MGM Grand Detroit workers approve new contract with significant wage hikes
2023.12.04 21:44
© Reuters.
DETROIT – After nearly seven weeks of striking, employees at MGM Grand Detroit have ratified a historic five-year contract that ushers in the largest wage increase the casino’s workers have seen to date. The deal, negotiated by the Detroit Casino Council, includes an immediate raise of $3 per hour, with an overall increase of $5 per hour over the duration of the contract. This increment represents an average pay rise of 18%, a substantial move towards meeting union demands tied to Detroit’s inflation rate.
The agreement, which affects approximately 1,700 workers, not only addresses wages but also ensures reduced workloads and maintenance of current healthcare costs. Gabriel Robert Hernandez from Teamsters Local 1038 commended the contract for securing essential health benefits and enhancing earnings for the employees.
Additionally, the new contract introduces a range of other benefits:
- An optional second-year bonus
- A new 401(k) matching scheme capped at $1,000
- The establishment of Juneteenth as a paid holiday
These terms contrast with the shorter strikes at MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, which concluded after just over a month. Around 2,100 workers at these casinos accepted similar terms, including immediate hourly wage increases and technology safeguards without raising health care costs.
Patrick Nichols from UAW Local 7777 confirmed that union members at MGM Grand Detroit approved the new deal after a 47-day strike. The comprehensive agreement also embeds technology protections that guarantee union advisement on job-impacting technological advancements.
Matt Buckley of MGM Resorts (NYSE:) International expressed satisfaction with the return of staff and their continued commitment to guest services. He acknowledged some workers’ dissatisfaction but stressed the contract’s significance for Detroit’s economic future.
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