Detroit Casino Workers’ Strike Continues Amid Failed Wage Negotiations
Casino workers at Detroit’s three casinos continued their second day of picketing on Wednesday after negotiations between the unions and casino management failed to result in new contracts earlier in the week.
As of Wednesday afternoon, no new negotiations had taken place since the unions initiated their strike on Tuesday against MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, according to Meghan Cohorst, spokesperson for Unite Here.
The Detroit Casino Council represents 3,700 workers at the three casinos, and casino leaders are still far apart when it comes to wage increases, Cohorst stated.
The wage disagreement spans across different job categories. Workers are seeking significant pay increases, taking into account the concessions they made during the pandemic.
Their requests are substantial, given the sacrifices they made, and they hope to recover what they gave up.
Their desire is for their sacrifices to be recognized and compensated with higher wages. Additionally, employees are looking for retirement security, technology protections and other benefits, as the Detroit Casino Council outlines.
The Detroit Casino Council comprises the UAW, Unite Here Local 24, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324 and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, representing the workers.
The labor contracts between the unions and the casinos expired at midnight on Monday. Despite negotiations continuing until 3:30 AM on Tuesday and resuming at 11:10 AM the same day, there was no progress, according to union leaders.
Subsequently, workers initiated the strike at noon on Tuesday.
The casino officials from all three establishments have affirmed their commitment to achieving equitable contracts. However, as of Wednesday, none of the casinos had responded to inquiries regarding the significant gap in wage negotiations.
The three casinos have confirmed that they will remain open and operational. Nevertheless, they acknowledge varying degrees of disruption on Wednesday.
MGM Grand Detroit made a statement on its website on Wednesday, assuring patrons that they plan to continue their operations without interruption for the remainder of this week and beyond.
The statement clarifies that MGM Grand Detroit’s gaming facilities and the hotel will remain accessible 24/7.
Sports betting kiosks are available throughout the casino floor, along with self-service beverage stations and beverage carts. However, both casino and hotel valet services are temporarily closed, while self-parking remains open and complimentary for the public.
In a property update issued on Wednesday, MotorCity Casino Hotel announced the temporary closure of its poker room, casino valet, spa and gift shop. High-limit slots will be accessible 24 hours a day, while high-limit table games will remain temporarily closed.
Hollywood Casino at Greektown assured on its website that the casino will remain open around the clock, although valet services are temporarily unavailable as well.
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