ONEIDA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Oneida Nation is laying off or furloughing more than two-thirds of its workforce amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Oneida leaders announced Friday that 1,962 employees are being either laid off or furloughed, with 827 critical employees remaining.
“We have maintained our valued employees through this pandemic as long as possible; however, with the great loss in revenue due to the casinos closing to the public, we can no longer afford the weekly payroll of $2.4 million,” the Oneida said in a news release.
Critical employees are those in the nursing home, comprehensive health services, emergency management, security/surveillance, childcare/daycare, management information services, public works, police force services, retail locations, and school system. Additionally, federal law requires a certain amount of gaming employees even though casinos are closed to the public.
“Recall of employees in impacted areas will be completed in a manner sustainable to the long-term success of the Nation and the community,” the statement reads.
“The Nation also strongly advocates for individuals to continue doing their part to flatten the curve,” the statement continues. “If we all do our part, the Oneida Nation, the State of Wisconsin, and the United States will be one step closer to opening to the public.”
