NY casino workers rally against closures

Workers from New York’s five casinos are pushing for the state to release guidance so that properties can reopen.

US.- New York casino workers held rallies at casinos as they grow tired of closures due to the pandemic.

Workers from New York’s five casinos called for the state to release guidance so that properties can reopen.

One of the casinos affected is Del Lago Casino, in Seneca County. Employees gathered outside the casino to call on Governor Andrew Cuomo to allow the venue to reopen.

The property has been closed for 164 days, causing hardship for staff.

One worker, Sherry Hendershot, said: “It’s very difficult not working, with no income coming in. I signed up for unemployment five months ago and haven’t received my first check yet.”

A lack of guidance from the state is preventing the properties from opening, while sovereign casinos are able to do so. Properties in other states in the US have reopened with strict sanitary measures in place.

One government official, Representative Tom Reed, stood in solidarity with the workers.

He said: “We stand with you. We stand with our local officials. We stand with our state officials. We’re demanding they let you back to control your future lives by getting back to work now.”

At present, authorities have no announced no estimated timeframe for allowing the casinos to reopen.