Workers will lose jobs July 1

Few have used area outreach services set up to help displaced employees move into different industries

Web posted June 25, 2000

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By Margaret N. O'Shea
South Carolina Bureau

AIKEN - As many as 10,000 workers could be without jobs Saturday when the video gambling industry is no longer legal in South Carolina.

That's an industry estimate, and Rep. Roland Smith, R-Langley, said he believes it's probably high because convenience stores, gas stations and similar businesses with poker machines as an adjunct won't shut down when the gaming stops.

But he and others on a task force to find jobs for displaced poker workers are not sure how many people in Aiken County will need help to replace their income. The ``one-stop job shops'' setting up at Aiken Technical College and the county Employment Security Commission don't know what to expect, either.

A bare handful have inquired about the program through the Aiken delegation, said Mae Carroll, who takes those calls. And the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, which is coordinating the local efforts, also hasn't gotten many calls, although legal gambling has less than a week to go. It ends July 1.

``We do want to assist video poker workers who want and need assistance,'' Mr. Smith said. ``From the beginning, when we opposed gambling so strongly, we were committed to helping people whose income depended on jobs in that industry, whether they need training to find other work or help applying or whatever else.''

The task force meets again this week. The jobs initiative was slowed down by some members' legislative commitments, said Todd Glover of the Council of Governments. Now that it's back on track, several communities in the county can expect outreach meetings where job information and help will be offered.

Reach Margaret N. O'Shea at (803) 279-6895 or scbureau@augustachronicle.com.