Workers across Detroit’s three casinos could strike as early as next month should such a decision be authorised in a vote that is due to be carried out today (Friday 29 September).
The United Auto Workers union has warned that staff members that are responsible for the majority of operations at MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood at Greektown could stage a walkout as negotiations regarding new contracts continue.
The union said that staff, whose duties include slots and table games on the gaming floors as well as restaurants, bars, retail outlets, hotels, cleaning, maintenance and more, are holding a vote that, if passed, could pave the way for potential strikes at the three gaming establishments.
Conversations between casinos and workers have been ongoing since the early stages of September, with a top priority cited as winning wage increases to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Should workers authorise a strike in today’s vote, the Detroit Casino Council, negotiating committee for workers. could call for strikes as soon as mid-October, when contracts expire, according to the union.
“Following COVID shutdowns, Detroit casino workers sacrificed raises and shouldered heavier workloads so the industry could recover,” the UAW said.
“Now, workers are struggling to make ends meet, even as the industry generates all-time record high gaming revenues from in-person and online gaming.”
Earlier in the month, it was reported that Detroit’s three casinos endured a year-on-year revenue drop during August, with a sports betting drag offsetting a slight uptick across slots and table games.
The three venues saw overall revenue come in at $104.9m, which is slightly down from the $106.14m figure that was recorded one year earlier.
