SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN (WKZO AM/FM) — Four Winds Casinos is furloughing nearly 1,500 employees in response to the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order.
The announcement comes as Michigan casinos and gaming businesses face state mandated closures during the executive order, which has recently been extended to April 30th.
Four Winds operates three casinos in Michigan including buildings in Hartford, Dowagiac, and New Buffalo as well as an additional location in South Bend, Indiana.
Casino management said in an April 13th notification to the state government that 1,489 non-essential employees are being temporarily furloughed during the period as of this Monday.
In the letter Four Winds Casinos said that the furloughed employees would be recalled once a reopening date is determined and that they do not plan to permanently eliminate any positions at this time.
“Due to unforeseen business circumstances and natural disaster precipating this closure, prior notice could not be provided,” the statement said.
Both Gun Lake Casino in Allegan County and FireKeepers Casino Hotel in the Battle Creek area have temporarily shut down as a result of the stay-at-home order.
