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…"
|