In a major labor dispute, thousands of casino workers in Detroit went on strike on Tuesday, marking their first strike since the three casinos - MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino Hotel, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown - opened their doors in the city about 25 years ago. The strike was called by unions representing 3,700 workers, including dealers, cleaning staff, valets, and food staff, after failing to reach an agreement with the casinos' negotiators by a noon deadline.

The contract, which had been set to expire 12 hours earlier, was extended by half a day as negotiations continued. The Detroit Casino Council, which represents workers from five unions, stated that casino workers had been working under a three-year extension to a five-year contract from 2015. Due to the impact of the pandemic on business, they accepted small pay increases in 2020. However, since then, they have only received 3% raises, while local inflation has risen by 20%.

Nia Winston, president of Unite Here Local 24, one of the unions representing the striking workers, expressed their frustration, saying, "After we helped Detroit's gaming industry get back on its feet, business is booming, but the people who make the casinos run are still struggling." The unions are particularly concerned about health insurance and job security in this labor dispute.

While MGM Grand Detroit and Hollywood Casino at Greektown announced that they would remain open during the strike, MotorCity Casino did not respond to requests for comment. Matt Buckley, president and chief operating officer of MGM Resorts' Midwest Group, assured employees that the company would take lawful action to fill shifts and continue providing customers with entertainment and service.

Hollywood Casino at Greektown expressed disappointment that their "generous, progressive settlement offers" had been rejected but stated that they would continue talks to resolve the labor dispute as soon as possible. The casino's self-parking garages, self-serve beverage stations, slot machines, and table games remain open, although some services may be limited. Valet services and the casino's restaurants may not be available, but dining vouchers can be redeemed at nearby eateries.

This strike by casino workers adds to the ongoing wave of major strikes and labor unrest in Michigan. The United Auto Workers (UAW) are currently in the fifth week of a partial strike against General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis. More than 34,000 UAW members are on strike. Additionally, film and television actors remain off the job after talks with entertainment studios broke down last week.