Casino workers in Detroit continue to be on strike and are asking for the community’s backing.

Posted on: October 31, 2023, 01:24h. 

The most recent update was recorded on October 31, 2023 at 08:32h.

Around 3,700 employees who are part of a union have entered into the third week of a strike at the three gaming establishments in Detroit. Despite this, striking workers have reported to Michigan’s radio station WSJM that both the union and management are nearing a resolution.

The casino management asserts that they have extended generous proposals to the employees. However, the strike has officially reached its third week as of noon on Tuesday.

According to the Detroit News, employees on strike were wearing Lions’ attire on Monday to prevent Detroit Lions supporters from crossing their picket line. The Detroit Casino Council, which represents the casino workers, also requested that football fans refrain from entering the casinos on Monday.

Patricia White, an employee at Hollywood Casino at Greektown, expressed her desire for others to have a good time while playing the game, but also cautioned against gambling. She sported a Lions’ jacket as she walked the picket line.

The union has raised concerns about several ongoing problems, including salaries that are not keeping pace with inflation, insufficient retirement benefits, and job security in light of advancing technology.

Hubert Bowden, a previous employee in the slot department and current poker dealer, expressed difficulty in covering his expenses.

According to Bowden’s statement to Detroit News, the increase in cost of living has made our bills unmanageable.

The Detroit Casino Council is comprised of various unions, including the UAW, Unite Here Local 24, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.

Casinos are still restricting their services.

Despite the work stoppage that began on October 17, Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino are still operating. However, they have made changes to their services in response.

MotorCity has reduced the availability of high-limit table games, first-floor slot machines, and the poker room. Certain restaurants, bars, and the valet area are also currently not in operation. MGM Grand Detroit has suspended its hotel and casino valet services at this time. Similarly, Hollywood Casino at Greektown has temporarily halted its valet service and may have limited hours for its restaurants and beverage offerings.

A possible strike may occur in Las Vegas.

In Las Vegas, 95% of employees in the Culinary Union have voted in favor of a strike at gaming establishments.

Around 40,000 out of the 60,000 members of the union are currently working without a contract. There are unresolved concerns surrounding salary, workload, and job security. Negotiations are ongoing for union workers.

On the previous Wednesday, approximately 75 members and leaders of the Culinary Union were taken into custody for obstructing traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard. This was in an attempt to draw attention to their ongoing disagreement over labor issues.