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Tropicana Employees in State of Uncertainty due to Potential Closure

Tropicana Employees in State of Uncertainty due to Potential Closure

Posted on: May 17, 2023. Last Updated on: May 17, 2023.

Author: Contributors

Employees from the Tropicana are confused due to conflicting management messages

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The uncertainty arises as the Oakland Athletics' plans for a new Las Vegas ballpark progress. While an initial FAQ from Tropicana owner Bally's Corp. suggested that the property would close in 18 to 24 months if the Athletics secured public funds, a subsequent update provided a more ambiguous outlook. This article delves into the evolving situation and its impact on Tropicana employees.

The confusion surrounding Tropicana's potential closure began with the release of an FAQ document on Monday. The initial statement stated that if the Athletics secured $395 million in public funds from the Legislature, the property would shutter within the next 18 to 24 months.

However, on Tuesday, an updated FAQ softened the previous stance, assuring employees that the company intended to keep the property open for as long as possible. Additionally, it emphasized that alternative opportunities would be provided to employees within Bally's portfolio if closure became necessary.

A spokesperson from Bally's Corp. acknowledged that the Monday FAQ had been issued prematurely and contained inaccuracies. They clarified that the plans concerning the potential agreement with Oakland Athletics were still in the very early stages. The company's current focus remains on operating the Tropicana, but it assures employees that support will be provided if closure becomes inevitable.

The Oakland Athletics are seeking to build a $1.5 billion, 30,000-seat ballpark on 9 acres of the 35-acre Tropicana site. Bally's Corp. has separate plans to develop a new hotel-casino on the remaining 26 acres. In the updated FAQ, the company revealed its intention to create a new resort under the Bally's name on the remaining land. It also confirmed that Tropicana Las Vegas employees would be given employment preference and retain their seniority.

Previously, Bally's had informed workers that the Tropicana would close in 18 to 24 months if the Athletics succeeded in securing public funds. However, Bally's Corp. Chairman Soo Kim explained that the company was still deliberating whether the closure would be a complete shutdown or executed in phases. The decision is contingent upon various factors, and the priority is to focus on the construction of the stadium before developing the rest of the site.

The Culinary union, which has represented Tropicana employees since its opening in 1957, has expressed its commitment to ensuring the rights of the workers during the potential closure. The union has a strong contract in place and expects Bally's to adhere to its provisions. Culinary union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge emphasized that workers' jobs would be protected, and the union would diligently enforce the contract.

The Tropicana employees find themselves in a state of uncertainty as the plans for the Oakland Athletics' Las Vegas ballpark progress. The mixed messages from Bally's Corp. regarding the closure of the property have left workers unsure about their future.

However, the company's updated FAQ clarified that they aim to keep the Tropicana open for as long as possible and would support employees in the event of a closure. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for Bally's to prioritize transparent communication with its employees and work closely with the Culinary union to protect the rights and livelihoods of Tropicana workers.