New York State is on the verge of an organized protest taking matters to the streets, as the individuals seek a chance to get back to their places of work. August 20 is projected to see the rally commence at 11 a.m. right in front of the New York State Capitol in Albany. Individuals directly affected by the lockdown are invited to join it.
The state has had its brick-and-mortar casino locations closed ever since mid-March and for months, the people working there day in, day out have remained home anticipating their official return. More than five months later, such a reopening has not come and Gov. Andrew Cuomo does not consider it necessary for the time being.
August 20
In a recent statement, Governor Andrew Cuomo pointed out that casino venues are not considered an essential business and they will have to remain closed for the time being. A reopening date has not been pinpointed. This statement outraged the casino staff members that have been laid off for months now. The benefits they get paid are unreliable.
At the moment, the individuals preparing to go out and rally do not receive any benefit payments, as the last days of July saw the end of the negotiated agreement. For the time being, this agreement has not been extended by the labor unions seeking to protect their unionized casino staff members. Up until that point, they bagged some US$600 per each week of being furloughed. The situation is up in the air, which is the reason why a protest is in the works.
It is organized by Greg Mallette, Cage Operations Manager and Assistant Hotel Manager for Vernon Downs; Valerie McIntyre, Table Games Supervisor at del Lago Resort & Casino in Seneca County; and Robin Torr, Hotel Front Desk Manager at Tioga Downs Casino Resort. All casino employees of New York State are invited to join the rally.
More Details
About 5,200 individuals are directly affected by the casino venues and racinos closure back in March and they consider themselves ready to return to their workplaces and take into account all safety protocols. There is a Facebook group with 862 members and counting, seeking more information and better organization for furloughed casino employees. The group was organized by the three rally organizers.
All participants in the rally will have to wear face masks in order to protect themselves and the people around them. Keeping their distance is also recommended while the rally is in progress. For anyone who needs it, hand sanitizer is also going to be available and people are encouraged to use it frequently. It could be recalled that August 14 saw new additions to the businesses allowed to reopen.
Bowling alleys received a green light to welcome back individuals ready for some fun. In the meantime, gyms were also allowed to relaunch operation with their respective safety protocols. However, casinos remained closed. Employees want the government to issue a timeline and a projected date when casinos will get the chance to reopen.
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Author: Yolina
Yolina has followed closely the latest development on the Canadian gaming scene over the past years, monitoring the land-based, lottery, and online offerings up for grabs. The dynamic nature of the local lottery and casino fields, as well as the opportunities lying ahead of Canada fire her enthusiasm for what is to come. A sports betting enthusiast, in her spare time Yolina could be found in her natural habitat – turning the pages of biographies and catching up on the latest stand-up comedy podcasts.