US Gambling Employees Demand Security Guarantees

Despite the fact that the pandemic is still in full swing in the United States, as the country is among the leaders in the number of cases and deaths from COVID-19, land-based casino operators are starting to think about opening their establishments. Some of them have already reached out to their employees who worked in the clubs before they were closed for quarantine. However, most workers require certain guarantees and conditions that will protect them from the negative consequences of their return. In short, the list of approximate requirements is presented as follows:

availability of personal protective equipment for each employee in gambling establishments;
tracking all possible contacts of suspected virus carriers among visitors and employees;
free COVID-19 testing before reopening;
refusal to impose sanctions when an employee refuses to perform his duties in cases that he considers unsafe for his health;
regular disinfection of work surfaces;
a number of events that will allow social distancing to be observed.

A similar list of demands is presented to casino owners by almost all gambling industry workers' unions. Minor differences do not change the essence of what is happening: employees of gambling establishments strive to protect themselves from infection as much as possible.

Perhaps the workers' demands are somewhat premature, as a number of large operators understand that resuming operations is not yet possible. For example, in the address of the MGM CEO to his employees, there is confidence that the company's casinos will not be operating anytime soon. In particular, Mr. Bill Hornbuckle stated that if earlier the management was confident that the situation would normalize by summer and the establishments would gradually open, today there is no certainty that all employees will be able to return to their duties by the end of the year. At the same time, the company has the opportunity to extend the validity of employees' insurance policies until August 31. Previously, the insurance was valid until June 30.