Autoworkers and now Detroit’s casino workers find themselves at the center of attention, with strikes becoming a common sight. Following in the footsteps of their counterparts in the auto industry, thousands of gaming industry workers are seeking pay raises, improved healthcare and retirement benefits, and job security in the face of advancing technology.
The strike by casino workers began yesterday (Oct. 17) after their existing contracts expired. Months of negotiations and meetings with the city’s three casinos—MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown—failed to yield a deal. “The workers, represented by the Detroit Casino Council (DCC), are seeking contract improvements after years of pandemic hardship, but casino management remains unwilling to deliver a fair contract for workers,” said Meghan Cohorst, the communications lead for the labor union Unite Here.
MotorCity Casino, one of the affected casinos, has already experienced the impact of the strike. The casino has temporarily closed several of its services, presumably due to the staff walkout. As of today (Oct. 18), the following services are unavailable: high limit table games, first floor slots, in-person or kiosk wagers for FanDuel Sportsbook (betting can be done using the mobile app), the poker room, casino valet, some restaurants and bars, D.Tour Spa, Lacquer Gift Shop, and hotel valet.
The casino workers’ strike has garnered attention for the sheer numbers involved. On Sept. 30, a striking authorization vote was held, with an overwhelming 99% in favor. Teamsters general president Sean M. O’Brien stated, “It sends a clear message to the Detroit casino cartel that our members are the ones who created massive profits for these corporations, and it’s time to share the wealth.” Over 3,700 casino workers across the three Detroit casinos, including dealers, food and beverage workers, cleaning staff, valets, engineers, and more, are participating in the strike.
The reduction in jobs post-pandemic has put a heavier workload on existing employees, making it difficult for them to take breaks and holidays. Anecdotal evidence suggests that since the pandemic, approximately 1,500 jobs have been lost, adding to the strain. As part of the contract negotiations, casino workers are seeking reduced workloads.
Despite Detroit’s casino industry’s record gaming revenue of $2.27 billion in 2022, casino workers have only received a 3% raise since September 2020, while the city’s inflation has risen by 20%. Additionally, the value of retirement for casino workers has remained unchanged for eight years.
The impact of the strike goes beyond the casinos and workers themselves. Each day of the strike puts $738,000 of city and state tax revenues at risk. In a report released by the DCC, they highlighted the importance of the wagering tax, which is used to fund various programs in the city, including job creation, public safety, economic development, and youth development. Furthermore, casino operator revenues are estimated to be at risk by $3.4 million each day of the strike.
This wave of strikes is not limited to the casino industry or Detroit. Casino workers in different cities, such as Los Angeles and Vancouver, are also striking, demanding better wages and standards. Gwen Mills, Secretary-Treasurer of UNITE HERE International Union, which represents North American hospitality workers, emphasized the shared struggle of hospitality workers across the United States and Canada.
Beyond the casino industry, various other strikes have taken place in Michigan. Over 32 days, 34,000-plus union members at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis have been on strike. Blue Cross Blue Shield workers in Michigan also walked off the job on Sept. 13, and around 250 workers at three nursing homes in metro Detroit went on strike starting Oct. 10 and 11. These strikes highlight the rising dissatisfaction among workers across different sectors and industries.
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