Casino Employees in Detroit Continue Their Strike, Near Contract Approval
Around 3,700 union employees have now entered week three of their strike at Detroit's three gaming properties. Some workers have claimed that both sides are close to reaching an agreement, as reported by Michigan radio station WSJM.
Despite the alleged progress, the strike is still ongoing. Casino employers maintain they presented generous deals to the employees.
On Monday, workers on the picket line dressed as Detroit Lions fans, hoping to not discourage Lions fans from walking past them, according to the Detroit News. The Detroit Casino Council, the union representing the casino workers, even asked Lions supporters not to enter the casinos.
'We want them to enjoy the game. Just don't gamble,' said Patricia White, a food worker at Hollywood Casino at Greektown, donning a Lions' hoodie as she stood on the picket line.
Some issues the union wants to resolve are stagnant wages that aren't keeping up with inflation, inadequate pensions, and job security amid the advancing technology.
Former slots attendant turned poker dealer, Hubert Bowden, mentioned the struggle of meeting his bills. 'The cost of living has gone up. It makes our bills overwhelming,' he told the Detroit News.
The Detroit Casino Council is comprised of the UAW, Unite Here Local 24, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.
Casinos Limit Services Amid Strike
Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino have maintained their operations despite the work stoppage from October 17. However, they have scaled back some services as a response.
MotorCity has restricted high-limit table games, some slots on the first floor, and the poker room. Some restaurants, bars, and the valet area are also shut down temporarily. MGM Grand Detroit has temporarily closed its hotel and casino valet services, while Hollywood Casino has briefly closed its valet. Limited restaurant hours and beverage service may also be implemented at Hollywood Casino.
Possibility of a Strike in Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, the Culinary Union, representing roughly 40,000 of the 60,000 employees, has given authorization for a strike at gaming facilities. Some of the unaddressed issues include salary, workload, and job security. The union is still negotiating.
Last week, around 75 Culinary Union members and officials were apprehended by authorities after they blocked traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard as part of their ongoing labor conflict's public highlighting efforts.
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Source: www.casino.org
