Union Members at Hollywood Casino and MotorCity Ratify Agreement with Casinos, Winning Highest Wage Increase in History of Detroit Casino Industry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, November 19, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Annemarie Strassel, [email protected], (312-617-0495) and Diana Hussein, [email protected], (313) 460-3119

Strike Ends at Hollywood Casino and MotorCity

Strike Continues at MGM Grand Casino, Where Union Members Voted Down Tentative Agreement

Detroit, MI – Union members affiliated with the Detroit Casino Council at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino have voted to ratify a new contract with historic wage increases and other gains. The successful ratification triggers the end of the 34-day strike at both properties, effective tonight (11/19/23) at 9:00pm.

Union members at MGM Grand Casino voted to reject the proposed deal and will continue to strike. More bargaining dates will be scheduled. Membership at each casino property voted separately about whether to accept the deal.

The historic five-year tentative agreements with Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino cover 2100 employees and include the largest wage increases ever negotiated in the Detroit casino industry’s 23-year history, no health care cost increases for employees, workload reductions and other job protections, first-ever technology contract language and more. Upon ratification, workers will receive an immediate $3 an hour raise (average 18% wage increase in Year One) and $5 an hour total raises over the life of the contract. *See below for more contract highlights.*

On 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, including dealers, housekeepers and other cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers, and more. It was the first casino strike in Detroit history and the first wall-to-wall casino strike in American history.

The historic agreements come after years of hardship that Detroit casino workers have endured after sacrificing raises and shouldering heavier workloads so the industry could stay open during the pandemic. Since that time, Detroit’s gaming industry revenues have hit record highs. Workers went on strike, demanding large wage increases in the face of high inflation and other job protections.

The settlements at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino represent another win for union workers nationwide fighting for economic justice with a historic wave of strikes that have resulted in big gains for American workers across many industries.

Five unions comprise the Detroit Casino Council: UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.

By striking, Detroit Casino Council unions at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino have moved the industry towards a new standard:

  • Winning the largest wage increases ever negotiated in the history of the Detroit casino industry, including a $3/hr. raise up front (average 18% wage increase in Year One), $5/hr. over the life of the contract
  • Protecting the healthcare standard that Detroit casino unions have built over two decades with NO increased costs to employees or plan changes
  • Reducing workloads in housekeeping and other classifications that have resulted from 1500 fewer workers post pandemic
  • Securing first-ever technology protections to guarantee advanced notification when new technology is introduced that impacts jobs, require training for new jobs created by technology, and provide health care and severance pay for workers who are laid off because of new technology
  • First-ever 401k employer match program up to $1,000 in Year Two
  • Paid Juneteenth Holiday

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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

Historic Tentative Agreement Reached between Unions and Detroit Casinos

New agreement includes highest wage increases in history of casino industry in Detroit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Annemarie Strassel, [email protected] and 312-617-0495

Detroit, MI – The Detroit Casino Council has reached a tentative agreement for a new five-year contract with MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown after 32 days on strike. The unions will continue to strike until the members ratify the proposed settlement.

This settlement is a historic investment in Detroit’s future. This new contract brings together workers and employers in partnership to fulfill the gaming industry’s promise to Detroit of high-paying casino jobs with good benefits. The historic five-year tentative agreement covering 3700 employees includes the largest wage increases ever negotiated in the Detroit casino industry’s 23-year history (including an immediate 18% pay raise on average), no health care cost increases for employees, workload reductions and other job protections, first-ever technology contract language, retirement increases and more.

Additional specifics of the new union collective bargaining agreement will not be disclosed publicly at this time to ensure unionized casinos workers have the opportunity to see full details of their contract first and vote on whether to accept it. A ratification vote by the membership will be scheduled soon with all five unions that comprise the Detroit Casino Council: UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW Local 7777, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.

“Our strike showed the casino industry and the world just what Detroit’s casino workers are made of,” said Tavera McCree, a Valet Cashier at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and member of Teamsters Local 1038. “This is a defining moment for workers in Detroit and nationwide.  The gains we have made will change the lives of so many families who are living paycheck to paycheck. I would like to thank everyone who stood strong on the picket line to make this win possible.”

“This historic agreement rewards the sacrifice that casino workers made throughout the pandemic,” said Milledge McCaster, an Engineer at Hollywood at Greektown for 14 years and a member of the Operating Engineers Local 324. “We set a new standard with major wage increases and ground-breaking wins like first-ever workplace technology language and other job protections that will empower workers to have a say in the future of work in this industry.”

