Union workers at the Detroit MGM Grand are back on the job today after ratifying a new contract that officially ended the 47-day Detroit casino workers strike. The MGM workers were the last of the Motor City casino workers to return to the job after initially rejecting the contract that ended the strike for the rest of the members of the Detroit Casino Council.
Under the terms of the new contract, workers saw a slew of new benefits including a $5 per hour raise. Casino workers will see a $3 per hour bump immediately, which is roughly an 18 percent increase. The contract also includes an additional $2 per hour kicking in over the life of the contract. Just as important as increased wagers, casino workers are guaranteed fixed healthcare costs over the life of the contract, which is a massive benefit most US workers do not enjoy.
Housekeeping staff at the city’s casinos will see their workloads reduced as a result of the contract. Cleaning crews have seen their workload skyrocket since the pandemic and casinos are considered to be about 1500 workers short since 2020.
Detroit casino workers walked off the job on October 7 and most returned to work on November 17. MGM Grand workers, however, did not ratify the contract until this week.
Patrick Nichols, a dealer at the Detroit MGM Grand expressed relief and joy at the news in a press release from the Detroit Casino Council saying, “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.”