Former Mill Casino worker blames economy for layoffs

By Jo Rafferty, Staff Writer
Friday, October 03, 2008 | 20 comment(s)

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Gloria Waller was among those who emerged from the Oregon Employment Department on Thursday afternoon carrying blue folders. She is one of the 37 employees of The Mill Casino-Hotel whose positions were eliminated this week.

“I’ve never been laid off before. To me it’s a big shock,” said the former swing-shift Blackjack dealer, who had been with The Mill Casino for only six weeks.

“It’s the economy,” she said.

A casino press release blamed the layoffs on economic conditions and not needing as many employees as anticipated following a hotel addition. The Mill’s communications coordinator, Ray Doering, said it was the first time in his four years at the casino there had been layoffs. With more than 500 employees, the cutback amounted to 7 percent of its workforce. Ten of the employees have been offered other positions at the casino-hotel or may remain on part-time or on-call status, according to casino officials.

The Mill Casino-Hotel made arrangements for its laid-off employees to meet with people at the Oregon Employment Department. There were two meeting times scheduled at the North Bend building Thursday. Several former workers left the building in groups carrying the blue folders, but most were silent about their job loss and prospects.

“Sorry, I can’t. I’ll lose my money,” one woman said as she got into her car.

Waller moved from Reno, Nev., three years ago, where she resided for 30 years and where her three grown children still live. Since then, she and her boyfriend, who is semi-retired, had been buying and selling houses and running a vending machine business, until she was employed by the casino.

The Coos Bay resident said she really hopes they can stay in the area, but she’s not sure if that will be possible. She said she can only exist a couple of months on unemployment. Besides a little retail experience years ago, all she has ever done is work a gaming table. The casino gave her no indication of future rehire and the nearest other casino is in Florence, more than an hour drive away. Waller said she wouldn’t consider that because of gas prices.

“With Macy’s and all that here, I’m hoping to get something to get by,” she said. “But it’s been years and the money is not the same.”
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Common Sense wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:05 AM:

I know it couldn't be that the Mill's expensive food, along with elminating Bingo (People play at the churches instead of the Mill), Free roll tournments in Black Jack & Poker & gas prices at over $3.50 as the reason LESS people are playin at the Mill? You ignore & forget the locals & the locals IGNORE & FORGET you Mill...

Legalize it wrote on Oct 9, 2008 8:13 PM:

Greed does not start to describe it, Gambling should be legalized state wide so all can benefit form the take not just a small minority that only gives back a very small token amount.

NEVADA RESIDENT wrote on Oct 9, 2008 7:57 PM:

Greed does not start to describe what goes on there. There is no mention of how much that is given back to the community rest assured its a token amount that will keep the wolves from the door,the tribe knows that if it does not give back the state will pass legislation that could close there doors. What should happen is gambling should be legalised state wide and the profits taxed so all would benefit not just a small minority. Just look at the way its done in Nevada. There are no tribal casinos in Nevada and all the residents benefit. The playing field should be level for all to participate.

Karen wrote on Oct 9, 2008 9:35 AM:

As a former employee of the Mill Casino I can say that my boss, Gary, was a great boss. When there were times that someone in another department jumped in to complain (which is on a regular basis) he would stick up for his people and treated us with respect. I would never take a position any other department because of the way the supervisors treated the people that worked hard for them. WHO gives these supervisors the authority to treat the core people in that casino with such disrespect. Those that were fired should be glad to be out of there and given the opportunity to leave the area and find work where they will be appreciated. Sorry to you all.

Former CB resident wrote on Oct 8, 2008 11:45 AM:

I have to say that having lived in the area for 2 years and currently living in the Northern coast, iti s like night & day. CB residents need to realize that they can no longer live here w/o a stable solid job. CB's main profit maker was fishing and timber. That is long gone and it is doubtful it will return. You are doing an injustice to yourself and family by staying in a dying community. Look around the state, find out where places are growing and go! If you stay, then accept the fact that you will be stuck. As for casinos, Chinook Winds, Grand Ronde and Two Rivers out class and out service the Mill any day!

Here We Go wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:36 PM:

Ms.Waller,I apologize for all the confusion the first comment has caused. I wrote that comment, but all it is callled is "GREED". I think some other people owe you an apology as well. If they care so much they would not have laid off people. So now the rest of us have to wait and stand in line behind the former mill casino to get jobs.... IS THAT FAIR?

