FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—October 24, 2023
Contact: Annemarie Strassel at 312-617-0495
Detroit City Council Unanimously Passes Resolution Supporting Striking Casino Workers
The resolution expresses solidarity with striking workers, “recognizes that working people deserve respect, adequate workplace protections, and the right to a living wage.”
Casino workers launched a citywide strike one week ago
Read the full city council resolution >>
DETROIT—The Detroit City Council unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday morning in support of unionized casino workers at the MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. One week ago, workers launched a wall-to-wall strike affecting 3,700 casino employees across a broad range of classifications including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more.
Hundreds of members of the five unions who are striking together at Detroit’s three casinos packed Detroit City Council’s big auditorium wearing blue union coalition shirts. Workers from all three casinos presented public testimony, calling on members of the City Council to vote in favor of a resolution supporting Detroit casino workers on strike for a fair contract.
When Detroit’s casinos were first approved in 1998, the casino owners signed agreements with the City of Detroit to ensure good jobs in Detroit’s casino industry. In the time since, Detroit’s casino workers sacrificed raises and shouldered heavier workloads so the industry could recover from the pandemic.
“When the casinos decided to open in Detroit, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me. They promoted a fabulous package of making a substantial amount of money, low cost of healthcare, and decent contributions to a 401k: it was what I was looking for,” said Kim Syfax, a 21-year table games dealer at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and chairperson of UAW Local 7777, who spoke in support of the resolution. “As of now, the wages we receive absolutely do not keep up with the rising cost of living. That’s why we’re asking you to support us, and to stand with us.”
“I came today to ask City Council to support our strike as we try to maintain our healthcare,” said Shataya Thompson, a valet cashier at MotorCity Casino and member of Teamsters Local 1038, who also spoke in support of the resolution. “I’m a mother and wife, and I am currently pregnant with my third child. I am considered high risk, and this past weekend I spent three days in the hospital. Maintaining my healthcare is the most important thing for me.”
“I stand before you today to ask you to support us and our strike. We all would like to maintain our healthcare and to have a livable wage. There’s no reason for anybody to be working in these casinos and be homeless,” said Alicia Weaver, a 24-year guest room attendant at MGM Grand Detroit and member of UNITE HERE Local 24, testifying before the members of Detroit’s City Council. “Most importantly, we want you to understand the work that we do every day to help create the revenue that comes into the City of Detroit. I want you to make sure that these companies recognize our work, and that it’s time for them to take care of us.”
In September 2020, workers agreed to a three-year contract extension with minimal wage increases to help the industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Detroit casino workers have received only 3% raises, but inflation in Detroit has risen 20%. In contrast, industry gaming revenues have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels to reach a new record high. In 2022, the Detroit casino industry generated $2.27 billion in gaming revenue and is on track for another record-breaking year in 2023.
After months of negotiations with casino operators failed to produce a fair contract, Detroit Casino workers were forced onto the picket line last week to protect their healthcare and win decent raises, fair workloads, and more job security.
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The Detroit Casino Council (DCC) is UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. These five unions represent most of the workers at the three casinos in Detroit: Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino. Our members work in food and beverage, housekeeping, retail outlets, slots and table games, engineering and more. The DCC partner unions are part of International Unions that have experience representing gaming workers and winning great contracts throughout the United States, including in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. For more information visit https://www.detroitcasinocouncil.org.
300+ Striking Casino Workers Head to Michigan State Capitol for Support
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—October 31, 2023
Contact: Meghan Cohorst, [email protected], 239-503-1533
300+ Striking Casino Workers Head to Michigan State Capitol for Support
After launching a citywide casino strike on Oct. 17, Detroit’s casino workers call on state leaders to join their picket line and pass legislation supporting all working people in Michigan
Lansing, MI — More than 300 striking Detroit casino workers traveled to Lansing today to speak with state leaders at Michigan’s State Capitol about the strike and other important legislation impacting all working people in Michigan.
On October 17, casino workers who are members of the Detroit Casino Council – five unions working in coalition – launched a citywide casino strike affecting MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. Detroit Casino workers were forced onto the picket line to protect their healthcare and win decent raises, fair workloads, and more job security. The wall-to-wall strike affects 3,700 casino employees across a broad range of classifications including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more.
