Las Vegas Workers Sue Casinos Over Covid-19 Safety
Las Vegas Strip hospitality workers filed a lawsuit against casino operators on Monday, accusing the companies of failing to protect employees from Covid-19, one of the first efforts to hold employers legally responsible for infections as cases in the U.S. surge.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas against the owners of Harrah’s, MGM Grand and Bellagio casinos, says the companies didn’t immediately shut down food-and-beverage outlets and other areas after learning of positive cases, didn’t immediately inform employees when co-workers tested positive and didn’t adequately contact-trace before allowing colleagues of infected employees to return to the job.
Culinary Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165, through their joint bargaining agency, filed the lawsuit against Harrah’s Las Vegas LLC, a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corp., and the Signature Condominiums LLC at the MGM Grand and Bellagio LLC, subsidiaries of MGM Resorts International.
Offsite Linkby Anonymous | reply 3 | June 30, 2020 10:56 PM
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Senate Republicans and the Trump administration have pushed to shield companies from liability during the coronavirus pandemic as a condition of the next round of relief for households and businesses. U.S. companies have expressed concern about litigation as workers get sick or die from Covid-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has said the risk of class-action claims and other lawsuits could deter businesses from reopening.
Las Vegas casinos were allowed to reopen on June 4 with masks voluntary for guests.
Three weeks later, after calls from unionized workers, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolakordered anyone inside casinos to wear face coverings beginning June 26.
Nevada reported 734 new cases Monday, bringing the total to 17,894 cases and 504 deaths.
by Anonymous | reply 2 | June 30, 2020 11:47 AM
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Justice for front-line employees!
by Anonymous | reply 3 | June 30, 2020 10:56 PM
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