Joe Sixpack wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:07 PM:

To change the profit margin you just change the pay out on the slots and having special rights doesn't hurt ether. and its wrong that Oregon is number one in problem gambling to.

soo sad... wrote on Oct 5, 2008 5:49 PM:

GLORIA WALLER... i did not write the first comment, but i dont think it was meant to be written "FROM YOU" , i think it was meant to be written "TO YOU"... BY THE WAY, I HOPE YOU DO FIND ANOTHER GOOD JOB, BUT WITH THAT MANY LOOKING, I HOPE YOU ALREADY STARTED...

CBNative wrote on Oct 4, 2008 7:27 AM:

As I have said before This area is just part of problem going on all over the USA did anyone else see the report where it states that 159 thousand jobs were lost just last month alone? This is a epedemic and I feel instead of pumping billions of dollars into Iraq to rebuild there country we should be spending that money here at home.

Gloria Waller wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:43 PM:

MS. WALLER is not me. I did not write that comment.

I have a great deal of respect for The Tribe, and I know of the good they do for the community. I was thankful for the opportunity to be a part of their team.

I have had a business of my own, so I understand minimizing my loses. Cutting back the work force, is cost effective. When economy is bad, you cut back on your budget, that is just common sense.

Proud Tribal Spouse wrote on Oct 3, 2008 8:51 PM:

I agree with what "Proud Tribal Member" Said. I also work at the mill casino, and if had been here the last two days it has been very say to watch our friends and co workers leave. Most of us here at TMCH and very close almost like family and in my opion when "Greed" comes into play people are not sad for those that loose out, they dont care at all and show no emotion and here at TMCH we have all showed real heart felt feels for those that are no longer here with us!

Geronimo wrote on Oct 3, 2008 5:32 PM:

The Coquille Tribe only "gives" our community what it is required to under their Gaming compact with Oregon, PROUD TRIBAL MEMBER, and even small amount compared to the casino's take usually comes with enough strings attached so that it also benefits them in some way.

just me wrote on Oct 3, 2008 5:11 PM:

come on, its gambling just the same**its a gamble of money some people can not afford to lose**if its food on the table or playing slots, what do you chose???

Thankful wrote on Oct 3, 2008 4:05 PM:

I for one am thankful that the Mill Casino is NOT closing it's doors and going out of business like many others in this area that have had a bad year.

So Sorry wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:55 PM:

It is sad when ANYONE loses their job and even more so when they have a fmily depending on that income. I know that the people laid off did get severence packages and will continue recieving medical benefits for a month. they will also be able to get unemployment benefits also. I think the Casino is giving a lot considering they did not have to do that. Rather than use this time to COMPLAIN get out there and find another job. Perhaps your next job you will apply your self more and be the best employee or at least stand out from the rest and then you wont be layoff when they have to downsize. It is always easier to blame someone else, isnt it.

My thoughts wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:40 PM:

I wish the casino was doing better because when they are doing good it does help the area. I have heard that their visitors are up but their revenues are not. The economy probably plays some role but I think the bigger role is their service. The service is for the most part medicore at the Mill Casino. I have warned some of the upper management of this and that they need to focus on their service or consumers will not spend money while they are there. They will also lose customers to other casino's. This is just my opinion and suggestion to the tribe. Focus on improving the service level. I will continue providing my suggestions hoping it will help them because when they do good it helps my business too.

Linda wrote on Oct 3, 2008 3:09 PM:

To-educate yourself- They won't have to worry about going broke, we'll just put them on the bailout list and then you and I can pay somemore. Educate yourself!

Proud Tribal Member wrote on Oct 3, 2008 2:28 PM:

I am sorry that you lost your job Ms. Waller but for you to say it's "GREED" is wrong! Times are rough all over the country not just in Coos Bay/North Bend.
Anyone who has worked closely with the Tribe knows what kind of support, contributions, and donations my Tribe has given the community! And, I am sure the Tribe will continue to do so in the future.

EducateYourself wrote on Oct 3, 2008 2:25 PM:

What do you think ANY business' goal is? To succeed, to make money, call it greed if you like but I call it making a profit. If you dont make a profit you FAIL (go broke). You obviously have never had your own business, and if you ever do get one follow your own ideas AND YOU WILL FAIL (go broke). Name ONE employer who puts their employees ABOVE their business and I'll show you a company that is either going bankrupt or a NONPROFIT
Educate yourself on economics.

Ms.Waller wrote on Oct 3, 2008 11:41 AM:

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but it is called "GREED". They don't care about anyone but themselves.


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