FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—October 17, 2023
Contact: Meghan Cohorst, 239-503-1533, [email protected];
Annemarie Strassel, 312-617-0495, [email protected]
Workers made sacrifices to keep the industry afloat amidst the pandemic, call for their fair share as industry booms
DETROIT—Thousands of union casino workers are on strike today after months of full-table negotiations and meetings by department failed to result in a deal with the city’s three casinos. The workers, represented by the Detroit Casino Council (DCC), are seeking contract improvements after years of pandemic hardship, but casino management remains unwilling to deliver a fair contract for workers.
The union worked all night to prepare revised proposals in the hopes of averting a strike. The companies came back with a final proposal late Tuesday morning that the unions rejected based on five core concerns that the companies’ offer failed to meet, including protecting healthcare, winning job security/technology language that already exists in other casino markets, improving the value of retirement where there has been no increase in eight years, reducing the high workloads that have resulted from 1500 fewer jobs post pandemic, and securing significant wage increases to make up for the ones workers sacrificed during the pandemic.
The strike has a wall-to-wall impact on operations at the MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, involving 3,700 workers employed in positions throughout the properties including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more.
“Making the decision to strike is never easy, but it’s past time for the workers who keep Detroit’s casinos running to get their fair share,” said Nia Winston, President of UNITE HERE Local 24, the union of hospitality workers in Detroit. “The city’s big three casino operators are earning more than ever, and we’re prepared to stay out on strike until we get what we deserve.”
“The company is offering us nickels and dimes, and they want us to pay more for healthcare,” says Terri Sykes, a dealer at MotorCity Casino with 24 years of service and President of UAW Local 7777. “As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I’m fighting to protect our health care. These companies are making more than ever, and it’s time they respect us for all the sacrifices we made to keep the doors open during the pandemic.”
“I’m a mother of two and will welcome my third child by the end of the year. I’m willing to go on strike to fight for what my family and I need,” said Shataya Thompson, a valet cashier at MotorCity Casino and member of Teamsters Local 1038. “We need a fair contract that guarantees good wages that keep up with inflation and also protects our healthcare.”
“There are 1,500 fewer people working in Detroit casinos, but there is the same amount of work to do. I can’t always take a lunch break or enjoy my hard-earned vacation time,” said Milledge McCaster, a 14-year Lead Engineer at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and member of Operating Engineers Local 324. “During the pandemic, we made sacrifices to help the industry, but now that they are making more money than ever, they’ve forgotten that.”
“We are fighting from Detroit to Vegas, from Biloxi to Pennsylvania ,to raise wages and standards for casino workers,” said Gwen Mills, Secretary-Treasurer of UNITE HERE International Union, the union of North American hospitality workers. “Hospitality workers overall across the US and Canada kept the doors open during the pandemic, risking their health and forgoing raises. Now they are striking in Detroit, Los Angeles and Vancouver, along with hundreds of thousands of other workers from other industries, demanding a share in the prosperity that the hospitality industry is currently experiencing.”
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 three Detroit casinos collectively reported $813 million more in total gaming revenues in 2022 than in 2019, but total wages paid to workers represented by the DCC were $34 million less when comparing those same years.
According to a report released by the DCC on Monday, each day of a strike could put approximately $738,000 in city and state tax revenues and $3.4 million in casino operator revenues at risk. For the City of Detroit, this wagering tax is a critical source of revenue used to fund job creation, public safety, economic development, and youth development programs. In 2022, the wagering tax was the City’s second highest revenue source, even surpassing property taxes.
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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.
Detroit Casino Workers Strike After Casinos Play Hardball on Wages, Healthcare
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—October 17, 2023
Contact: Meghan Cohorst, 239-503-1533, [email protected];
Annemarie Strassel, 312-617-0495, [email protected]
Workers made sacrifices to keep the industry afloat amidst the pandemic, call for their fair share as industry booms
DETROIT—Thousands of union casino workers are on strike today after months of full-table negotiations and meetings by department failed to result in a deal with the city’s three casinos. The workers, represented by the Detroit Casino Council (DCC), are seeking contract improvements after years of pandemic hardship, but casino management remains unwilling to deliver a fair contract for workers.
The union worked all night to prepare revised proposals in the hopes of averting a strike. The companies came back with a final proposal late Tuesday morning that the unions rejected based on five core concerns that the companies’ offer failed to meet, including protecting healthcare, winning job security/technology language that already exists in other casino markets, improving the value of retirement where there has been no increase in eight years, reducing the high workloads that have resulted from 1500 fewer jobs post pandemic, and securing significant wage increases to make up for the ones workers sacrificed during the pandemic.
The strike has a wall-to-wall impact on operations at the MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, involving 3,700 workers employed in positions throughout the properties including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, engineers and more.
