SCHENECTADY — Starting next week, Rivers Casino is furloughing most of its employees and will initiate substantial salary cuts for those who remain.
The casino, which opened in 2017, shut down operations on March 16, ahead of the state’s order to close all non-essential businesses, “in the best interest of team members, guests and the community,” said spokesman Al Roney in a statement.
Since closing up shop, Rivers had continued to pay its employees. Right now, the furloughs are expected to last through June 30, during which time Rivers will pick up 100 percent of the employees’ health benefits.
“This was an extremely difficult decision and one we desperately hoped to avoid,” said Greg Carlin, CEO of Rivers Casino.
Rivers Casino, on Erie Boulevard, will reopen when the state determines it’s safe to do so. All commercial casinos in the U.S. are currently closed.
