In a major labor dispute in Michigan, workers at Detroit’s three casinos have gone on strike, joining the ranks of ongoing labor issues in the state. The unions representing 3,700 employees, including dealers, cleaning staff, valets, and food staff, are demanding better pay, job security, and improved health insurance benefits. This strike follows a partial walkout at auto companies in the region.
Despite the strike, the casinos, namely MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, have pledged to stay open. In a letter to employees, Matt Buckley, president and chief operating officer of MGM Resorts Midwest Group, assured that the necessary lawful actions would be taken to fill shifts and ensure continued entertainment and service for customers.
Terri Sykes, a dealer at MotorCity Casino and president of United Auto Workers Local 7777, expressed the workers’ frustration, stating, “These companies are making more than ever, and it’s time they respect us for all the sacrifices we made to keep the doors open during the pandemic.”
The unions argue that casino workers have only received 3% raises since a three-year contract extension in 2020. Meanwhile, the three Detroit casinos reported a combined revenue of $1.27 billion in 2022, with 77% of it coming from slot machines, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The city of Detroit received $155 million from these casino revenues.
The strike at the casinos adds to the ongoing labor struggles in Michigan. The United Auto Workers (UAW) is currently in the fifth week of a partial strike against General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis. Additionally, more than 1,000 people are on strike at health insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
The workers’ demands for better pay and benefits reflect their discontent with the current state of affairs. As labor disputes continue to escalate in Michigan, it remains to be seen how these conflicts will be resolved and what impact they will have on the affected industries and the state as a whole.
