MGM Grand Detroit workers rejected the terms of the proposed new labor agreement and will continue to strike. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Some progress
The North American casino industry has been dealing with unhappy employees lately, with many of them either going on strike or threatening to strike over their contract demands. Casino workers in Detroit have been on strike for a month, but the unions finally agreed to a new deal with two of Detroit’s three casinos that will put an end to their protests.
It ended a 34-day strike at the estates at around 9pm on Sunday
Workers at the Motor City Casino and Hollywood Casino in Greektown voted in favor of the initial offer, ending a 34-day strike at the properties at around 9pm on Sunday. MGM Grand Detroit union members did not support the proposal and would continue to strike.
The Detroit Casino Board, the organization negotiating on behalf of five unions, did not disclose the number of votes. Workers voted on each property separately.
Terms of new deals
The new five-year labor agreements concern approximately 2,000 workers at MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino. The rise in wages will be the largest the sector has ever seen in the city. They will receive an immediate increase in their hourly wages of $3, with this rising to $5 over the life of the contract. Guarantees on health care standards, better retirement benefits, and an additional paid day off were among other improvements.
Advance notification of the application of technology that could threaten jobs
One big concern for union members was the disruption that new technology could bring to their jobs. That’s why new contracts include guarantees of advance notice of the implementation of technology that could threaten jobs, with workers who are laid off as a result receiving severance pay and health care.
Protests
About 3,700 workers and five different unions participated in the strike, which began on October 17 following the end of previous contracts. It was the first such casino strike in the city’s 23-year industry history. They have been pushing for better terms after their personal and financial sacrifices for businesses during the pandemic.
The picketers included board game dealers, cleaning workers, engineers, and valets, among others.
Casinos were not closed during the workers’ strike – the properties relied heavily on managers to continue operations. Union members called on customers not to support facilities during the strike and to avoid using the casinos’ online gambling apps.
