After a grueling 47-day standoff, the Detroit Casino Council announced the ratification of a groundbreaking labor agreement with MGM Grand Detroit, effectively bringing an end to the strike that commenced on October 17. The agreement, hailed as historic, follows similar resolutions with Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino, solidifying a united front for the city’s casino workers.
MGM Grand Detroit Workers Secure Record Wage Increases
The union members, comprising nearly 4,000 employees under the Detroit Casino Council, voted overwhelmingly in favor of the five-year contract on December 2. The prolonged strike, triggered by concerns over healthcare and stagnant wages, saw solidarity among workers from various unions, including UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.
The terms of the agreement mark a significant victory for the workers, with MGM Grand Detroit employees securing the largest wage increases in the casino’s history. Immediate pay raises of $3 per hour, translating to an average 18% increase, were granted upon ratification.
Over the course of the five-year contract, employees are slated to receive a cumulative $5 per hour raise. Notably, the agreement includes a bonus option, no healthcare cost increases, workload reductions, and unprecedented job and technology protections.
MGM Grand Detroit Staff Reflect on Strike’s Significance
Patrick Nichols, a dealer at MGM Grand Detroit and member of UAW Local 7777, conveyed his satisfaction with the negotiated contract, expressing that he was impressed by how all the unions and members had worked together to secure an excellent contract. He mentioned that he was looking forward to returning to work, reported the Michigan Advance.
The Detroit Casino Council, in a written statement, highlighted the significance of the agreement, emphasizing the inclusion of first-ever technology protections and a paid Juneteenth holiday.
Alicia Weaver, a guest room attendant with 24 years of service at MGM Grand Detroit, shared her thoughts on the broader impact of the strike, stating for Detroit Free Press that, together with the rest of the MGM family who stood with them on the picket line in challenging weather conditions, they had made history. She expressed pride in what they had achieved by taking a stand together.MGM Resorts International executives welcomed the resolution with enthusiasm.
Matt Buckley, the President and COO of the Midwest Group at MGM Resorts International, expressed their excitement about welcoming the team back and continuing to offer guests the renowned entertainment experiences associated with MGM Grand Detroit.