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Atlantic City Casino Ownership Changes Worry Workers

"That means 25,000 employees have had reason to worry about their livelihoods: Will my pay decrease? Will my job be eliminated? Will my benefits change? Will I get a new boss? Will my hours be different? Will certain operations shut down? Will the company culture change? Whatever their efforts to answer questions, casino officials say, it's impossible to sooth the employees' unease.

"…Each of Park Place's three casinos has changed ownership twice in the last four years: Bally's Park Place and the Atlantic City Hilton went from Bally Entertainment Corp. to Hilton Hotels Corp. to Park Place, and Caesars Atlantic City went from ITT Corp. to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. to Park Place.

"…When an ownership change occurs, employees' concerns tend to change through a casino's hierarchy. Front-line employees worry more issues such as hours and benefits while management worries more about issues such as compatibility.

"…It is vital, casino officials said, to continually inform employees about all developments in the transition. This not only gives them the information they need, but can dispel rumors that can damage morale.

"… As Sands prepared for its change of control, officials kept employees abreast of developments through the employee Drift newsletter, Sands TV and large meetings.

"…Claridge tries to inform employees hours, or sometimes a day, before it releases major news to the public. It uses a biweekly newsletter, Currently Claridge, and posts back-of-the-house notices as needed to keep employees informed of the bankruptcy proceedings…"

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