The Detroit area is now involved in another major strike.
Over 3,700 workers at Hollywood Casino at Greektown, Motor City Casino, and MGM Grand Detroit walked off the job as of noon Tuesday, according to WXYZ-TV. The walkout came after the previous contract expired at midnight Monday.
The workers are represented by five unions under the Detroit Casino Council (DCC). They are UNITE HERE Local 24, United Auto Workers, Teamsters Local 1038, Operating Engineers Local 324, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters.
"The DCC has spent more than 160 hours in full-table negotiations and has held dozens of subcommittee meetings by department since the summer with a goal of reaching a deal," read a release from the DCC Monday. "Still, workers and management remain far apart on wages, healthcare, retirement security, technology language, a fair workload for housekeepers, and more."
In a report released by the DCC on Monday, it was estimated that if all three casinos were to strike, the City of Detroit would lose about $452,000 (US) per day in tax revenue. The three properties could lose a total of $3.4-million per day.
The Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday that at least one casino, MGM Grand, plans to stay open despite the labour dispute.
"We intend to continue to operate our business during any potential strike and will remain open this week and beyond," said MGM's Matt Buckley in a letter to casino employees reported by the paper. "We will take whatever lawful action is necessary to fill shifts and continue providing our customers with entertainment and service."
Casino gaming has been in the City of Detroit in one form or another since 1999. Until now, there has never been a casino strike in Detroit.
