Deadline for tribe buyout Friday
Full-time employees of the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort have until Friday to accept two weeks pay for each year worked, part of a buyout offer that tribal leaders are using to reduce the casino payroll.
The Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council would not disclose details of the offer other than a press release on Oct. 22, saying it was voluntary and would be "altered" if the buyout "does not meet the required reduction in workforce."
According to casino employees, full-time associates are being offered two weeks pay for each year worked, and the monetary value of two weeks worth of health insurance for each year worked.
The casino, at 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd., employs roughly 4,000 full- and part-time employees and is the area's second largest employer, behind Central Michigan University.
Employees have until noon Friday to make a decision. The release stated an "involuntary reduction" in workers and a "restructuring of departments" are possibilities.
Tribal Public Relations Director Joe Sowmick would not release any information Monday or Tuesday. Greg Falsetta, human resources director for the casino, did not return several calls for comment.
"I'm not at liberty to discuss that without tribal council clearance," Sowmick said about the specific areas of reduction. According to employee speculation, the gaming floor, housekeeping and management staffs could be up for reduction first.
It is not clear whether the part-time workforce will be impacted. Three full-time casino restaurant positions are still accepting online applications.
Tribal members and descendants will be the last to be laid off in a reduction and the first to be recalled, according to the casino's employee handbook.
In the release, Tribal Chief Fred Cantu Jr., said the economic crisis was taking a toll on the casino.
"Our business is not immune from these trends and out. Tribal government must reduce our costs to match the present business volume," he said.
Casino chief executive, Andy Asselin, said management would determine which departments and positions would be approved for the buyout.
The tribe recently fought off attempts to unionize employees by the Teamsters and the International Security, Police and Fire Professionals of America unions.
Tribal leaders contend their gaming operations do not fall within the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board.
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