Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood Florida extends employee furloughs

A total of 1,527 employees who have been furloughed from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida are subject to an extension due to issues regarding business uncertainties during the Covid-19 pandemic. The large entertainment complex has been forced to add to furlough times as the virus continues to see venues operating at lower capacities as well as less foot traffic.

Everyone is Affected

Seminole Hard Rock filed information with the state under the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, affecting managers of the venue, servers, casino dealers, and bartenders, among other positions. The Hard Rock is hoping that the individuals affected can be rehired once the effects of the pandemic lessen.

Employees who were furloughed were provided two weeks of pay after the initial closure in late March. Operations at the facility began again on June 12 after health precautions were taken. The company decided to help the employees affected by being flexible with available benefits.

Employees could choose to use accrued paid time off as well as receive more paid time off or borrow against further paid time off, and it was forgiven. Health insurance coverage is paid for through the end of September. The Florida employees were also given store gift cards to grocery stores if they made less than $50,000 annually.

Economists have stated that by extending furloughs, it is a good sign as it means the companies are not eliminating the jobs altogether. However, in the notice posted by the Hollywood casino stated that if employees are not called back to the venue by December 31, then the layoff is permanent.