Detroit Casino Workers Closer to Strike Following Demonstrations

Article by : Erik Gibbs Oct 15, 2023

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In Detroit, numerous casino employees assembled, donning union shirts and bearing picket signs, to demand higher wages and the preservation of their healthcare benefits as negotiations are underway with the city’s three casinos to replace contracts expiring next week.

Nia Winston, the President of UNITE HERE Local 24, emphasized the fight to maintain the status of casino jobs as some of the best in the hospitality industry.

Winston expressed bewilderment at the necessity of requesting fundamental demands from employers who had been supported by casino workers for over two decades.

This gathering and press conference coincide with the impending expiration of union contracts with MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood at Greektown and MotorCity casinos on Monday night. Union members have signed up for picketing shifts in case of a strike.

Concurrently, officials from the three casinos have asserted their commitment to reaching a fair contract. Last month, the Detroit Casino Council announced a strike authorization vote by union members from these casinos, with 99% approval.

The unions, including UNITE HERE Local 24, the UAW, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, are negotiating for increased wages and the preservation of healthcare benefits, as well as an enhancement of their 401(k) plans.

Concerns have been raised regarding the introduction of new technology and the increased workload, as casinos are reported to be operating with 1,500 fewer employees than before the pandemic.

In September 2020, following COVID-19-related closures, the DCC agreed to a three-year contract extension with minimal wage hikes to assist casinos in their post-pandemic recovery.

Among the workers advocating for higher pay is Jamil Johnson, a 16-year employee at MGM Grand Detroit. The 52-year-old, a Detroit resident, works as a server at D.PRIME Steakhouse in the casino.

Johnson pointed out the sacrifices made by workers, including contract extensions during the pandemic, to support the casinos. He stressed the importance of maintaining healthcare benefits, particularly in light of his battle with COVID-19, which required hospitalization.

Terri Sykes, a dealer at MotorCity Casino, expressed her concerns about healthcare benefits. She emphasized the significance of preserving healthcare coverage, particularly for older employees, and voiced objections to increased employee contributions.

Healthcare was a key concern for both workers and the unions as they negotiated with the casinos.

In response, officials from MotorCity Casino, Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MGM Resorts International expressed their dedication to productive negotiations and reaching mutually beneficial agreements with their employees.

They emphasized the importance of fair contracts and cooperation in implementing new technology to ensure it benefits both workers and customers.