Following the closing of all 13 MGM properties along The Strip as a way to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Las Vegas, Governor Steve Sisolak issued an order to shut down all “nonessential” Nevada businesses, including 440 licensed casinos all over the state.
Culinary Local 226 Secretary-Treasurer Geoconda Arguello-Kline said in a Tuesday statement they support Sisolak’s decision but “demands every Nevada employer pay all of their employees (including part-time workers) and extend healthcare benefits.”
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Before Gov. Sisolak’s order, Las Vegas Sands Corp. announced it would close The Venetian, Palazzo and the Sands Expo and Convention Center. The brand said they would not issue furloughs or layoffs and employees will be paid during the closure. Wynn Resorts, which operates two properties in Las Vegas, will continue to pay employees for the next 30 days.
Caesars Entertainment Corp.’s full-time, part-time and regularly scheduled employees affected by the 30-day closure will continue to be paid for two weeks.
Many other casinos and hotels along The Strip stated they will continue to pay employees through the 30-day closure, including Station Casinos, which operates 20 casinos in Southern Nevada; Penn National Gaming, which operates Tropicana Las Vegas, The M Resort and Cactus Petes; and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, which will continue to offer pay and benefits to full-time and eligible employees through March 31.
A statement by Sahara Las Vegas said they will “absorb costs to maintain health benefits for all individuals affected by these changes during this difficult time.”
The order will also affect 1,977 gaming licenses for establishments with 15 slot machines or fewer at convenience stores, supermarkets, restaurants and taverns.
