Summary
- A vaccine mandate was announced in late November for casino employees.
- Employees had until January 4 to comply with the mandate.
- Former employees say the mandate is unfair as they were dutiful workers or want an exemption due to religious reasons.
Former employees of the Northstar Mohican Casino and Resort in Wisconsin are speaking out against the venue. The group says they were fired due to refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccination. In late November, the casino’s owner sent out letters dictating the vaccine mandate. The Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians gave employees until January 4 to comply with the decision.
The mandate was difficult for several employees due to religious beliefs or just not wanting to take the vaccination. One employee, Lisa Miller, wanted to use a religious exemption and provided documentation for her request.
Miller was employed at the casino for almost three decades and her exemption was approved. Despite this, accommodation was denied. Miller was voluntarily separated from her position. Miller stated that she received exceptional evaluations each year, never called in or arrived late. She felt that the lack of care for her was disturbing.
The employee letter was signed by tribal President Shannon Holsey, and it says that accommodation may not be provided even if exemptions are approved. The letter states that matters of public health cause difficult choices to create a greater good for the local community.
Several employees have yet to take the vaccination and are wondering what will happen next. It is expected that they will be let go from the company for not taking the vaccination. The company has not responded to any questions or comments from the media at this time.
Las Vegas Companies Require Vaccination
The Wisconsin may be the first in the state to require this mandate, but it is nothing new in major gambling areas like Las Vegas. Months ago, major operators in Sin City decided that it was time to require employees to be vaccinated or have weekly testing that they pay for. The decision was made to keep the virus at bay for as long as possible.
MGM Resorts International was the first, requiring new hires and salaried employees to take the vaccination. Westgate followed suit along with Resorts World Las Vegas. These companies wanted to avoid any major outbreaks within the employee pool which could lead to operation complications or even shutdowns.
We may see this become a trend among casino employees across the US as the omicron and delta variants are spreading like wildfire. Only time will tell if more mandates will be put in place as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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