(WWJ) More than 600 workers at Detroit's Greektown Casino-Hotel will soon be out of a job, due to the coronavirus shutdown.
In a letter to the state, Greektown says 621 of its employees will be permanently laid off, with layoffs to begin on September 21, 2020.
Unsurprisingly, the company is blaming the pandemic.
"These layoffs at Greektown Casino-Hotel are the unfortunate result of COVID-19 related business circumstances that were sudden, dramatic and beyond our control," the WARN notice from Greektown states. "The impact on our business was not reasonably foreseeable until now."
Some cuts to casino staffing were expected, with a strict 15% capacity limit, poker rooms closed and other restrictions in place when casinos are permitted to re-open. The Michigan Gaming Control Board on Tuesday approved new protocols which also call for MGM Grand, Greektown and MotorCity casinos to check gamblers' temperatures upon entry for signs of a fever that could be caused by COVID-19.
Detroit's budget has taken a major hit with the three casinos closed on March 16, under the governor's orders.
Pre-pandemic, the trio of companies employed more than 7,000 people and contributed $184.2 million in taxes and fees to the city.
As for when casinos will reopen, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said yesterday that she hopes to make that move before July 4.