Detroit Casino Workers Vote To Strike if Demands Not Met

Article by : Erik Gibbs Oct 4, 2023

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Union members from Detroit’s three casinos have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if deemed necessary, according to an announcement from the Detroit Casino Council on Friday.

With an approval rate of 99%, the vote comes as the union negotiates for higher wages at MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood at Greektown and MotorCity casinos.

The Detroit Casino Council (DCC) stated it could call for strikes as early as mid-October when the current contracts expire.

Voting took place at the Teamsters Hall from 7 AM to 9 PM on Friday, and the results were released shortly after the polls closed.

In September 2020, following COVID-19 shutdowns, the DCC agreed to a three-year contract extension with minimal wage increases to help employees recover.

The council highlights that industry gaming revenues have exceeded pre-pandemic levels since the end of COVID restrictions and the legalization of online gaming. Workers have been negotiating with the casinos since early September, primarily focusing on wage increases.

In a statement released Friday, the council expressed concern that Detroit’s casino workers must catch up.

Workers aim to secure contract improvements that would align Detroit casino jobs with the high-quality standards promised to hospitality workers when voters approved the legalization of casino gaming in 1996, a promise later endorsed by the City Council.

Additionally, workers advocate for enhanced retirement benefits and safeguards for those impacted by emerging technologies.

Earlier this month, the Michigan Gaming Control Board reported that the three Detroit casinos had generated $104.9 million in monthly aggregate revenue for August 2023, comprising $104.6 million from table games and slots.

This also includes $322,186 in revenue from retail sports betting.

Table games and slot revenue decreased by 2% compared to the previous month, but overall monthly revenue was 0.1% higher than in August 2022.

The Detroit Casino Council worker negotiating committee comprises unions representing most workers at the three casinos, including Operating Engineers Local 324, UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW, Teamsters Local 1038 and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.

Nia Winston, President of UNITE HERE Local 24, stressed the solidarity among Detroit casino workers, stating that they are exploring all available options to ensure that a job in a Detroit casino can meet a family’s needs.

Terri Sykes, President of UAW Local 7777, underlined that casino workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike authorization due to their significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sykes emphasized that these workers invested their time, energy, and hard work while casino companies reaped substantial profits. Sykes pointed out that workers have yet to see their fair share of these gains.