Workers at two of Detroit's three casinos ratify contract, end strike

Detroit — Roughly 2,100 workers at MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown have voted to ratify a new contract, ending a 34-day strike at the two properties. But those at MGM Grand Casino rejected the proposal and are continuing to strike.

The workers are members of the Detroit Casino Council, a union that represents 3,700 employees of Detroit's three casinos. Membership at each casino voted separately on the offer. Those who voted to ratify the five-year contract will receive an immediate $3-an-hour raise and a $5-an-hour total raise over the course of the contract, according to the union.

The ratified contract also comes with workload reductions, technology protections, a 401(k) employer match program, and no health care cost increases.

Members of the Detroit Casino Council walked off the job Oct. 17 after negotiations to reach new contracts failed. The strike followed heavier workloads during the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation, the council said in a news release. The workers — which include dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage staff, valets and engineers — sought wage increases, job and health care protections and reduced workloads.

The immediate raise, which represents an average of 18% for workers, is "the largest wage increases ever negotiated in the history of the Detroit casino industry," a release by the council said.

The contract ratified by union members at Greektown and MGM casinos also includes technology protections that guarantee workers will receive advanced notice when new technology affecting jobs gets introduced. Under the new contract, training for new jobs created by technology is also required, as well as health care and severance pay for employees laid off as a result of new technology.

The Detroit Casino Council is made up of five unions: the UAW, Unite Here Local 24, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324 and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. The council announced that a tentative deal had been struck on Friday.

John Drake, vice president and general manager at Hollywood Casino at Greektown, has said the casinos appreciate "the productive and respectful negotiations with the DCC and are eager to welcome back our team members as soon as possible.”

Since employees at MGM did not ratify the contract, they will remain on strike. Matt Buckley, president and COO of MGM Resorts Midwest Group, called this a "very disappointing result."

 "All employees were voting on the exact same contract, which the DCC itself said was 'a historic investment in Detroit’s future,'" Buckley said in a letter to employees. "It’s disappointing that our DCC-represented employees would vote to reject a contract that the overall majority has approved."

Over 600 MGM union members voted "yes" on the proposed contract, according to Buckley's statement. The casino will stay open and operational, despite the continued strike.

hmackay@detroitnews.com