Detroit Casino Council Members: In a significant development, union members affiliated with the Detroit Casino Council voted to approve a new contract with MGM Grand Detroit, operated by MGM Resorts, bringing an end to the 47-day strike, announced Unite Here on Saturday.
The ratified agreement, covering 1,700 employees, concludes the strike that commenced on October 1. The Detroit Casino Council had previously reached a tentative agreement on November 17 for a new contract encompassing 3,700 workers across MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood Casino at Greektown (operated by Penn Entertainment), and MotorCity Casino.
While union members at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino had already voted to ratify the new contract, MGM Grand workers had not, leading to an extended period of negotiations and uncertainty.
“Were glad our DCC-represented employees voted tonight to ratify the 64-month contract and end the strike, allowing us to immediately resume full and normal operations at MGM Grand Detroit,” stated MGM in response to the development.
Under the newly-ratified contract, workers will receive an immediate $3 an hour raise, along with $5 an hour total raises over the 64-month duration of the agreement, according to details provided by Unite Here. The contract is touted as providing the largest pay increase ever negotiated for casino workers, without imposing additional healthcare costs. It also includes workload reductions, job protections, technology contract language, retirement increases, and various other benefits.
The Detroit Casino Council is a coalition of five unions, including Unite Here Local 24, United Auto Workers (UAW), Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. The resolution of the strike comes as a relief for both the workers and the casino, enabling the resumption of normal operations.
Also Read: UAW Ambitious Drive: Organizing Beyond Detroit Three
Our Reader’s Queries
Who owns the casino in Detroit?
MGM Grand Detroit Casino is among the 19 properties that belong to MGM Resorts International and VICI Properties, Inc.
What is the largest casino in Detroit?
The MGM Grand Detroit boasts an Art Deco theme and offers 401 rooms for guests to enjoy. With a total gaming space of 100,000 square feet, there’s plenty of opportunity to try your luck. The hotel also features a 1,200-seat theatre for permanent shows.
What is the MGM Detroit contract?
The union has announced a five-year agreement that covers 1,700 employees and boasts the largest wage increases ever for MGM Grand Detroit workers. The agreement includes a $3/hour raise, which translates to an average of 18% wage increase in the first year, and a $5/hour increase over the span of the five-year contract. These gains are a significant win for the employees and will undoubtedly improve their quality of life.
Did MGM ratify their contract?
The Detroit Casino Council’s union members have finally ended their 47-day strike after voting to ratify a new contract with MGM. The five-year agreement, which covers 1,700 employees, includes the largest wage increases ever for MGM Grand Detroit workers. This is great news for the workers who have been fighting for better pay and benefits. The council announced the ratification of the new contract in a news release.