Detroit Casino Workers Strike: Municipal Leaders Voice Support
Posted on: October 24, 2023, 03:22h. | Last updated on: October 24, 2023, 03:22h.
In a show of solidarity, Detroit’s municipal leaders have expressed their support for the 3,700 workers who have gone on strike from the city’s three casinos.
The Detroit City Council has unanimously declared its support for the striking casino workers and their demands for improved pay and working conditions.
The council’s resolution states, “Working people deserve respect, adequate workplace protections, and the right to a living wage.”
The strike, initiated by union members from MGM Grand, MotorCity Casino Hotel, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown on Oct. 17, has resulted in limited offerings at the casinos. Workers on strike include cleaning staff, engineers, food and beverage servers, table game dealers, and valets.
This labor action coincides with the consideration of a strike by unionized hotel and restaurant workers in Las Vegas, highlighting a nationwide resurgence of labor unions’ bargaining power in various sectors.
Workers Show Strong Support
Over 700 striking workers attended the council meeting in Detroit to demonstrate their support for the resolution, according to the Detroit News.
The Detroit Casino Council, consisting of the United Auto Workers, Teamsters Local 1038, UNITE HERE Local 24, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, represents the striking workers.
The workers claim that they made concessions in their 2020 contract with the casinos, but have since only received a 3% raise, which has not kept pace with inflation in the city or the record-breaking revenue generated by the casinos.
Concerns raised by the unions and their supporters include inadequate healthcare, job security, retirement benefits, and overall employment levels.
Councilman Coleman A. Young II, addressing the crowd at Tuesday’s meeting, passionately expressed his support for the workers, encouraging others to join in solidarity.
Potential Impact on City Revenue
The ongoing contract dispute between the casinos and their workers poses a threat to Detroit’s revenue, both from gambling taxes and income taxes not being paid by striking workers.
During the current fiscal year, in-person gaming is projected to contribute $158.5 million to the city, while online gaming is estimated to generate $89.8 million, as reported by the Detroit News.
The city’s Chief Financial Officer’s office expressed hope for a fair agreement to be reached soon, highlighting previous fiscal planning for resiliency in managing short-term revenue disruptions.