Churchill Downs has temporarily furloughed staff at its closed venues.
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) announced that it has temporarily furloughed employees at venues that have been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This news comes as all commercial casinos in the US have been closed to help halt the spread of the virus. Last week, CDI announced that its flagship racing event, the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, would be postponed until September.
What does this mean for staff?
CDI made the decision to temporarily furlough staff as a means to limit the impact of the venue closures on team members. Furloughed staff will still benefit from health, dental, vision and life insurance provided by CDI.
All of the remaining salaried staff will receive a salary reduction based on a percentage that will vary between each employee’s salary. The company’s most senior level of executive management will receive the largest salary reductions based on percentage and dollar amount. These reductions will remain in place until the company resumes normal operations.
Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI said: “This is not a decision any company ever wishes to make and it is particularly tough when those affected are deeply respected team members who have helped us build great facilities and strong businesses of which we are all very proud.
“We look forward to welcoming our team members and customers back when we are able to reopen our properties and return to normal operations.”
Venues affected
According to CDI’s statement, staff will be furloughed at the Derby City Gaming Facility in Louisville, Kentucky; Calder Casino in Miami Gardens, Florida; and Fair Grounds Slots and VLT Operations in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Staff at Harlow’s Casino in Greenville and Riverwalk Casino in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin and Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Pennsylvania; Ocean Downs Casino in Berlin, Maryland; Oxford Casino in Maine and Arlington International Racecourse in Illinois will also be affected by this decision.
