The opening of several large casinos in Detroit followed the virtual shutdown of the auto industry in the city by the Detroit-based car companies. According to the Detroit Casino Council, “In 2022, the Detroit casino industry generated $2.27 billion in gaming revenue and is on track for another record-breaking year in 2023.” In Detroit, gaming revenues have returned to pre-pandemic levels and have reached a new high. MGM Resorts International reported net revenues of $4 billion in the third quarter of this year, up 16 percent from the same period last year. They have complained of an information blackout on negotiations by the UAW leadership. Workers are demanding an end to outsourcing, the elimination of tiers and inflation-busting pay increases. Only blocks away from the Detroit casinos, hundreds of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan workers are continuing a strike that began September 13, part of more than 1,000 Blue Cross workers on strike across the state.
