DETROIT (AP) - In a story Nov. 8 about Detroit casinos and workers resuming contract talks, The Associated Press erroneously attributed a quote to MGM Grand spokeswoman Mary Hynes, when it was actually said by Sandra Poinsetta, vice president of Unite Here Local 24. The quote by Poinsetta is: “Together, we are trying to address the challenges of increasing health care costs, while working to build a strong future for this industry and the thousands of people in this region whose livelihoods depend on it.”
A corrected version of the story is below:
Detroit casinos, workers resuming contract talks this week
Detroit mayor hopes casinos, workers find ’middle ground’; key source of city tax revenue
DETROIT (AP) - City Hall is keeping an eye on contract talks between thousands of workers and three Detroit casinos, which account for about 16 percent of tax revenue.
Negotiations are resuming Monday between casinos and a four-union council that represents a variety of people, from valets to food workers to dealers. A strike has been authorized if leaders believe it’s necessary.
“The casinos are an important source of revenue,” Mayor Mike Duggan told the Detroit Free Press (https://on.freep.com/1M03IkR ). “I get concerned every time there’s a union-management issue, and I hope they find a middle ground and work it out.”
Indeed, roughly $170 million in taxes are collected from Greektown Casino, MGM Grand Detroit and MotorCity Casino. A strike could interfere with gambling and revenue.
“There’s no question a casino strike would not be good for us,” said John Hill, Detroit’s chief financial officer.
Health care appears to be a sticking point.
“Together, we are trying to address the challenges of increasing health care costs, while working to build a strong future for this industry and the thousands of people in this region whose livelihoods depend on it,” said Sandra Poinsetta, vice president of Unite Here Local 24.
Denise Green, 45, of Detroit she plays roulette or poker about once a week. She said a strike would keep her away.
“I’m down with it, and I’m fighting for ’em too,” she said of workers, adding that she’ll “stay at home and watch it on the news.”
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