For the first time in its history, the Detroit Casino Council (DCC) has initiated a strike involving workers at the city’s three land-based casinos. The walkout comes as a result of failed negotiations that began in early September, focusing on critical issues like pay and working conditions.
Unprecedented Strike Action:
An overwhelming 99 percent of casino workers voted in favor of this strike action. The decision gave the green light to the five DCC unions, representing 3,700 workers across MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood at Greektown, and MotorCity casinos, to strike if no acceptable new contracts were reached by October 16.
Worker Demands:
The primary concerns of the striking employees include demands for wage increases, reductions in their workloads, and improved healthcare and retirement benefits. The unions argue that during the COVID-19 pandemic, workers were required to shoulder heavier workloads while receiving only minimal pay increases under the three-year contract agreed upon in 2020. Union members are determined to secure contract gains that bring Detroit casino jobs in line with the standards of good jobs, especially now that casino revenues are rebounding post-pandemic.
Impact on Operator Revenue:
The strike could potentially jeopardize a significant portion of operator revenue, estimated at approximately $3.4 million per day. The greatest impact is expected to be on MGM Grand Detroit, with potential daily losses of $1.7 million. In response, MGM has stated its intention to continue casino operations during the strike. The company emphasized that they have made six proposals to the union, including the single largest pay increase in the history of MGM Grand Detroit.
The historic strike in Detroit’s casino industry reflects the collective resolve of workers who are seeking fair compensation and improved working conditions. The DCC’s decision to take this action underscores the importance of addressing these labor concerns and ensuring that employees are fairly rewarded for their efforts as the casino industry enters a new post-pandemic era.