Detroit: Unionized casino workers resume talks with MGM Grand after contract rejection

Unionized workers at Detroit casinos have returned to the bargaining table with MGM Grand Detroit following the rejection of a tentative contract earlier this month.

This development was confirmed on Wednesday, November 29, as union representatives reported being "back at the negotiation table" and engaging with a federal mediator to seek a new agreement, Click On Detroit reported.

While employees at Motor City Casino, and Hollywood at Greek Town, both also located in Downtown Detroit, voted in favor of the unified tentative union deal and ended strikes, workers at MGM Grand Detroit continue striking as of November 29 without a renewed union contract.

The Detroit Casino Council, representing unionized casino workers from various unions, did not initially disclose the reasons behind MGM employees' rejection of the tentative deal. Notably, all three casinos were subject to the same five-year contract terms.

Officials clarified that unionized workers cast separate votes at each of the three Detroit properties, and additional bargaining dates will be scheduled for fresh rounds of negotiations. MGM officials had previously communicated that the company put forth numerous proposals during the bargaining process, highlighting that these incorporated the casino's "largest pay increase" to date.

“This is a very disappointing result, especially considering the historic nature of our offer and the fact that it would immediately and positively benefit our DCC-represented MGM Grand employees and their families,” Matt Buckley, President and COO of MGM Resorts Midwest Group, said in a statement last month.

“It’s also disappointing because the other two Detroit casinos voted ‘yes’ on ratification. All employees were voting on the exact same contract, which the DCC itself said was ‘a historic investment in Detroit’s future’ and ‘fulfills the gaming industry’s promise to Detroit of high-paying casino jobs with good benefits,'” Buckley added.

The Detroit Casino Council had reached a tentative agreement on Nov. 17, 32 days into the strike, for a new contract covering 3,700 workers at MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood Casino at Greektown, and MotorCity Casino.

Unite Here Local 24, the United Auto Workers (UAW), and Teamsters Local 1038 were among the unions involved in negotiating the contract with the companies. The Unite Here union's Local 24 described the proposed deal as the "best agreement in the history of the Detroit casino industry."

The contract includes the largest wage increases negotiated in the 23-year history of the Detroit casino industry, featuring an immediate 18% pay raise on average, a blog post on the website of United Auto Workers said. The agreement also ensures no health care cost increases for employees, workload reductions, job protections, the introduction of technology contract language, retirement increases, and other provisions.

After the rejection of the tentative agreement, MGM Grand workers submitted a new proposal to the casino on November 29. As of that date, there had been no response from the casino to the updated proposal.