Union members at Detroit’s three casinos recently voted 99 percent in favor of authorizing a strike, if necessary, as early as mid-October when contracts expire, according to the Detroit Casino Council (DCC). The unions have been negotiating for higher wages at the MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood at Greektown and MotorCity casinos since early September.
In a statement, the DCC said, “Detroit’s casino workers are getting left behind. Workers are hoping to win contract gains that would bring Detroit casino jobs back in line with the standard of good jobs that were promised to hospitality workers when voters approved legalizing casino gaming in 1996 and the city council later authorized the three casinos.”
The DCC said in September 2020, following Covid-19 shutdowns, the unions agreed to a 3-year contract extension with minimal wage increases “to help their employers get back on their feet.” However, the council noted that since Covid restrictions were lifted and online gaming was legalized, gaming revenue has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The council also is seeking better retirement benefits and protections for workers affected by new technology.
According to Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) data, the three Detroit casinos reported $104.9 million in total monthly revenue for August 2023, including $104.6 million from table games and slots and $322,186 from retail sports betting. The August total was 0.1 percent higher than August 2022; however, table games and slot revenue fell 2 percent compared to July 2022.
Nia Winston, UNITE HERE Local 24 president, said, “Workers are fed up in an economy that is broken. Costs keep going up, but when profits came back to the gaming industry, they didn’t go into workers’ pockets. Just like auto workers, Blue Cross Blue Shield staff, UPS workers, writers and hotel workers, Detroit casino workers are considering all options available to make sure one job in a Detroit casino is enough to raise a family on. We expect the casinos to heed our concerns to avoid a strike.”
Terri Sykes, UAW Local 7777 president, said casino workers voted to authorize a strike “because we’re the people who worked with the companies through COVID and put in the time, energy, and hard work. The casino companies are making more than their fair share. But we’re not making ours.”
The Detroit Casino Council worker negotiating committee consists of UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324 and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.