“Making the decision to strike is never easy, but it’s past time for the workers who keep Detroit’s casinos running to get their fair share,” said Nia Winston, President of UNITE HERE Local 24, the union of hospitality workers in Detroit. “The city’s big three casino operators are earning more than ever, and we’re prepared to stay out on strike until we get what we deserve.”
“The company is offering us nickels and dimes, and they want us to pay more for healthcare,” says Terri Sykes, a dealer at MotorCity Casino with 24 years of service and President of UAW Local 7777. “As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I’m fighting to protect our health care. These companies are making more than ever, and it’s time they respect us for all the sacrifices we made to keep the doors open during the pandemic.”
“I’m a mother of two and will welcome my third child by the end of the year. I’m willing to go on strike to fight for what my family and I need,” said Shataya Thompson, a valet cashier at MotorCity Casino and member of Teamsters Local 1038. “We need a fair contract that guarantees good wages that keep up with inflation and also protects our healthcare.”
“There are 1,500 fewer people working in Detroit casinos, but there is the same amount of work to do. I can’t always take a lunch break or enjoy my hard-earned vacation time,” said Milledge McCaster, a 14-year Lead Engineer at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and member of Operating Engineers Local 324. “During the pandemic, we made sacrifices to help the industry, but now that they are making more money than ever, they’ve forgotten that.”
“We are fighting from Detroit to Vegas, from Biloxi to Pennsylvania ,to raise wages and standards for casino workers,” said Gwen Mills, Secretary-Treasurer of UNITE HERE International Union, the union of North American hospitality workers. “Hospitality workers overall across the US and Canada kept the doors open during the pandemic, risking their health and forgoing raises. Now they are striking in Detroit, Los Angeles and Vancouver, along with hundreds of thousands of other workers from other industries, demanding a share in the prosperity that the hospitality industry is currently experiencing.”
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 three Detroit casinos collectively reported $813 million more in total gaming revenues in 2022 than in 2019, but total wages paid to workers represented by the DCC were $34 million less when comparing those same years.
According to a report released by the DCC on Monday, each day of a strike could put approximately $738,000 in city and state tax revenues and $3.4 million in casino operator revenues at risk. For the City of Detroit, this wagering tax is a critical source of revenue used to fund job creation, public safety, economic development, and youth development programs. In 2022, the wagering tax was the City’s second highest revenue source, even surpassing property taxes.
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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.
DCC Unions Ratify Agreement with MGM Grand Detroit, Ending 47-Day Strike
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Saturday, December 2, 2023
Contact: Annemarie Strassel, [email protected], (312-617-0495)
DCC Unions Ratify Agreement with MGM Grand Detroit, Ending 47-Day Strike
DETROIT – Union members with the Detroit Casino Council have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new contract with MGM Grand Detroit after 47 days on strike. The unions will suspend the strike effective immediately.
The five-year agreement covering 1700 employees includes the largest wage increases ever for MGM Grand Detroit workers (including an immediate 18% pay raise on average), a bonus, 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.
“Since welcoming my son into the world, securing my family’s health care benefits was the most important thing to me,” said Gabriel Robert Hernandez, a valet at MGM Grand Detroit and member of Teamsters Local 1038. “We sacrificed a lot during the pandemic, but we fought for and ultimately won a contract that secures our health care and provides significantly improved wages.”
“Both my son and I have been on strike together, so for me the fight to protect our healthcare and win better wages was always about something bigger for my family and the next generation,” said Alicia Weaver, a guest room attendant for 24 years at MGM Grand Detroit and member of UNITE HERE Local 24. “Together – with the rest of our MGM family who stood with us on that picket line in the rain and frigid temperatures – we made history, and I’m proud of what we accomplished by taking a stand together.”
“I am happy to announce that MGM employees ratified their contract tonight. I am impressed by how all the unions and members worked together to win an excellent contract. I’m looking forward to going back to work,” said Patrick Nichols, a dealer at MGM Grand Detroit and member of UAW Local 7777.
The settlement with MGM Grand Detroit follows outstanding agreements already reached with Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino, whose unionized employees ratified new contracts on Nov. 19 after 34 days on strike. Casino workers at all three Detroit casino properties launched a wall-to-wall strike on Oct. 17 to protect their healthcare and improve wages that had not kept up with the cost of living.
By striking, MGM Grand Detroit workers have secured the following gains:
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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.
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:
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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:
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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.
On the Lines November 15, 2023
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
More than 300 striking Detroit casino workers traveled to Lansing Tuesday to speak with state leaders at Michigan’s State Capitol about the strike and other important legislation impacting all working people in Michigan. Striking workers are appealing to Michigan leaders to join them on the picket line.
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