Today in Lansing, striking workers are appealing to Michigan leaders to join them on the picket line and allow Detroit to raise its minimum wage by repealing the “Death Star” bill, SB171, which would repeal preemptions on local government control of labor and workforce policies. The bill was passed by members of the Senate Labor Committee in September.
In September 2020, workers agreed to a three-year contract extension with minimal wage increases to help the industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Detroit casino workers have received only 3% raises, but inflation in Detroit has risen 20%. In contrast, industry gaming revenues have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels to reach a new record high. In 2022, the Detroit casino industry generated $2.27 billion in gaming revenue and is on track for another record-breaking year in 2023.
“We’re asking Michigan leaders to join us on the picket line because the wages we receive absolutely do not keep up with the rising cost of living,” said Terri Smith, a table games dealer at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and member of UAW Local 777. “We’re out here fighting for our families and for more good jobs in Michigan.”
“We’re on strike to maintain our healthcare and to have a livable wage. There’s no reason for anybody to be working in these casinos and be homeless,” said Alicia Weaver, a 24-year guest room attendant at MGM Grand Detroit and member of UNITE HERE Local 24.
“Our employers are making record profits. We want to maintain our healthcare and improve our wages so that they keep up with the rising costs of living,” said Shataya Thompson, a valet cashier at MotorCity Casino and a member of Teamsters Local 1038. “We’re asking our elected officials to understand that all we want is a fair contract.”
Detroit’s casino workers are winning support from other community leaders. Last week, the Detroit City Council unanimously passed a resolution backing unionized casino workers at the MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown in their struggle for a fair contract.
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The Detroit Casino Council (DCC) is UNITE HERE Local 24, the UAW, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. These five unions represent most of the workers at the three casinos in Detroit: Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino. Our members work in food and beverage, housekeeping, retail outlets, slots and table games, engineering and more. The DCC partner unions are part of International Unions that have experience representing gaming workers and winning great contracts throughout the United States, including in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
300+ Striking Casino Workers Head to Michigan State Capitol for Support
MEDIA ADVISORY for October 31, 2023
Contact: Meghan Cohorst, [email protected], 239-503-1533
300+ Striking Casino Workers Head to Michigan State Capitol for Support
After launching a citywide casino strike Oct. 17, Detroit’s casino workers call on state leaders to support their fight and all working people in Michigan
What: Striking casino workers will be talking to members of Michigan’s state legislature about the strike and other important legislation impacting all working people in Michigan.
When: Tuesday, October 31. Buses will depart from Detroit at 8:00am. Lobbying will take place at the Michigan State Capitol between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
Who: 300+ striking Detroit casino workers—dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more—who are members of the five unions that comprise the Detroit Casino Council (DCC): UNITE HERE Local 24, United Auto Workers Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.
Where: Buses leave for Lansing from UNITE HERE Union Hall (300 River Place Dr., Detroit). Lobbying at Michigan State Capitol, 100 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing.
Visuals: Hundreds of striking workers wearing blue union shirts and caps.
Interviews: Members of the DCC worker negotiating committee and union officials are available for interviews. Please contact to coordinate.
Why:
Detroit casino strikers are headed to Lansing to speak to Michigan leaders about their fight for a fair contract and important legislation impacting all working people in Michigan.
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, unionized casino workers at MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown launched a wall-to-wall strike affecting 3700 casino workers across a broad range of classifications such as dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more. Workers are on strike to protect their healthcare and win decent raises, fair workloads, and more job security. This is the first casino strike in Detroit history.
Detroit’s casino workers sacrificed raises and shouldered heavier workloads so the industry could recover from the pandemic. In September 2020, workers agreed to a three-year contract extension with minimal wage increases to help the industry get back on its feet. Since then, Detroit casino workers have received only 3% raises, but inflation in Detroit has risen 20%. In contrast, industry gaming revenues have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels to reach a new record high. In 2022, the Detroit casino industry generated $2.27 billion in gaming revenue and is on track for another record-breaking year in 2023.
Just last week, workers won the backing of Detroit city leaders after the Detroit City Council unanimously passed a resolution in support of the strike.
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The Detroit Casino Council (DCC) is UNITE HERE Local 24, the UAW, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. These five unions represent most of the workers at the three casinos in Detroit: Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino. Our members work in food and beverage, housekeeping, retail outlets, slots and table games, engineering and more. The DCC partner unions are part of International Unions that have experience representing gaming workers and winning great contracts throughout the United States, including in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Striking Detroit Casino Workers Celebrate Lions Game Day, Telling Customers: “Real Lions Fans Don’t Cross Picket Lines!”
