Fiesta sends out layoff notices to 1,100 employees

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2000 | 10:47 a.m.

The Fiesta hotel-casino sent out layoff notices to its 1,100 employees Wednesday in anticipation of Station Casinos Inc.'s pending acquisition of the North Las Vegas property.

The notices are required by federal law, which mandates that companies give notice of at least 60 days prior to large-scale layoffs. Station says the deal could close within 60 days, but that the timing depends on how quickly Nevada gaming regulators approve the deal.

Station spokesman Jack Taylor said the notices should not be construed as a signal that Station will actually lay off all the workers at the Fiesta.

"What we'll do is offer everyone an opportunity to apply for a job with Station Casinos," Taylor said.

Such notices are still required, however, because the property is changing ownership through a cash sale, rather than a stock swap, Taylor said. Station has taken a similar position with the 900 workers at the Santa Fe, which it plans to acquire by year's end.

Taylor said a transition team will determine how many employees will ultimately be retained at the Fiesta. A similar team is still trying to determine how many to retain at the Santa Fe, Taylor said.