Harrah's
Workers Return for Reopening
As reported by the New Orleans
Times-Picayune: "Customers may be impressed
by the noise of the slot machines, the return
of the sushi bar and the live entertainment.
But when Harrah's New Orleans Casino opens for
business today for the first time since Hurricane
Katrina, perhaps its most striking offering
will be the staff. More than 1,200 workers have
been hired or rehired to help with the casino's
reopening.
"In
a city where the labor crisis has become so
severe that long lines and short hours are commonplace,
Harrah's accomplishment in rounding up that
many dealers, bartenders and support staff --
without offering the pay increases and bonuses
other employers have been forced to offer post-Katrina
-- could be likened to rolling perfect sevens
and elevens at the craps table.
"'It
is certainly a human resources challenge that
will require much creativity and a commitment
to employees in every aspect from relocation
to ensuring opportunities for professional development
and growth,' said Beth Deighan, president of
the gaming employment center Casino Careers
Online.
"…Not
only have half of Harrah's pre-storm workers
returned, just enough to operate the casino
full bore under new regulations, but most didn't
need housing accommodations.
"…Every
pre-Katrina employee who wanted to come back
was offered a position, even if it wasn't the
same job they were doing before the storm…"
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