Casino-goers in Michigan are being encouraged to cross the border and visit Caesars Windsor in Ontario while the casino workers’ strike in Detroit continues to cause disruption across sites.

The invite has been extended by the CEO of Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI), Gordon Orr, and Caesars Windsor’s Manager of Public Relations and Communications, Susanne Tompkins.

As reported by CNBC last week, thousands of casino workers in the city of Detroit have gone on strike in search of higher wages and better working conditions – mirroring the attempts of Confédération des Syndicats Nationaux-affiliated employees at Loto-Quebec casinos earlier this year – which ultimately ended in success of sorts as the operator reached a ‘responsible agreement’ with the union.

In Detroit, meanwhile, striking employees include 3,700 workers employed in positions across MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and Hollywood Casino at Greektown. They comprise dealers, cleaning staff and valets, among others, and are represented by the Detroit Casino Council, which is made up of five unions including the United Auto Workers.

Workers took action after their contract expired without a new agreement to replace it.

“US visitors have always been an important part of our business and we welcome them to visit our property, either for the first time or for a return visit, to experience our world-class Caesars brand,” said Tompkins in an email statement to CTV News.

Orr, meanwhile, contends that Caesars Windsor offers American gamblers a “world-class” option without needing to cross any picket lines.

“We take no pleasure in the fact that we know that our US gaming friends are in this strike position,” he said.

“But at the same time we want to recognize that we have a similar offering that has a quality experience on this side of the border.

“For anyone that wants a world-class gaming experience without having to cross that picket line, certainly Caesars Windsor is an option for them.”

Orr continued: “Caesars Windsor is our number one tourist attraction.

“Of course world-class gaming, a 5,000 seat Coliseum with A-List entertainment, gaming, of course, restaurants. We’ve got it all. Two hotel towers, and we’ve got the number one brand in gaming.

“Caesars Windsor is a major attractor as a brand.”

Elsewhere this month, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) stepped up its attempts to find a new operator for Caesars Windsor by releasing Request for Proposal (RFP) documents to pre-qualified proponents.