The Detroit Casino Council has stated that strikes related to labour disputes for workers at the MGM Grand Detroit have come to an end after union members voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new contract.
Last month, the Detroit Casino Council of five unions – UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters – announced that a tentative five-year deal that looked to bring an end to the strikes at the city’s three casinos which began on October 17.
Workers at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino agreed to the contract, ending their strikes on November 19 after 34 days. However, MGM Grand Casino union members disagreed with the deal and continued striking.
On December 2, 1,700 employees at the MGM Grand Casino agreed to a new labour deal, bringing an end to their strike after 47 days.
The five-year agreement includes the largest wage increase ever for MGM Grand Detroit workers: an immediate $3 an hour raise (18 per cent pay rise on average) and $5 an hour total raises over the life of the contract.
Gabriel Robert Hernandez, a valet at MGM Grand Detroit and member of Teamsters Local 1038, stated: “Since welcoming my son into the world, securing my family’s health care benefits was the most important thing to me.
“We sacrificed a lot during the pandemic, but we fought for and ultimately won a contract that secures our health care and provides significantly improved wages.”
The MGM Grand Detroit deal also includes a bonus option either upfront or in the second year of the deal, no health care cost increases for employees, workload reductions and other job protections, first-ever technology contract language, a 401K option up to $1000 and a paid Juneteenth holiday.
“Both my son and I have been on strike together, so for me the fight to protect our healthcare and win better wages was always about something bigger for my family and the next generation,” commented Alicia Weaver, a guest room attendant for 24 years at MGM Grand Detroit and member of UNITE HERE Local 24.
“Together – with the rest of our MGM family who stood with us on that picket line in the rain and frigid temperatures – we made history, and I’m proud of what we accomplished by taking a stand together.”
Patrick Nichols, a dealer at MGM Grand Detroit and member of UAW Local 7777, added: “I am happy to announce that MGM employees ratified their contract tonight. I am impressed by how all the unions and members worked together to win an excellent contract. I’m looking forward to going back to work.”
