Massive Layoffs In Atlantic City Casinos

This week makes it two weeks since Atlantic City’s nine casinos have been on lockdown. The result has seen lots of properties begin massive layoffs of staffs. 

A bulk of the resort’s casinos have given temporary layoff notices to employees. This move will enable more than 15,000 workers to be eligible for unemployment benefits. There is a considerable uncertainty that the gaming industry will take a long time before it comes back to normalcy. 

The nine casinos in Atlantic City have been closed since March 16, following Governor Phil Murphy’s order. The Gov. ordered all casinos to shut down indefinitely over the concerns of the coronavirus. 

“This is truly an unprecedented time not only for Ocean but for everyone,” said Terry Glebocki, CEO of Ocean Casino Resort, in a statement. “We are looking forward to the day when Ocean Casino Resort can reopen and welcome back our team members and guests.”

Several other casinos across the U.S are also expected to layoff staffs in the coming days as the country’s gaming, hospitality and tourism industries come to a stop. 

Currently, the unemployment numbers in the U.S are skyrocketing. The impact of COVID-19 has seen more than 150,000 people file for unemployment in New Jersey. 

Following the Governor’s order,  Atlantic City casinos all offered two weeks’ compensation and health benefit extensions to their employees. 

The Need For Lay Off

Currently, there is no clear indication of when businesses will be allowed to resume. The temporary layoffs were done to enable eligible workers to seek unemployment benefits. 

“Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is committed to our team members during these unprecedented times, ensuring that our communication has been open and direct,” said Joe Lupo, president of Hard Rock Atlantic City. “COVID-19 has and will continue to have a tremendous financial impact on our team and business, resulting in incredibly difficult decisions made now and in the future.”

Hard Rock will cover some workers through most of April, so they don’t have to file for unemployment.

“Team members furloughed and applying for unemployment will be able to take advantage of the new stimulus package until our property reopens,” Lupo said Thursday. “We are looking forward to having our team back on the property for a busy summer.”