“A contract of this significance makes me feel proud to work in Detroit’s casinos once again,” said Alicia Weaver, a Guest Room Attendant for 24 years at MGM Casino and member of UNITE HERE Local 24. “Cleaning hotel rooms is a really tough job that gets tougher every year, so the fixes we made in this contract to reduce my daily workload mean less strain on my body and more energy for my family when I get home from work. Everyone on both sides worked hard to get this done.”

“We fought to defend our healthcare and win historic wages, and we won,” said Terri Sykes, a Dealer at MotorCity Casino for 24 years and President of UAW Local 7777. “As a two-time breast-cancer survivor, I feel relieved knowing we have protected our healthcare with no increased costs. We stood strong—five unions united—showing it’s possible to win big when workers do brave things and stick together.”

On 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, including dealers, housekeepers and other cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers, and more. Workers were forced on strike to protect their healthcare and improve wages that have not kept up with the cost of living. It is the first casino strike in Detroit history, and the first wall-to-wall casino strike in American history.

The historic agreements come after years of hardship that Detroit casino workers have endured after sacrificing raises and shouldering heavier workloads so the industry could stay open during the pandemic. Since that time, Detroit’s gaming industry revenues have hit record highs. Workers went on strike, demanding large wage increases in the face of high inflation and other job protections.

The proposed settlement represents another win for union workers nationwide fighting for economic justice with a historic wave of strikes that have resulted in big gains for American workers across many industries.

By striking, Detroit Casino Council Unions have moved the industry towards a new standard:

  • Winning the largest wage increases ever negotiated in the history of the Detroit casino industry;
  • Protecting the healthcare standard that Detroit casino unions have built over two decades with NO increased costs to employees;
  • Reducing workloads in housekeeping and other classifications that have resulted from 1500 fewer workers post pandemic;
  • Securing first-ever technology protections to guarantee advanced notification when new technology is introduced that impacts jobs, require training for new jobs created by technology, and provide health care and severance pay for workers who are laid off because of new technology.
  • Improving the value of the retirement benefit after no increase in 8 years.

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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.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler Joins Detroit’s Striking Casino Workers for Rally and Picketing at MotorCity Casino

Detroit strikes are part of historic wave of union action nationwide

For Immediate Release for November 15, 2023
Contact: Annemarie Strassel at 312-617-0495

Detroit, MI – Striking Detroit casino workers are taking action this evening at MotorCity Casino with labor allies, including AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler whose organization represents more than 12.5 million union workers. Hundreds of union workers and their community allies will be picketing outside the casino’s entrances tonight to demand the company settle a fair contract.

Detroit—considered by many to be the birthplace of the American labor movement—is now at the center of a national story about union workers fighting for economic justice. Casino workers in Detroit are part of a historic wave of strikes and other actions by working people across many industries to win a better way of life and combat a rigged economic system that for too long has favored the wealthy.

“Union casino workers kept this industry alive during the pandemic,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “But despite Detroit casino owners making record profits, they are refusing to take care of their workers. This is unjust, unfair and unethical. It is time to pay the workers who keep you in business a living wage, to provide health care that allows workers to care for themselves and their families and to guarantee the job security their employees have earned. We stand in solidarity with our union brothers and sisters on the strike line as they fight for the contract they deserve.”

“The big three Detroit casinos must get serious at the bargaining table and stop bullying the union workers who made them so profitable. It is disgraceful that, despite record profits, these casino operators refuse to provide our members with good healthcare or pay them a living wage,” said Greg Nowak, President of Teamsters 1038. “Detroit’s casino industry has put greed ahead of the well-being of the people who made them successful.”

“It’s absurd that casinos like MotorCity with all their profits are forcing workers to stay out in the cold to protect their healthcare and achieve decent raises,” said Nia Winston, President of Local 24. “Las Vegas casino workers are settling the best contracts in their history just like Atlantic City did last year—contracts with the largest wage increases ever, reduced workloads in housekeeping, and advancements in technology, health and safety. We’re dealing with some of the same players here, so why should Detroit be treated any differently? It’s time for MotorCity and the other casinos to give the people of Detroit the respect they are due.”

On 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, including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers, and more. Workers have been forced on strike to protect their healthcare and improve wages that are not keeping up with the cost of living, along with improved job security and fair workloads. 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.

New numbers released by the Michigan Gaming Control Board on Nov. 14 show that revenues for in-person gaming at Detroit’s three casinos were down $20 million in October compared to the same month last year – the lowest month for Detroit casinos since December 2020 when casinos were shut down for most of the month because of COVID restrictions.  The Detroit Casino Council estimates that Detroit casino industry in-person gaming revenues from slots, table games, and retail sports betting were down 40% during the 15 days of the strike in October, based on Michigan Gaming Control Board monthly reports from October 2022 and October 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.

