sort of normalcy, the union said its members will retain their jobs.
Culinary communications director Bethany Khan told Casino.org that the union issued a release to members saying, “Your job is protected: Your contract has language which includes recall by seniority. You will be able to go back to work when casinos reopen and business improves.”
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) ordered a 30-day closure of all non-essential businesses on March 17. That shutdown applies to casinos, hotels, and in-restaurant dining.
Non-Union Workers
When casinos do get back up and running, some workers might be out a job. Casino.org was notified this week that certain casinos are considering forcing former employees who were laid off or furloughed to reapply for their positions once the closure mandate is lifted.
The Venetian and Palazzo, both owned by Las Vegas Sands billionaire Sheldon Adelson, are the two most notable Strip casinos that are not unionized. Last week, the company announced that it would continue paying each of its 9,300 employees during the month-long suspension.
“All full-time and full-time flex and hourly Team Members will be paid a minimum of 32 hours a week, whether working on the schedule, working from home, or are just not scheduled and confined to home,” Sands said in a statement.
On-call hourly team members will be compensated based on their average hours worked in February 2020, up to a maximum of 32 hours a week. “The Venetian/Palazzo is and always has been a great place to work! Thank you Mr. Adelson!” said employee Tom Burgard.
Uncertain Times
Depending on the time it takes to return the gaming industry to full health following the pandemic, casinos are expected to reduce their workforces.
There is nothing easy about telling loyal employees that their lives are being upended because of a global event that is out of our control,” MGM Resorts Acting CEO Bill Hornbuckle told workers Thursday. “The hardships, I am afraid, will be real for many of you for some time.”
MGM has donated $1 million to its emergency employee fund, and musician Bruno Mars – who has a residency at MGM’s Park Theater – gave an additional $1 million. The estate of late MGM founder Kirk Kerkorian contributed $2 million, and Hornbuckle gave $100,000.
The executive added, “The most impactful thing we can do is be ready to bring people back to work. We are currently making tough decisions, but believe these will be in the best interest of your company long term.”
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Last Comments ( 5 )
Regretfully the casinos will be one of the last businesses to go back to work. Just imagine all of the patrons sitting side by side possibly spreading more germs. No social distancing there. I have been gaming for 49 years and am currently an employee of a large casino in Indiana so I do know what I'm talking about. I hope good common sense prevails going forward. I wish all the best to my fellow casino employees across the land and may God Bless us all.
In my opinion closing of jobs like casinos and other are more dangerous then coronavirus Because of closure many people will have depression anxiety suisides d etc Open the jobs let people have their regular life Coronavirus is nothing then flue itself With closure you make America worst Waitingvirus go away itself no do something if can’t open the jobs let make America big again
I was scheduled for first week in April. I wasn't going to visit the casinos on this trip. It was to explore Mt. Potosi at least 2 days. But I also would have visited the Pinball hall of fame and other places like Neon museum and of course Gold and Silver Pawn. I moved all my reservations to September. This will be my my 23rd year in a row to visit Vegas. When I first visited, there was so much more they did for free like the laser show at Luxor, Merlin's battle at Excalibur, the fire boat at NYNY, the lions at MGM, the pirate battle at TI, to name a few.
I hope so...I too booked a trip at the end of May.. 20-27
I planned a Vegas trip at the end of May. Do you think it'll be up and running regularly by then?