New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has turned his back on the casino industry in no uncertain terms. The Empire State lags the entire nation in casino reopenings and Cuomo shows no inclination to soften his hard line. As for the real victims of this scenario, the labor force, they can do little but hold protests. These aren’t unruly ‘liberate’ mobs but well-organized, polite protesters who wear PPE masks and have filed Covid-19 safety plans with the state. But the stony Cuomo remained unmoved, saying, “Casinos are nonessential. People need food, people need clothes, people need home goods. You don’t need a casino to maintain survival.” And if you work at one, tough luck, bub.
Remarks like those reek of moral disdain for the industry, which Cuomo continues to deny an equal competitive footing by blocking mobile sports betting. Unfortunately for the casino workers, their rallies are only attracting small turnouts, not turning into a grassroots movement. Said pit boss Valerie McIntyre, “We’re not doing this with any input from the casinos or the unions. This is the workers screaming to Governor Cuomo, ‘Help us.’” Alas, it’s a scream that’s falling on deaf ears. As McIntyre said, there was “Not one word back from [Sens.] Chuck Schumer or [Kirsten] Gillibrand, or Cuomo. We have all gotten back the same thing, ‘We are in receipt of your letter . . .’ I have pled this case over and over to the three of them, and not one word.” Given that the Empire State’s education budget is fueled by casino dollars, you’d think policymakers would pay more attention. Think again.
I think your announcement of the Rio reopening on Sept 10th is incorrect. I have spoken with employees there who are still furloughed and know nothing about the reopening.