After the contract expired in September and negotiations were delayed, Detroit casino workers took to the picket line Tuesday after the two sides failed to reach an agreement. The original midnight deadline was postponed to noon, but no agreement was reached.
The Detroit Casino Board represents 3,700 casino workers in five unions and has been negotiating with the city’s three casinos for weeks after workers voted to strike earlier this month.
“After we helped Detroit’s gaming industry get back on its feet, business is booming, but the people running the casinos are still struggling,” Winston, president of United Here Local 24, said in a press release. “Our goal is to reach a fair agreement, but unfortunately, we are still far apart. If companies cannot do better, we are ready to strike.”
The strikes affect three casinos
The striking employees work in food and beverage, housekeeping, retail outlets, gaming and table gaming, and engineering. Business shutdown affects downtown Detroit real estate – MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood at Greektown and MotorCity Casinos.
This marks the city’s first casino strike since casinos began opening in the 1990s. It was not initially clear how many properties there were Will try to stay open During the period of work stoppage, “due to the state’s requirements for the presence of licensed and trained workers,” according to what Reuters reported. Detroit Free Press.
Detroit casino workers are on the job He hits in MGM Grand Detroit, Motor City Casino and Hollywood Casino in Greektown! pic.twitter.com/DqDYwPSfkX
— Autism here Local 24 (@uhlocal24) October 17, 2023
However, by early Tuesday afternoon, it appeared that the three properties were continuing to operate at least to some extent. the MGM Grand has already announced that it plans to stay open during the strike.
“We intend to continue operating our business during any potential strike and will remain open this week and beyond.” MGM Midwest group coo Matt Buckley explained to employees in a message on Tuesday. “We will take any legal action necessary to fill shifts and continue providing our customers with entertainment and service.”
Hollywood Casino posted on Twitter on Tuesday that the property remains open, though valet parking is temporarily closed. MotorCity also reported on its website that the casino and hotel remain open, though some restaurants, bars, spa, valet parking and gift shop are closed.
There appeared to be at least some hope of reaching an agreement on Monday as the parties negotiated through the night. However, that did not come to fruition. Buckley said MGM He presented six proposals to the union, including the casino’s “largest wage increase” in its history.