Ongoing Strike at Detroit Casino Clouds Much-Anticipated Launch of ESPN BET

Penn Entertainment is spending over $1.5B to rebrand its online sportsbook with the ESPN name, but workers on strike in Detroit at Penn-operated Hollywood Casino at Greektown are urging a boycott

“Detroit loses with ESPN BET” ads target sports fans placing wagers online

DETROIT—As Penn Entertainment launches its new ESPN BET rebrand for its sports betting app, workers at Penn-operated Hollywood Casino at Greektown, located in downtown Detroit, are calling on wagerers to boycott the platform until they are no longer on strike.

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 3,700 casino workers, including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers, and more. Workers have been forced on strike to protect their healthcare and improve wages that are not keeping up with the cost of living, along with improved job security and fair workloads. It is the first casino strike in Detroit history.

Late last week, the Detroit Casino Council (DCC) called on the public to boycott all sports betting and online casino platforms associated with the three casinos where workers have been forced on strike: ESPN BET and Hollywood iCasino (Hollywood Casino at Greektown), FanDuel (MotorCity Casino), and BetMGM (MGM Grand Detroit). In Michigan, online gambling licenses must be held by brick-and-mortar casinos, and online players may not be aware that workers at these casinos have been on strike. The Detroit casino unions launched a digital ad campaign asking sports fans to hold off on placing bets until workers secure wages and benefits that are enough to live on and the strike is settled.

“Penn Entertainment is sinking $1.5 billion just for the rights to use the ESPN brand for its online sports betting platform, but they won’t they invest in paying a fair wage at their Michigan casino, where workers are on strike,” said D. Taylor, President of UNITE HERE International Union. “The casino operators could end the strike today if they would agree to giving workers the pay, benefits, and protections they deserve. The Detroit Casino Council is calling on sports fans to not use ESPN BET and other apps associated with the operators of the three struck casinos until the strike is over: ESPN Bet is a loser for Michigan if PENN won’t invest in our communities.”

Other sports betting apps such as Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars Palace Online Casino, WynnBET, DraftKings, Sports Illustrated Sportsbook, and others are not part of the boycott.

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 from in-person and online gaming, and the industry 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.

Striking Detroit Casino Workers Call for Boycotts of Online Betting Platforms FanDuel, ESPN BET, Hollywood iCasino, and BetMGM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—November 10, 2023
Contact: Meghan Cohorst, [email protected], 239-503-1533

Striking Detroit Casino Workers Call for Boycotts of Online Betting Platforms FanDuel, ESPN BET, Hollywood iCasino, and BetMGM

Online ad campaign to target users who may not be aware that platforms are affiliated with three casinos where workers have been forced on strike since October 17

DETROIT—The Detroit Casino strike is extending into cyberspace. Today, the Detroit Casino Council (DCC) is calling on the public to boycott four sports betting and online casino platforms associated with the three casinos where workers have been forced on strike: FanDuel (MotorCity Casino), soon-to-be-launched ESPN BET and Hollywood iCasino (Hollywood Casino at Greektown), and BetMGM (MGM Grand Detroit).

In conjunction with the boycott, the DCC will launch a digital ad campaign on Monday, November 13, targeting users of the online platforms to inform them of the ongoing labor disputes and encourage them not to use the apps until Detroit’s casino industry offers their workers fair wages and benefits and workers are no longer on strike. Some users of online sports betting and casino apps may be unaware that workers at the brick-and-mortar casinos that hold online gambling licenses in Michigan are on strike.

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 3,700 casino workers, including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers, and more. Workers have been forced on strike to protect their healthcare and improve wages that are not keeping up with the cost of living, along with improved job security and fair workloads. It is the first casino strike in Detroit history.

“Online sports betting and online casino platforms like FanDuel, ESPN BET, and BetMGM are critical sources of revenue for the companies that operate Detroit’s three casinos,” said Nia Winston, President of UNITE HERE Local 24. “Workers have been outside the physical locations 24/7 since going out on strike three weeks ago to win a fair contract. Now, they’re calling on the public not to cross their virtual picket line either, and to boycott these apps until the strike is settled.”

Other apps such as Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars Palace Online Casino, WynnBET, DraftKings, Sports Illustrated Sportsbook, and others are not part of the boycott.

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 from in-person and online gaming, and the industry 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.

