DETROIT (WWJ) - Striking workers at two of the Detroit casinos have voted to accept a new contract that the Detroit Casino Council says has “historic wage increases”.
Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino have both accepted the 5 year contract offered to them.
Officials say that MGM Grand Casino workers rejected the contract and will continue the strike. The continuation of the strike at MGM Grand Casino will result in further bargaining days being scheduled.
In a statement released by MGM Grand Casino, President and COO Matt Buckley said the result of the vote was “very disappointing.” Buckley said more than 600 of their striking employees voted in favor of the contract, and that they would allow “any employee who wishes to cross the picket line and return to work to do so.”
Officials say that 2,100 employees are covered by the new contract, which will see the largest wage increases in the 23-year history of Detroit’s casino industry. Workers will receive an immediate increase of $3 an hour, with a total of $5 in raises over the life of the contract.
The contract also includes a workload decrease for housekeeping and other workers, a first ever 401k employer match program up to $1,000 in the second year and paid Juneteenth holiday.
In addition, the contract addresses changes in technology. Employees will be given advance notice where there is new technology being introduced that could impact jobs, training will be provided for new jobs that are created by technology and employees that are laid off because of technology will get healthcare and severance pay, officials said.
The strike began on Oct. 17. The Detroit Casino Council said that the strike came about due to workers giving up raises and increasing their workloads to help the casinos stay open during the pandemic. They didn’t receive anything in return despite record profits for the casinos.
The contract is set to take effect at 9 p.m. on Nov. 19.