AGLC temporarily lays off hundreds of employees

Chairs sit on pallets as some are being removed from electronic slot machines to maintain social distancing between players at a closed Caesars Palace hotel and casino Thursday, May 21, 2020, in Las Vegas. Casino operators in Las Vegas are awaiting word when they will be able to reopen after a shutdown during the coronavirus outbreak. (AP Photo/John Locher)

EDMONTON (660News) – The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission has temporarily laid off 265 people.

In a statement, it says the difficult decision comes after the province-wide closure of gaming venues, resulting in work restrictions for some employees.

The staff affected were notified Monday and the temporary layoffs will take effect at the end of January and early February.

“AGLC has continually worked to balance both budgetary and operational challenges the pandemic has presented,” said spokesperson Heather Holmen in an email.

“While we have been able to do this during previous restrictions without layoffs, that is no longer the case.

“We understand this is a difficult time for these employees and our many stakeholders whose operations have been impacted by COVID-19. AGLC operations and support for our partners will remain largely unchanged by these layoffs.”