More than 3,700 workers from the Detroit Casino Council, made up of employees from MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, recently went on strike, according to a local report in the Detroit News.
Workers took to the picket lines after walking off the job two days ago and have continued to speak out regarding demands for higher wages and other benefits.
Events leading to the strike included failed talks between the workers’ unions and casino leadership, and the inability to reach an agreement on new contracts.
In addition to wage increases, union workers are asking for technology protections, retirement security and “other gains,” the Detroit Council said. The group is comprised of local unions that include Unite Here Local 24, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324 and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.
Workers claim that they are “dollars behind” in pay.
Officials from all three Detroit casinos have expressed a desire to “reach fair contracts,” with union workers, the local report said. However, this specific matter of low pay has not been directly addressed by the city’s casinos.
No new negotiations have been initiated since the strike took effect, according to the local report. However, MGM Grand Detroit said the destination will remain open and operational during the strike.
The company recently posted on its website, “We intend to continue to operate our business during this time and will remain open this week and beyond.
“We are making every effort to ensure that our guests are not inconvenienced by this matter.”
