Posted on: June 7, 2023, 08:54h.
Last updated on: June 7, 2023, 08:54h.
Detroit’s gaming scene has been rattled by an ongoing workers’ strike, with 3,700 employees from three casinos participating. The strike, which entered its fourth week, has led to debates between the workers’ unions and the casinos’ management regarding healthcare premiums and hourly wage increases.
According to reports, management’s latest proposal includes a $40 healthcare premium payment by workers, down from the prior offer of $60. However, the labor union is pushing for no premium payments, which is causing the negotiations to drag on.
The union has also revealed that management offered workers a $1.95 increase in hourly wages during the contract’s first year, but the union is demanding an increase to $3.25 per hour.
In the meantime, the strike is having an impact on the in-house services and offerings at the casinos, with workers urging the public to support them and not enter the properties. The Detroit Casino Council also set up donation bins for the members of the striking workers at the three casinos to gain additional financial support and raise awareness about the strikes.
3,700 Detroit Casino Council workers are on strike fighting for respect, economic justice, security on the job, workload reductions, and a fair contract,” Nia Winston, president of Unite Here Local 24, said in another recent video.
Concerns about job losses due to increased automation have also been raised by the workers, as technology continues to play a bigger role in the gaming properties, potentially impacting various job sectors.
Las Vegas Prepares for Strike
In Las Vegas, tens of thousands of workers from various properties are gearing up for a potential strike. The ongoing negotiations have shown some movement, but a work stoppage remains a distinct possibility if a contract isn’t reached soon.
We have made movement in the last week since the announcement of the strike deadline. We are cautiously optimistic,” said Culinary Union Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge.
The possible strike in Las Vegas is scheduled just a few days before the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, a highly anticipated event that could see significant disruptions if the labor dispute isn’t resolved in time.