COARSEGOLD, Calif. (KFSN) -- More than 1,000 employees have been laid off from Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. The job cuts are the result of a federal shutdown caused by a power struggle among two tribal factions.
Only a small group of maintenance and management staff is still working inside Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino. And now the Madera County Workforce Assistance Center has officially received a long list of layoffs that took effect Friday.
Officials estimate 1,100 to 1,200 people are out of work, from card dealers to cooks and everything in between. They say most have not asked for help finding new jobs yet because they're still hoping the shutdown will end soon, but many have started applying for unemployment benefits.
"There's a variety of ways individuals can apply for unemployment insurance and get that started as soon as possible," said Steven Gutierrez with the Employment Development Department.
Gutierrez says the workers can fill out forms online or visit his office in Fresno as well. He also points out the large number of layoffs comes at the same time of year many Ag-related jobs are usually cut, so the unemployment rate could see an even greater increase than usual. Plus, there are many other businesses that will suffer.
"Any time there's a major layoff for a company, it does have a trickle-down effect for other major industries," said Gutierrez. "People aren't going to eat out as often or buy certain things when you don't have a discretionary income like you used to; you're gonna tighten your belt."
Now, many are just hoping to get answers, and possibly a second chance, after a court-ordered settlement conference on Friday.
Chukchansi says laid-off employees can pick up their personal belongings from their lockers on the following days:
-- Wednesday, October 22nd, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
-- Thursday, October 23rd, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
-- Friday, October 24th, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
-- Monday, October 27th, through Friday, October 31st, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Employees must call dispatch at (559) 692-5292 to schedule a date and time first though because of minimal staffing. They're also encouraged to bring their tribal gaming license and return any company property.