Detroit MGM Grand announces layoffs

Detroit -- The MGM Grand Detroit is preparing to lay off an unspecified number of food service workers from its staff of 3,600 employees, company officials say.

In a sign that hard times are in store for operators of the city's three casino-resorts, the MGM Grand was the only gaming complex there to increase its revenues so far this year, The Detroit News reported Saturday.

The layoffs will likely come to less than 100, an MGM Grand spokeswoman told the News, with the cuts coming mostly from full-time staff represented by unions, including the United Auto Workers. The workers toil as dishwashers, chefs and "back of house" food-service positions, the newspaper said.

Through August, MGM Grand was the only casino among itself, the Greektown Casino -- which has filed for bankruptcy -- and MotorCity Casino to make more money this year than last. The News said it has fared the best as Detroit has struggled to establish itself as a regional gaming destination in the midst of a statewide recession.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.