Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Cosmopolitan workers eligible for cash bonuses for getting vaccinated

Las Vegas Strip Exteriors

A view of the Cosmopolitan as seen from Rivea at Delano Las Vegas on Feb. 2, 2016.

The Cosmopolitan is set to offer cash bonuses of up to $500 to employees who get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

In an email, Cosmopolitan officials Tuesday confirmed that the Strip resort will “commit to pay upwards of $1 million in total cash bonuses” should 80% of its workforce receive a first dose of one of the coronavirus vaccines by May 1.

If its workforce reaches even the 60% vaccination level, lesser cash bonuses will be circulated. The bonuses will range from $50 to $500, officials said.

The announcement comes following a memo issued by the state’s main two gaming industry regulatory bodies that called for casino companies to take calculated steps to make sure their staffs become vaccinated.

Casino floor capacity was increased from 25% to 50% last month by the state.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board and Gaming Commission, the bodies that work jointly to regulate the state’s gambling industry, will oversee all applications to increase casino floor capacity beginning May 1.

According to the regulatory organizations, requests by operators to increase floor capacity limits “will only be taken in cases where licensees have taken measurable and material steps” to vaccinate employees.

In their statement Tuesday, Cosmopolitan officials said the bonus program is in response to “clear direction to gaming companies to accelerate the vaccination” of their workforces.

“In accordance with federal, state and municipal health authorities, we believe that expediting the vaccination process is the most effective and integral step towards ensuring our employees’ and our guests’ safety and the successful return of travel to our city,” said William McBeath, president and CEO of the Cosmopolitan, in a statement.

Cosmopolitan employees — the resort has more than 4,000 workers — and members of their households can get vaccinated at no cost at an on-property clinic that has been set up.

Employees who choose not to become vaccinated, officials said, will be required to test for the virus at least on a weekly basis.

Employees who work four or more days during any week would need to be tested twice.

In a tweet sent out Tuesday night, Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones called the move by Cosmopolitan officials “smart thinking.”