Detroit City Council supports striking casino workers amid tax revenue concerns

In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the Detroit City Council threw its support behind the 3,700 workers currently on strike at the city's three casinos, namely MGM Grand Detroit, Motor City Casino, and Hollywood at Greek Town. The move comes despite the potential risk to the city's tax revenue, which could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars per day.

A crowd of over 700 striking workers descended upon the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, spilling into Spirit Plaza, all donned in blue T-shirts emblazoned with "Detroit Casino Council Solidarity," The Detroit News reported. They made a heartfelt appeal to city leaders for their backing "for fair contracts in a time of corporate greed."

"Given the pandemic, we made the necessary sacrifices so the companies could stay in the green. We didn't want to strike, this wasn't our intention but was necessary because of those sacrifices," Ulyssis Bryant, 34, a Motor City employee for 15 years, was quoted as saying in the report.

During the public comment period, the auditorium was filled with cheers and the blaring of whistles from casino workers, showing their appreciation for those voicing their support. Council Pro Tempore James Tate led a spirited chant, emphasizing: "This is what democracy looks like."

"You need to keep fighting until you get equal work for equal pay," said Councilman Coleman A. Young II, as per the report.

Despite the financial stakes, the council's resolution stands firmly in support of the striking workers. The casinos are among the city's major taxpayers, contributing an estimated $450,000 per day in wagering taxes to Detroit, according to city officials as of Monday. As per the report, the administration of Mayor Mike Duggan has expressed readiness to handle "short-term disruptions" in tax revenue.

City spokesperson Corey McIsaac reported that Mayor Duggan has maintained "regular conversations" with representatives and companies affected by the strikes.

"He has offered assistance in any way that would be helpful, and those conversations are ongoing. The Mayor believes in the collective bargaining process and has encouraged the parties to reach a mutual agreement as soon as possible," McIsaac wrote in a Tuesday email to The News.

The casino workers' strike, the first of its kind in the city, encompasses a wide range of positions, including dealers, cleaning staff, food and beverage workers, valets, and engineers.

While the three casinos and their adjacent hotels continue to operate 24/7 as usual, their websites note some unavailable services. As of Tuesday, the casinos had not responded to media requests for comment.

Many of the casino workers present at the Detroit City Council meeting declined interviews, citing concerns about potential termination for speaking out. Others stated that union representatives had advised them not to engage with the media.