The Encore Boston Harbor announced on Monday that it will place its 3,000 employees on furlough. The $2.6 billion property in Everett said that the period of the furlough will be indefinite.

What led to the issue?

The company said that it is taking the decision to reopen under the state’s guidelines that would limit its occupancy. The property will be reopening its gaming floor, hotel, and some restaurants in a limited capacity. However, it said that the employees working on the closed areas will be on furlough until further notice.

Encore spokeswoman Rosie Salisbury said,

“As a result of numerous reductions required for physical distancing, we are forced to make very difficult decisions, including the furloughing of approximately 3000 employees and managers. A number of these employees will return to work for training when we have a definitive re-opening date. The remainder will remain on furlough until business demand dictates their return.”

According to a casino report to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in March, the property employed 4,421 people of whom 3,303 were full-time employees and 1,118 were part-time employees. This means that more than two-thirds of the workforce will be furloughed.

What’s happening in Massachusetts?

The Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield, and Encore Boston Harbor have been shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic since March 15. They will be reopening on July 6, as a part of the state’s reopening plan- Phase 3.

On its website, the company said that it would be reopening the casino gaming area as well as the supporting food and beverage outlets. The hotel will also be opened with limited availability. It added that the employees will be brought back in a thoughtful manner using a measured protocol. Only a small number of employees who are working in the re-opened amenities will be allowed to return to work.