Striking Detroit casino workers still pushing for more from companies

Striking workers are continuing to push for more from Detroit's three casinos, according to an update posted Monday by the Detroit Casino Council.

In a video to update members on Friday, the council's negotiating committee said the companies came down from $60 to $40 on healthcare premium costs, but the committee wants to see it stay at zero. The video was posted by the United Auto Workers on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

On wages, the companies have offered a $1.95 per hour increase in the first year of the contract and the union is holding at $3.25.

The Detroit Casino Council includes members of Unite Here Local 24, the United Auto Workers, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. The five unions represent most workers at Detroit's three casinos: Hollywood Casino at Greektown, MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino. 

Last month, about 3,700 workers at the casinos walked off the job after negotiations failed to reach new contracts. Council officials said the three casinos generated $2.27 billion in gaming revenue in 2022 and are on track to break revenue records this year.

The casino operators have said they are committed to reaching fair contracts with the unions; all three are continuing to operate during the strike.