MGM Resorts plans to lay off 18,000 workers as the casino company struggles with the fallout from the pandemic.

The Las Vegas-based parent of the Bellagio said in a letter to employees that furloughed employees will keep health benefits until Sept. 30, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

The cuts amount to a quarter of its employees.

Federal law requires companies to send furlough employees layoff notices after six months.

MGM Resorts has the bulk of its business in Las Vegas with a few other resorts and casinos across the U.S.

According to a letter from its CEO, the affected employees could be rehired if demand for travel returns.

The layoffs go into effect on Monday.

The company joins Delta and American Airlines and Coca-Cola in announcing major job cuts this week.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

 

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