Posted on: October 31, 2023, 01:24h. 

Last updated on: October 31, 2023, 01:24h.

Approximately 3,700 unionized workers are in the midst of a strike on Detroit’s three gaming properties, which has now entered its third week.

Despite the strike, the gaming properties, including Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino, are still operational since its commencement on October 17.

The striking workers have reported that the union and management are close to reaching an agreement.

However, casino officials claim that they have made generous offers to the workers. Nevertheless, the strike is officially in its third week as of noon on Tuesday.

Showing Team Spirit

On Monday, the picket line workers were seen sporting Detroit Lions’ jerseys in an attempt to attract the attention of passing football fans, as reported by the Detroit News.

Additionally, the Detroit Casino Council, which represents the casino workers, asked the pro football fans to refrain from entering the casinos.

“We want them to enjoy the game. Just don’t gamble,” said Patricia White, a food worker at Hollywood Casino at Greektown, while donning a hooded Lions’ jacket on the picket line.

Hubert Bowden, another worker at Hollywood Casino at Greektown, mentioned that each fan should make their own decision about entering the casino.

Bowden, a former slots attendant turned poker dealer, expressed the challenge of meeting his financial obligations.

“The cost of living has gone up. It makes our bills overwhelming,” stated Bowden in an interview with the News.

Rhonda Navarro, a dealer at Hollywood Casino at Greektown, emphasized the need for a raise among employees to WSJM.

“We haven’t had a raise in a very long time, not a substantial raise. They’re always willing to give us pennies and they want to spread it out over years. We need dollars, we need something substantial.”

As the strike continues, the Detroit casinos are making further reductions in services.

MotorCity has limited high-limit table games, first-floor slots, and the poker room. Some restaurants, bars, and the valet area are temporarily closed as well.

MGM Grand Detroit has temporarily closed its hotel and casino valet services. Hollywood Casino at Greektown has also suspended its valet service, and there may be limitations on restaurant hours and beverage service.

The union has cited several unresolved issues, including salaries that do not keep up with inflation, inadequate retirement pay, and job protection in the face of advancing technology.

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

Looming Strike in Las Vegas

In Las Vegas, 95% of Culinary Union workers in gaming properties have authorized a strike.

Currently, 40,000 out of 60,000 union members are working without a contract, seeking a five-year agreement.

Unresolved issues include salary, workload, and job security. Negotiations between the two sides are ongoing.

Protests on the Strip

Last Wednesday, approximately 75 Culinary Union members and officials were arrested after blocking traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard to draw attention to their labor dispute.