Union workers at MGM Grand Detroit agreed to a new contract Saturday, ending a 47-day strike. The news was announced by the Detroit Casino Council.
The new contract is a five-year agreement that covers 1,700 employees and includes the largest wage increases ever for MGM Grand Detroit workers, bonuses, workload reductions, and other perks. The contract gives workers an immediate $3 per hour raise.
“We’re glad our DCC-represented employees voted tonight to ratify the 64-month contract and end the strike, allowing us to immediately resume full and normal operations at MGM Grand Detroit,” Matt Buckley, president and chief operating officer, Midwest Group, MGM Resorts International, said in a statement Saturday. “We’re excited to welcome our team back and continue providing our guests the entertainment experiences for which MGM Grand Detroit is known.”
Health care plans were an important topic for some striking workers, and the contract ensures there won’t be immediate increased coverage costs for union employees. Additionally, the contract includes language that guarantees workers will receive “advanced notification” when new technology gets introduced that could impact jobs or require additional training.
Workers at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and MotorCity Casino ended their strikes on Nov. 19, but the workers at MGM Grand remained on strike for about two more weeks. The deal ends all strikes at Detroit casinos, which created a noticeable dip in revenue for the three locations.
At one point, the striking workers called for a boycott of mobile casinos and sports betting apps associated with the brick-and-mortar casinos, but it’s unclear if that led to any dip in online gaming revenues.
Workers pleased
Several union workers shared comments praising the new contract in the Detroit Casino Council’s press release Saturday.
“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,” Alicia Weaver, a guest room attendant for 24 years at MGM Grand Detroit and a member of UNITE HERE Local 24, said in a statement. “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.
Workers like Weaver and Nichols are expected to immediately return to work.
Photo: Getty Images
