Unionized workers on strike at three downtown Detroit casinos have reached a tentative contract agreement with the casino management, potentially bringing an end to the monthlong picket. The deal, reached by the Detroit Casino Council, representing multiple union locals, is still subject to ratification by the union members.

The strike, which began on October 17 after the expiration of the workers' contract, involved approximately 3,700 unionized casino employees at MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. The workers demanded improvements in wages and benefits to help close the cost-of-living gap that has been widening in recent years.

"This is a defining moment for workers in Detroit and nationwide," expressed Tavera McCree, a valet cashier at Hollywood Casino at Greektown and a member of Teamsters Local 1038. "The gains we have made will change the lives of so many families who are living paycheck to paycheck. I would like to thank everyone who stood strong on the picket line to make this win possible."

Considered "historic" by some union members, the tentative contract includes significant wage increases and benefits for the workers. The council highlighted that it incorporates the largest wage increases ever negotiated in the Detroit casino industry's 23-year history, including an immediate 18% pay raise on average. Additionally, there will be no increase in healthcare costs for employees, workload reductions, job protections, and improvements in retirement benefits.

However, the agreement is contingent on a majority vote in favor by the unionized workers to take effect. Until then, union members will continue their strike at the Detroit casinos. The strike arose from issues surrounding healthcare costs and wages, especially in the wake of the pandemic, as the casino industry begins to recover.

Throughout the negotiations, company leaders stated that multiple offers had been presented to the council. Matt Buckley, president and COO of MGM's Midwest Group, mentioned that MGM Grand Detroit had offered its "largest pay increase" in the history of the casino.

The Detroit Casino Council, comprising unions such as Unite Here, United Auto Workers, Teamsters, Operating Engineers, and the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, reportedly reached a tentative five-year contract agreement, ending the strike on November 17, 32 days into the protest. Unite Here union's Local 24 praised the agreement as the "best agreement in history of the Detroit casino industry."

The strike has had significant economic repercussions, impacting both the casinos and the city and state of Michigan. It put at risk approximately $738,000 in city and state tax revenues and $3.4 million in casino operator revenues per day, as stated by officials last month.

With the tentative deal in place, it remains to be seen whether the union members will ratify it and officially bring an end to the strike, allowing workers to return to their jobs under improved terms and conditions.

(Note: This article has been generated based on the information provided and does not include any original reporting or additional details outside of the text provided.)