Station Casinos has falsely said numerous times that there are 10,000 union members who are out of work because of the economy. The company is spreading misinformation not only to its workers, but to the Las Vegas media and the larger community. Yes, our membership has been affected by layoffs, but the number is roughly half the number Station’s has reported and many who are on layoff status are actually working reduced hours, which can be anywhere from a couple days a month to several days a week.
Station Casinos is not only providing false information, it is failing to point out that there is a world of difference for a worker who is laid off at a union property compared to a worker laid-off from Station Casinos.
When a worker is laid off from Station Casinos they are essentially fired and have no right whatsoever to get their job back. Their benefits may run out at the end of the month. Also, it is completely up to management who is laid off, which means a worker with 20 years of seniority could be laid off before a worker with six months of seniority in the company.
When a worker is laid off from a union property, they are laid off in order of seniority. In addition, as business picks up, the company must recall laid-off workers in order of seniority before they can hire someone off the street. In other words, workers with the least amount of time with the company are laid off first and those with the most are brought back first. Laid-off workers from union properties have these rights for up to two years following a layoff.
Laid-off union workers also keep their health benefits for four months. After that, if they are not working at all or are on reduced hours, they can either self-pay to maintain their benefits or sign up for the union’s Life Saver plan, a low-cost, limited basic health plan that costs $75 a month.
Layoffs at Station Casinos vs. Union Casinos
|
Station Casinos |
Union Casinos |
Layoffs by Seniority |
No |
Yes |
Recall by Seniority |
No |
Yes |
Recall Rights – the right to return to your job before someone is hired off the street |
No |
Up to Two Years |
Health Insurance |
Until the end of the month or up to two months at the discretion of management |
Continues for four months and ability to self-pay to continue coverage or pay $75 a month for a limited, basic plan |