Coronavirus Ledyard: Foxwoods Furloughs 5,000 Due To Shut Down

MASHANTUCKET, CT — After closing last week following Gov. Ned Lamont's order for restaurants and bars to shutter to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, Foxwoods Resort Casino has furloughed 5,000 workers, according to a report.

But Fox 61 reports that the union that represents 1,200 table games dealers that Foxwoods "would not agree to offer paid leave, the station reported UAW local 2121 union spokesman John Delmonte said in a statement. Delmonte said it was given a day to notify workers.

Last week, Mashantucket Pequot Chairman Rodney Butler said the decision to close Foxwoods was difficult but the responsible move.

"This is a humbling reflection on the ongoing public health crisis and it is the right decision," Butler said. "Our concern is for health and safety of the community and of the public. The coronavirus is a threat to each and every one of us, and we believe shutting our doors will keep our visitors, employees and the public more safe."