MGM Resorts cuts 18,000 jobs

MGM Resorts International has laid off 18,000 of its 70,000 employees who were furloughed during the Covid-19 pandemic. MGM Resorts, which has been hit hard by the decline in visitors to its Las Vegas casinos, said health benefits for furloughed staff would be extended until 30 September, while long-standing employees brought back to work before Q4 2020 would maintain their seniority.

MGM Resorts International said Friday it is sending separation letters to 18,000 U.S. employees who were furloughed during the coronavirus pandemic, making their job cuts permanent for now.

MGM's Empire City remains closed in New York state, as does its Park MGM in Las Vegas. Casinos in Las Vegas, where MGM has an outsized presence on the Strip, continue to be especially affected by declines in tourism and travel, restrictions on capacity, the lack of fans at sports events, and negligible conference and group business.

At the start of this year, the company employed 70,000 workers in the U.S.

"Nothing pains me more than delivering news like this," CEO Bill Hornbuckle wrote in the separation letter to employees. "The heart of this company is our employees and the world-class service you provide. Please know that your leadership team is working around the clock to find ways to grow our business and welcome back more of our colleagues."