Negotiation Deadline Extended For Casino Contract
DETROIT (WWJ) - A contract deadline has been extended for another 24 hours for Detroit's casinos and their employee unions.
Members of the unions had approved a strike vote if they could not reach an agreement with MGM Grand, MotorCity Casino Hotel and Greektown by midnight Tuesday.
Economic issues are the sticking point at the bargaining table, covering dealers, slot technicians, valet warehouse employees, engineers and other trade positions.
"Everyone has agreed to continue to meet and negotiate in good faith in hopes of reaching an agreement on a new contract prior to the new deadline," said Jacci Woods, spokeswoman for MotorCity Casino Hotel in a statement.
Casino patrons speaking to WWJ Newsradio 950 in downtown Detroit Tuesday were adamant about where they stand on the contract dispute.
One Ferndale man said he'll respect any picket line between him and Detroit's three casinos.
"No, I'm definitely a union man, retiree. No, I wouldn't cross no picket line," he said. "I hope they settle it. If they do, then I'm still here. If not, I will not cross that line."
Other union retirees who patronize the Detroit casinos told WWJ they'll either gamble in Windsor or stay home.
WWJ and CBSDetroit.com reported Sunday that the contract between the union and the MotorCity Casino Hotel was extended for 48 hours, just hours before the deal was set to expire.