At City Hall, Casino Workers Call for “Detroit Strikers Bill of Rights” to Ensure Health and Safety of Picketers as Temperatures Drop

MEDIA ADVISORY for November 7, 2023 at 10:00am
Contact: Annemarie Strassel at 312-617-0495

At City Hall, Casino Workers Call for “Detroit Strikers Bill of Rights” to Ensure Health and Safety of Picketers as Temperatures Drop
Workers applaud city leaders for their support of striking casino workers seeking a fair contract

WHAT: Striking Detroit casino workers to join Detroit City Council proceedings to thank Councilors for their support and testify in favor of measures that ensure strikers’ health and safety as the strike enters its 4th week

WHEN: Tuesday, November 7, 10:00am

WHO: Striking Detroit casino workers—dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more—who staff Hollywood at Greektown Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and MotorCity Casino. Workers 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

VISUALS: Striking workers wearing blue union coalition shirts and cold weather gear

INTERVIEWS: Strikers and union officials are available for interviews. Please contact to coordinate.

WHY: As Detroit casino workers head into their fourth week on strike against Detroit’s profitable gaming industry, workers are calling for a “Detroit Strikers Bill of Rights” to protect the health and safety of people forced to walk the picket lines. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, workers will share their stories and present a “Detroit Strikers Bill of Rights” with provisions designed to keep protestors safe, such as the right to move safely and the right to take measures to stay warm.

Detroit casino workers are exercising their legal right to strike. With daylight saving time over, days growing shorter and nights colder, employers should be working constructively towards a strong agreement. Recently, strikers have received essential items from the community, such as food, diapers, warm winter gear, and warming devices. Notably, supporters have been dropping off firewood and small propane heaters since temperatures have dropped.

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, including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers, and more. Workers have been forced on strike to protect their healthcare and improve wages that are not keeping up with the cost of living, along with improved job security and fair workloads. The Detroit City Council publicly pledged their support of striking casino workers, passing a resolution in support on Oct. 24.

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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.

City Council Pres. Mary Sheffield Joins Casino Unions to Launch “#StrikeCity Donation Drive,” Supporting Strikers at Detroit’s Casinos, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—November 6, 2023
Contact: Annemarie Strassel at 312-617-0495 or [email protected]

City Council Pres. Mary Sheffield Joins Casino Unions to Launch “#StrikeCity Donation Drive,” Supporting Strikers at Detroit’s Casinos, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan
Community support grows as workers continue fight for fair contract

DETROIT—Unions representing Detroit’s striking casino workers are launching a new donation program to support workers on strike at MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood Casino at Greektown and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). As the weather gets colder and strikes stretch longer, unions and allies are coming together to ensure that strikers have everything they need while on the picket line. City Council President Mary Sheffield joined strikers at the rally today launching the donation drive.

Unions and allies are calling on the public to support strikers by donating warm winter clothes, non-perishable food items, diapers, baby formula, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies and other essentials. Drop off locations are located at Hollywood Casino at Greektown/BCBSM (Lafayette between St. Antoine & Beaubien), MGM Grand Detroit (3rd Ave & Bagley), and MotorCity Casino (Spruce & Brooklyn).

“The women and men on strike—braving the cold every day to improve jobs in this city—are Detroit’s heroes,” said Mary Sheffield, President of the Detroit City Council. “These companies underestimate your toughness, but that’s a big mistake. Today, I call on everyone in this community to join me in supporting Detroit’s heroes in their fight for respect and a decent way of life. I am behind you no matter how long it takes.”

“Shame on these companies. They’re sitting on billions of dollars and they hope to starve us out, but in Detroit we do right by each other,” said Allison Grubba, a bartender at MotorCity Casino with UNITE HERE Local 24 and member of the Detroit Casino Council Negotiating Committee. “No matter how long these strikes take, we will take care of each other, whether that’s supporting strikers in Detroit’s casinos or our union family at Blue Cross/Blue Shield.”

On October 17, Detroit casino workers launched a wall-to-wall strike affecting 3,700 casino workers who are members of the five unions comprising the Detroit Casino Council. Detroit’s casino workers sacrificed raises and shouldered heavier workloads so the industry could recover from the pandemic. Now that the industry has rebounded, workers are fighting for a fair contract that protects their health care and includes decent raises, fair workloads and other protections.

On September 13, BCBSM workers represented by the UAW launched a strike affecting 1,000 workers who provide customer service for the healthcare giant. The physical proximity of the Hollywood Casino at Greektown and BCBSM picket lines have led to deeper solidarity between the unions on both sides of the street, which is why the DCC has launched a donation drive to encompass both strikes.

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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

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.