Workers flooded Teamsters Hall between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. today to cast their ballots, with the results released shortly after the polls closed and the votes were counted.
After the COVID shutdown, Detroit casino workers sacrificed wage increases and took on more workload to help the industry recover. In September 2020, the DCC agreed to a three-year contract extension that would minimize wage increases for employers to get back on their feet. As COVID restrictions end and online gaming becomes legal, industrial gaming revenue hits record highs beyond pre-pandemic levels, but casino workers in Detroit lag behind. Workers hope to gain contractual gains to regain Detroit casino jobs that meet the standards of good jobs promised hospitality workers when voters approved the legalization of casino games in 1996 and the City Council later approved three casinos. 온라인 슬롯
In 2022, the Detroit casino industry generated $2.27 billion in gaming revenue from direct and online gaming, the highest in the industry's history. Reports from January to August so far in 2023 show sales are much higher than last year, with another record year likely.
Last month MGM Resorts International, the parent company of MGM Grand Detroit, reported a "high ever" in the company's overall net profit for the second quarter. In 2022, both MGM Resorts International and Hollywood of Greaktown's parent company, PEN Entertainment, reported higher revenue and revenue in the U.S. than before the pandemic. Since the pandemic, the two companies have spent heavily on stock purchases to benefit Wall Street shareholders, with MGM spending $5.6 billion and PEN spending $750 million so far.
"Workers are sick and tired of a bankrupt economy: costs keep going up, but when profits go back to the gaming industry, they don't get into workers' pockets," said Nia Winston, president of Unit Here Region 24. "Just like auto workers, blue cross blue shield workers, UPS workers, writers, and hotel workers, Detroit casino workers are considering all the options available to make sure one job at a Detroit casino is enough to support a family. We expect casinos to listen to our concerns to avoid a strike."
Workers have been negotiating since early September, focusing on securing a pay rise that could once again make casino jobs in Detroit a sustainable job for families. Other issues include strengthening severance pay and securing protection for workers affected by implementing new technologies.
The strike approval secured in Friday's vote leaves the decision on whether and when to strike to the Detroit Casino Council's (DCC) Workers Negotiation Committee, the five unions representing most of the workers at the three casinos: UNITE HERE Local 24, UAW, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council.
"Casino workers at the Detroit Casino Commission overwhelmingly approved the strike today, because we are the ones who put the time, energy and effort into working with companies through the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)," said Terry Sykes, president of Motor City Casino Table Game UAW Local 77777. "Casino companies are making more than their fair share. But we're not making ours. Our members' message to these companies is that casino workers in MGM Grand, Motor City and Hollywood in Griggtown are ready to stand together and fight for what we deserve. I am proud that my colleagues took this step to take care of their families and enjoy their lives."