Detroit casino workers go on strike at MGM Grand, MotorCity and Hollywood after contract expires
(CBS DETROIT) - Workers at the three Detroit casinos went on strike at noon Tuesday after an agreement was not reached.
Union members at MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood at Greektown went on strike after 99% of workers voted to authorize a strike.
According to the Detroit Casino Council, workers want wage increases, better retirement benefits and protections against the use of new technology.
The strike impacts 3,700 workers, including dealers, cleaning staff, and food and beverage workers.
Negotiations have been happening since early September, but no agreements have been reached.
"Workers are fed up in an economy that is broken: costs keep going up, but when profits came back to the gaming industry, they didn't go into workers' pockets. Just like auto workers, Blue Cross Blue Shield staff, UPS workers, writers, and hotel workers, Detroit casino workers are considering all options available to make sure one job in a Detroit casino is enough to raise a family on. We expect the casinos to heed our concerns to avoid a strike," said Nia Winston, UNITE HERE Local 24 President.
The council says as workers go on strike at the three casinos, it could impact about $738,000 in city and state taxes and $3.4 million in casino operator revenues per day.
Hollywood Casino at Greektown responds to strike
Hollywood Casino at Greektown issued the following statement as casino workers went on strike Tuesday:
"We are disappointed by the decision of the Detroit Casino Council as we have made generous, progressive settlement offers that position our team members and business for sustainable success. We will remain open for business to serve our customers and are committed to continued good-faith bargaining with the Detroit Casino Council to resolve the issues at hand as soon as possible."