The Puyallup Tribe in Tacoma, Washington is considering changing a rule that requires workers to show up on busy days despite being sick. The policy is in place to prevent the casinos from having a shortage of workers but with the spread of flu so rampant the Tribe is considering changing the bill.

Workers at the Emerald Queen Casinos are required to show up despite sickness but health officials think the workers need to stay home. John Weymer a spokesman for the Tribe commented in the New Tribune that casino managers are aware of the problem for illness to spread easily and they are considering changing the policy.

Weymer commented: “The management of the Emerald Queen Casino takes the health and welfare of its workers and patrons very seriously. The policy that’s in place right now is under review.”

Holidays, Fridays and weekends are called ‘block days’ which are the days the policy is in effect as they are the busiest days. The casino employs 2,000 employees and if one calls in sick on a block day they are subject to a one-day suspension without pay. A second time this happens the worker is subject to a three-day suspension and a third results in a five day suspension and a fourth time results in termination.

The American Indian Health Commission for Washington State has issued recommendations for all twenty of the tribes suggesting they review their attendance requirements as they relate to the swine flu.



- 2009-10-06