Sands lays off 80 workers

Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem President Robert DeSalvio has confirmed that 80 people were laid off April 30 at the South Side Bethlehem Casino.rnDeSalvio said the layoffs bring the casino’s workforce from 860 employees down to 780.rnAccording to DeSalvio, the cuts were across the board, but food and beverage service was hit the hardest because that is where the majority of casino employees worked.rnDeSalvio said those laid off were offered severance, but he would not offer specifics. He did say the laid off employees would be given first priority to enter the table game training program. The casino expects to hire approximately 400 table game operators in June or July.rn“They will also be given first priority for any other jobs open at the casino,” he said.rnDeSalvio said the layoffs were the result of lower business demand, and noted that he expects demand will go up with the introduction of table games in July, which he said he hopes would lead to employees being recalled.rnThe Sands plans to restart construction of its hotel in May. DeSalvio said he expects the casino to have a total of 1,300 employees by next spring.rn