Sykes says bargaining offers from Detroit’s casinos that have included pay increases have come with a catch. She says while the union is happy with its current healthcare arrangement, they want to see pay increases that adjust for inflation. Terri Sykes deals cards at MotorCity Casino and is president of United Auto Workers Local 7777, which is represented by the Detroit Casino Council. “They offer a $1.20 raise and then they offset it by making you pay 70-80 cents back into your healthcare.” - Terri Sykes, UAW Local 7777 president Then having to come back to work…and having to work out of the hole. “So, during the pandemic going out, not getting paid for those days - five-to-10 days at a time. “I’ve caught COVID three times,” said Bryant. He says he wants to see cost of living adjustments in a new contract. Ulyssis Bryant is a barback and bartender at MotorCity Casino Hotel. As a result, they say it’s been almost a decade since casino workers have seen meaningful pay increases. Union officials say they accepted modest raises of 3% to protect healthcare during the 2020 round of bargaining - essentially extending its prior five-year-contract by three years.
Listen: Casino workers form picket lines as strike begins. A casino worker marches with a picket sign.