MEDIA ADVISORY for October 30, 2023
Contact: Sheila King, [email protected], 313-899-0552
Striking Detroit Casino Workers Celebrate Lions Game Day, Telling Customers: “Real Lions Fans Don’t Cross Picket Lines!”
WHAT: Striking casino workers tailgating on the picket line and appealing to Detroit sports fans for support
WHEN: Monday, October 30 – 3:00-5:00pm
WHO: Hundreds of striking Detroit casino workers—dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more—who are members of the five unions that comprise the Detroit Casino Council (DCC): UNITE HERE Local 24, United Auto Workers Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.
WHERE: Picket lines at MGM Grand Detroit (1777 3rd Ave.), Hollywood Casino at Greektown (1211 Chrysler Dr.) and MotorCity (2901 Grand River Ave.)
VISUALS: BBQ tailgating; strikers in Lions’ gear; signs that read “On Strike,” “Don’t Gamble with Our Future,” and “Strike City”
INTERVIEWS: Strikers available for interviews. Please contact to coordinate.
WHY: As sports fans flood into downtown Detroit today for the Lions game, Detroit’s striking casino workers are making a simple request: Please don’t play, eat, drink, meet, or sleep at the MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, or Hollywood Casino at Greektown!
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, unionized casino workers at MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown launched a wall-to-wall strike affecting 3700 casino workers across a broad range of classifications such as dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more. This is the first casino strike in Detroit history.
Detroit’s casino workers sacrificed raises and shouldered heavier workloads so the industry could recover from the pandemic. In September 2020, workers agreed to a three-year contract extension with minimal wage increases to help the industry get back on its feet. Since then, Detroit casino workers have received only 3% raises, but inflation in Detroit has risen 20%. In contrast, industry gaming revenues have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels to reach a new record high. In 2022, the Detroit casino industry generated $2.27 billion in gaming revenue and is on track for another record-breaking year in 2023.
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The Detroit Casino Council (DCC) is UNITE HERE Local 24, the UAW, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. These five unions represent most of the workers at the three casinos in Detroit: Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino. Our members work in food and beverage, housekeeping, retail outlets, slots and table games, engineering and more. The DCC partner unions are part of International Unions that have experience representing gaming workers and winning great contracts throughout the United States, including in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. For more information, visit https://www.detroitcasinocouncil.org.
On the Lines October 26, 2023
Casino Worker Solidarity!
A group of Detroit MGM strikers joined 100’s of union casino workers on the Las Vegas strip as they bargained with MGM.
On the Lines October 25, 2023
Detroit City Council Unanimously Passes Resolution Supporting Striking Casino Workers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—October 24, 2023
Contact: Annemarie Strassel at 312-617-0495
Detroit City Council Unanimously Passes Resolution Supporting Striking Casino Workers
The resolution expresses solidarity with striking workers, “recognizes that working people deserve respect, adequate workplace protections, and the right to a living wage.”
Casino workers launched a citywide strike one week ago
Read the full city council resolution >>
DETROIT—The Detroit City Council unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday morning in support of unionized casino workers at the MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. One week ago, workers launched a wall-to-wall strike affecting 3,700 casino employees across a broad range of classifications including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more.
Hundreds of members of the five unions who are striking together at Detroit’s three casinos packed Detroit City Council’s big auditorium wearing blue union coalition shirts. Workers from all three casinos presented public testimony, calling on members of the City Council to vote in favor of a resolution supporting Detroit casino workers on strike for a fair contract.
When Detroit’s casinos were first approved in 1998, the casino owners signed agreements with the City of Detroit to ensure good jobs in Detroit’s casino industry. In the time since, Detroit’s casino workers sacrificed raises and shouldered heavier workloads so the industry could recover from the pandemic.
“When the casinos decided to open in Detroit, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me. They promoted a fabulous package of making a substantial amount of money, low cost of healthcare, and decent contributions to a 401k: it was what I was looking for,” said Kim Syfax, a 21-year table games dealer at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and chairperson of UAW Local 7777, who spoke in support of the resolution. “As of now, the wages we receive absolutely do not keep up with the rising cost of living. That’s why we’re asking you to support us, and to stand with us.”
