MILWAUKEE -- Some 1,600 Potawatomi Hotel & Casino employees have been permanently laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic. The CEO and General Manager of Potawatomi said the decision was not made lightly -- and it is one that hurts.
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
The Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is Wisconsin's most visited destination. Now, more than half of its staff has been told their furlough is permanent.
CEO and General Manager Rodney Ferguson said the COVID-19 pandemic forced the business to scale down operations.
Visitors on Friday, July 17 said everyone is adapting.
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
"I think the laying off of over 1,000 people permanently is awful. But I mean, what can we do? But we have to make adjustments in today's society with what's going on with the pandemic," said one visitor.
FOX6 News also spoke with a now-former employee who wishes not to be identified. He said he was on furlough -- and found out about his layoff on Friday. He said he has worked at the casino for more than a decade -- and he did not see this coming. The former employee said this is "a sad day."
Statement from Rodney Ferguson, CEO and General Manager of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Statement of Milwaukee Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa