More than 3,000 Detroit casino workers have officially been on strike for two weeks. The workers went on strike on Oct. 17, asking for higher wages and better healthcare, among other requests.
“The workers are seeking contract improvements after years of pandemic hardship— including wages that keep up with inflation, healthcare, retirement security, technology language, fair workloads for housekeepers, and more— but casino management has been unwilling to deliver a fair contract for workers,” the Detroit Casino Council, which is composed of five unions representing most of the city’s casino workers, said in a press release.
The strike is the first in the history of Detroit’s casinos.
Lions game attracts traffic
Detroit Lions home games bring increased traffic to downtown casinos, and union workers on strike hosted tailgates ahead of Monday’s game between the Lions and Las Vegas Raiders. Workers urged fans to avoid visiting the casinos while they remain on strike. They hoped their hospitality in allowing fans to visit their tailgates would help convince people to avoid visiting the establishments.
“As sports fans flood into downtown Detroit today for the big Lions’ game, Detroit’s striking casino workers are making a simple request: Please don’t cross our picket lines,” the Detroit Casino Council told The Detroit News in a statement.
It’s unclear how successful the effort to keep visitors out of the casinos was, but Ford Field was packed to watch the Lions improve to 6-2, with 66,774 people filing into the football stadium to cheer for the NFC North’s leader.
City Council supports strike
A week ago, Detroit’s City Council approved a resolution in support of the striking workers. Approximately 700 casino workers attended the council meeting, cheering when council members voiced support for the strike.
“We appreciate what you all are doing, and I believe this is a fight for the middle class throughout the country,” City Council President Mary Sheffield said.
More than 300 striking casino workers will visit the state capital to speak with legislators about their cause Tuesday.
Photo: Getty Images
