Former casino employees say they were fired for refusal to get COVID vaccine – WAOW

BOWLER, Wis. (WAOW) -- Several former casino workers are speaking out after losing their jobs.

They say it's all because of their refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

On November 19, employees at the Northstar Mohican Casino and Resort received a letter saying a new vaccine mandate had been approved and would apply to all tribal employees.

The casino, owned by the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, gave a deadline of January 4.

"I put in my religious exemption, and I had some supporting documentation of what I believe," said former employee Lisa Miller.

Miller worked at the casino for nearly 30 years. She says while the tribe approved her religious exemption, they denied her accomodation.

She was "voluntarily separated" from her job.

"I'm a dedicated employee. I get exceptional evaluations every year, I don't call in, I don't come in late," she said. "Just the complete lack of caring for quality employees is disturbing."

She's not alone.

Sandy Lawyer worked at the casino for nearly twelve years. She says the way she lost her job felt like a slap in the face.

"Now I'm out of a job, and being an older person, I have to start all over again," she said.

According to the employee letter, signed by President Shannon Holsey, the tribe says it cannot guarantee accomodation even with an exemption, saying "matters of public health necessitate difficult choices for the greater good of our community."

Still, at least 9 former employees are now left wondering what's next.

"It's scary for sure," Miller said. "I have a couple of irons in the fire but I don't have a job to go to tomorrow."

News 9 made multiple attempts to reach out to the Stockbridge-Munsee tribe for comment, but did not hear back.

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Former casino employees say they were fired for refusal to get COVID vaccine - WAOW