DETROIT (WWJ) -- The negotiating committee of the Detroit Casino Council has voted to launch a strike at noon on Tuesday unless a deal is reached.
The strike deadline is set for midnight Monday, as union leaders say they remain "far apart" from management on key issues.
The Detroit Casino Council (DCC) represents about 3,700 workers at Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand and MotorCity. They say the biggest issues for employees are wages, healthcare, retirement security, technology language and a fair workload for housekeepers.
The DCC said they have been in negotiations and held subcommittee meetings since the summer in an attempt to reach a deal with management, but the two groups remain separated on the major issues. A vote at the end of September saw 99% of union casino workers voting in favor of a strike.
"I want what’s best for my family," said Shataya Thompson, a valet cashier at MotorCity Casino and member of Teamsters Local 1038 who is a mother of two with a third child on the way. “We need good wages that keep up with inflation and our healthcare. We’ve been here since the doors reopened and have gone through so much. Now, all we ask is for a fair contract."
DCC said casino workers went without a raise and picked up extra responsibilities during Covid shutdowns to help the companies recover.
A report released Monday morning could cause a loss of nearly $750,000 daily for Detroit and the state combined. The casino operators could see a revenue loss of $3.4 million everyday..
“We continue to negotiate with the DCC on a new contract that demonstrates our commitment to our employees here in Detroit. We believe that all parties are dedicated to reaching an agreement that works for everyone, said Dara Cohen, MGM Resorts International spokesperson.
Hollywood Casino said in a statement that they are committed to working together to come up with a “mutually beneficial agreement”.
The wagering tax is critical to help fund job creation, public safety, economic development, and youth development programs in Detroit. In 2022, the wagering tax exceeded property taxes and was the second highest revenue source, officials say.
“After we helped Detroit’s gaming industry get back on its feet, business is booming, but the people who make the casinos run are still struggling,” said Nia Winston, UNITE HERE Local 24 President. “Our goal is to reach a fair deal, but unfortunately, we’re still far apart. If the companies cannot do better, then we are prepared to strike.”
2022 saw the highest revenue in Detroit’s history, with the casinos generating $2.27 billion from both in-person and online gaming and the first eight months of 2023 saw even higher numbers, reports say.
"The company is offering us nickels and dimes, and they want us to pay more for healthcare," said Terri Sykes, a dealer at Motor City with 24 years of service and President of UAW Local 7777. “As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I'm fighting to protect our health care. 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.”
Reports say there are roughly 1,500 fewer union casino jobs than before the pandemic, and since 2020, casino workers only received 3% raises despite inflation in Detroit rising by 20%.
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