In the ongoing saga that is LCO Casino, the more we talk
about the issues, more things come to light. A lot of our tribal membership is
talking about their own problems at the casino, whether as a patron or a guest,
and other people’s problems.
One of the main things I’ve heard lately is how deeply the
casino manager, Lee Harden, is cutting into the people of our tribe. Many of
our people who have held jobs at that casino for nearly two decades are now out
of work. They are hurting badly, economically and mentally. Imagine feeling
secure in your life only to have your security ripped out from underneath you.
Lee is using different tactics to clean out the tribal
workforce, including the drug testing. But, I’ve even heard that before he
considers someone for advancement, he is pressuring them to go to college. One
member who he said this to has 20 years of experience in the casino. I would
take that 20 years experience over a timeout for college any day. What is
college going to teach that tribal member at this point in their life in
regards to management level positions in the casino that 20 years on the gaming
floor hasn’t already taught them?
As the workforce in the casino diminishes, the work load
doesn’t. Who has to make up for these lost positions? The loyal, dedicated,
hard-working employees that remain, but, as their work load increases, their
pay doesn’t. They are required to pick up the slack that Lee has created, yet,
as they work other people’s jobs in addition to their own, they aren’t getting
paid anything extra. This is creating a disgruntled work force. Trust me, I
know. I’ve heard it from several employees. I’ve never seen employee morale as
low as it is right now. Three years ago when Lee was hired, morale was very
low. There was excitement as he came aboard and the workers looked forward to a
new direction, but, man, were we ever fooled! It’s much worse today and in over
two decades of our casino operation, I’ve never seen it like this.
In addition to this treatment of our tribal workforce, our
tribal elders are also feeling major disappointment. At their October 4 Elder’s Council meeting, they held a
discussion about how over the past two years the casino has become less and
less welcoming to them. A few things they pointed out that has been hurtful to
them is the elimination of bingo, the reduction of point rewards for slot play
specifically for elders, as well as, the cancellation of Sunday afternoon
dances in the lounge.
The elders said in their meeting that they were going to attempt
to have a meeting with Lee to discuss these issues. No word on whether this
meeting took place but it is highly unlikely. And finally, the elders said if
he doesn’t meet with them, they were going to organize regular trips for the
elders to other casinos in the area and discourage elders from playing at LCO.
Imagine that…another group heading off to play at other
nearby casinos. The elders will be joining the poker players, the serious slot
players who have noticed jackpots shrink and points become ridiculous, bingo
players and anyone looking for entertainment. Oh yeah, I forgot about anybody
who has a birthday to. Can you believe it? He actually eliminated the birthday
giveaway. LCO Casino is now the only casino in our area that does absolutely
nothing for you on your birthday!
I should add that I will be working on a story with the employee who was asked to get a degree in order to keep her position. She was terminated by the way after working her way up to interim management position after 20 years at our casino. Lee told her in order to keep that position, even at less than $20 per hour, she would have to go to college. She refused and lost her job only for the position to be given at a very high salary to a non-tribal member. This is an example of the types of activities ongoing at OUR casino! The terminated employee wants to tell her story so I will be working on that and have it for you soon. If there are others out there who have been terminated in an unjust way, please, give me a call and let's tell your story. Our people need to be aware of what our tribal council is allowing to happen to tribal members. The more we speak up and make everyone aware, the sooner this nonsense will stop. That casino is there for us, meant to employ us, not to eliminate our people from good jobs and then hire non-Natives at twice the salary. It makes no sense and our tribal members should be irate.
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