Players Might Not Gamble at Three Detroit Casinos Once Their Staff Strikes

Three casinos in Detroit might cease their operations if thousands of their unionized employees strike on Tuesday at noon as they had threatened. The Detroit Casino Council (DCC) issued the threat shortly before the worker’s contracts expired on Monday.

The Detroit Free Press stated that the employees’ unions represent them and didn’t succeed in getting new contracts despite having many bargaining sessions with the Hollywood Casino, MotorCity Casino Hotel, and MGM Grand Detroit’s management. The DCC released a statement saying that the workers involved include those who offer table games, slots, retail, housekeepers, and food and beverage servers.

It earlier indicated that the gaming operators weren’t interested in making a realistic contract for its members. Still, previous contracts created a huge gap between the management and staff on technology language, retirement packages, healthcare, and wages. This influenced the staff to support the Council’s strike option.

Even so, the casinos and the DCC have met several times since last month to form another contract for the 3,700 workers. The Council comprises the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 324, Teamsters Local 1038, the UAW, and Unite Here Local 24.

Unite Here Local 24’s President, Nia Winston, informed Michigan Radio that the just-expired contract lasted for five years, but they prolonged it for three years. He added that the workers have faced numerous challenges after the Coronavirus pandemic, and the casinos’ proposal irked them.

The DCC disclosed that the three gaming properties’ gaming revenues have exceeded their pre-pandemic records. The casinos raked in $2.27 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2022.

Still, the Council forecasts that they will set another record since their revenue between January and August was encouraging. However, the workers’ strike will make MGM Grand Detroit lose $1.7 million in revenue daily, MotorCity Casino will lose $1.1 million daily, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown will lose $652,000 daily.

Have the Casinos Responded?

CBC News has received statements concerning contract negotiations from two casinos so far. A MotorCity Casino Hotel official stated that they had not made a deal with the DCC despite making progress. But, they are still determined to reach an agreement with the Council to improve workers’ welfare and increase its share in the regional gaming market.

Hollywood Casino at Greektown’s representative, Jeff Morris, said that the casinos will continue welcoming players as it addresses the contract stalemate. He added that the gaming venue and the DCC have had a cordial relationship for a long period. They will continue holding discussions to make a fair deal that will favor the casino and its staff.

An MGM Resorts International official, Dara Cohen, informed the Free Press that they will continue deliberating with the Council on another contract while assuring its members of its commitment in the city. She assured players that the casino would operate even if its staff would strike.

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