Encore Boston Harbor Unions Strike After Contract Talks Reach Boiling Point

Union workers at Encore Boston Harbor walked off the job today (Sept. 4) after contract negotiations with the luxury casino resort stalled.

Teamsters Local 25 and Unite Here Local 26 represent more than 1,300 employees at the Wynn Resorts property located in Everett across the Mystic River from downtown Boston. The union members work in a variety of roles, including the front desk, housekeepers, cooks, servers, bartenders, slot attendants, and warehouse operations.

“We make Encore a world-class resort that generates enormous profits because of our hard work,” added James Atkins, lead gardener and chief steward at Local 25. “We didn’t want to strike, but we won’t accept a contract that blatantly disrespects our labor. We’re on the picket line and will stay out as long as it takes to get a fair deal.”

Resort Operating as Normal

An Encore Boston Harbor spokesperson told Casino.org that the resort is operating as normal. Hotel reservations are being honored, and the casino remains open.

“The unions have chosen to initiate a strike despite our continued efforts to reach an agreement through negotiations. We are committed to finding common ground that is fair, financially sustainable, and protects jobs for the long term,” the statement said.

Wynn Says Unions Paid More Than Fair

The unions want guarantees that their existing health care and pension benefits will continue. They also want starting minimum base pay to be raised to $25 an hour, and $10 per hour increases across the union positions over four years, or $2.50 per hour increases each year through 2030.

Officials with Wynn Resorts say Encore Boston Harbor union workers are already well paid, with employees making an average of $95,718 in pay and benefits.

“Encore Boston Harbor has invested in its workforce since day one — competitive wages, strong benefits, and stable careers. We are approaching these negotiations in good faith, with open communication and a genuine desire to reach an agreement that works for everyone,” a company spokesperson said.

Wynn says that union pay and benefits grew almost 37% over the past four years, while resort revenue increased only 1.9%. The casino believes “wages have significantly outpaced inflation.”

“Our focus is long-term job protection and economic stability. Short-term proposals that ignore these realities do not protect jobs,” the company said.