“I came today to ask City Council to support our strike as we try to maintain our healthcare,” said Shataya Thompson, a valet cashier at MotorCity Casino and member of Teamsters Local 1038, who also spoke in support of the resolution. “I’m a mother and wife, and I am currently pregnant with my third child. I am considered high risk, and this past weekend I spent three days in the hospital. Maintaining my healthcare is the most important thing for me.”
“I stand before you today to ask you to support us and our strike. We all would like to maintain our healthcare and to have a livable wage. There’s no reason for anybody to be working in these casinos and be homeless,” said Alicia Weaver, a 24-year guest room attendant at MGM Grand Detroit and member of UNITE HERE Local 24, testifying before the members of Detroit’s City Council. “Most importantly, we want you to understand the work that we do every day to help create the revenue that comes into the City of Detroit. I want you to make sure that these companies recognize our work, and that it’s time for them to take care of us.”
In September 2020, workers agreed to a three-year contract extension with minimal wage increases to help the industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, Detroit casino workers have received only 3% raises, but inflation in Detroit has risen 20%. In contrast, industry gaming revenues have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels to reach a new record high. In 2022, the Detroit casino industry generated $2.27 billion in gaming revenue and is on track for another record-breaking year in 2023.
After months of negotiations with casino operators failed to produce a fair contract, Detroit Casino workers were forced onto the picket line last week to protect their healthcare and win decent raises, fair workloads, and more job security.
###
The Detroit Casino Council (DCC) is UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. These five unions represent most of the workers at the three casinos in Detroit: Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino. Our members work in food and beverage, housekeeping, retail outlets, slots and table games, engineering and more. The DCC partner unions are part of International Unions that have experience representing gaming workers and winning great contracts throughout the United States, including in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. For more information visit https://www.detroitcasinocouncil.org.
On the Lines October 24, 2023
Hundreds of Striking Casino Workers Head to City Hall for Support
MEDIA ADVISORY for October 24, 2023 at 10:00am
Contact: Annemarie Strassel at 312-617-0495
Hundreds of Striking Casino Workers Head to City Hall for Support
After launching a citywide casino strike less than one week ago, casino workers call on city leaders to hold Detroit casinos to their promise of creating good jobs.
WHAT: Striking casino workers giving public testimony to members of Detroit’s City Council and calling for a statement of support for the strike.
WHEN: Tuesday, October 24 – 10:00am.
WHO: Hundreds of striking Detroit casino workers—dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more—who are members of the five unions that comprise the Detroit Casino Council (DCC): UNITE HERE Local 24, United Auto Workers Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.
WHERE: City Council Chambers (Coleman A. Young Municipal Center), 2 Woodward Ave #1340, Detroit, MI 48226 and overflow action in front of Spirt of Detroit monument
VISUALS: Hundreds of striking workers holding strike signs
INTERVIEWS: Members of the DCC worker negotiating committee and union officials are available for interviews. Please contact to coordinate.
WHY: When Detroit’s casinos were first approved in 1998, the casino owners signed agreements with the City of Detroit to ensure good jobs in Detroit’s casino industry. Now casino workers are on strike to protect their healthcare and win decent raises, fair workloads, and more job security. This week, they are appealing to city leaders to issue a statement of support for their efforts to hold casino owners to their promise to Detroit.
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, unionized casino workers at MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown launched a wall-to-wall strike affecting 3700 casino workers across a broad range of classifications such as dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more. This is the first casino strike in Detroit history.
Detroit’s casino workers sacrificed raises and shouldered heavier workloads so the industry could recover from the pandemic. In September 2020, workers agreed to a three-year contract extension with minimal wage increases to help the industry get back on its feet. Since then, Detroit casino workers have received only 3% raises, but inflation in Detroit has risen 20%. In contrast, industry gaming revenues have now surpassed pre-pandemic levels to reach a new record high. In 2022, the Detroit casino industry generated $2.27 billion in gaming revenue and is on track for another record-breaking year in 2023.
###
The Detroit Casino Council (DCC) is UNITE HERE Local 24, the UAW, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. These five unions represent most of the workers at the three casinos in Detroit: Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino. Our members work in food and beverage, housekeeping, retail outlets, slots and table games, engineering and more. The DCC partner unions are part of International Unions that have experience representing gaming workers and winning great contracts throughout the United States, including in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
On the Lines October 23, 2023