Employees at some Michigan casinos continue to receive full wages since closing on March 16 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Others have been temporarily furloughed.
In Northern Michigan, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians tribal government recently approved extending full wages to employees at its three Grand Traverse Resort & Casino properties through April 29. Those properties are: Grand Traverse Resort & Casinos operates Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel and Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge.
Grand Traverse Resorts & Casinos Chief Executive Officer Michael Schrader said, “Unemployment policies related to the ongoing battle with Covid-19 continue to remain unresolved for many Michiganders. We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone, and the health, safety and well-being of our team members has always been our top priority. We want our employees to know that we value their dedication and loyalty, and we hope this action helps to ease their burden during a time of such uncertainty.”
One hundred rooms at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa remain open with minimal staff and the Eagletown market also is open for the community. However, Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel, Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge, Turtle Creek Market, Spa Grand Traverse, the Health Club and food and beverage outlets are closed until further notice.
In Southwest Michigan, 1,489 employees at Four Winds Casinos’ four locations were placed on a temporary furlough on April 6. The Pokagon Gaming Authority closed its Michigan properties in New Buffalo, Dowagiac and Hartford as well as South Bend, Indiana on March 17 for two weeks “for the safety and well-being of the employees. This is temporary, although the date when the casino may resume operations is unknown, all employees will be recalled once a date is determined,” tribal officials said in a statement.
Employees were paid during the initial 2-week shutdown. Now tribal officials said the closure would continue indefinitely and they would review options regarding assisting employees, although they emphasized “there is no intention that positions will be eliminated.”
