Encore Boston Harbor Workers Threaten Strike Unless Casino Antes Up Benefits

Encore Boston Harbor’s operations could be impacted beginning Sept. 1 unless Wynn Resorts agrees to a new collective bargaining agreement with the property’s largest unions.

Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 tell Casino.org that they’ll conduct a strike authorization vote among their 1,350 Encore Boston Harbor employees tomorrow and Thursday (Aug. 19-20). If a majority of the union members authorize the strike, a walkout could commence at any time after the stroke of midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

The Encore Boston Harbor unions plan to announce the results of the election on Thursday evening at the Knights of Columbus in Charlestown at 545 Medford Street.

The vote is almost certain to come back in support of authorization, as a similar vote at the property in 2023 fielded 98% support. A strike was averted after Wynn Resorts and the unions struck a deal before the contract expired.

During negotiations, union leaders pushed for wages above the $25-an-hour minimum and stronger pension benefits.

Wynn previously told Casino.org that it’s part of the company’s culture to provide strong, livable wages.

“Our company is built on the fundamental philosophy that only talented and empowered employees, working in an environment in which they feel valued and well compensated, can deliver our signature Wynn and Encore guest experiences,” a company spokesperson said.

Labor Agreements Expire Aug. 31

Wynn Resorts’ contracts with Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 expire on Monday, Aug. 31. The unions are demanding higher wages and improved benefits, citing their role in Encore Boston Harbor’s financial success.

Union members include employees working in a variety of roles at Encore Boston Harbor, including housekeepers, cooks, servers, bartenders, and slot attendants. 

The Wynn Resorts casino, which opened in June 2019 at a cost of $2.6 billion, is one of only five Forbes Five-Star hotel properties in Greater Boston. Encore Boston Harbor is located across the Mystic River in Everett.

Encore Boston Harbor Results

Encore Boston Harbor is the only Wynn Resorts domestic property not on the Las Vegas Strip. Wynn’s bet on Massachusetts has been a winner, as the casino has dominated the state’s gaming industry.

In 2025, Encore Boston Harbor reported total revenue of nearly $846.9 million, with the casino accounting for more than $629.2 million. The property sold $90.7 million in hotel rooms, had food and beverage sales of $79.1 million, and reported $47.9 million in entertainment and retail receipts.

Encore Boston Harbor delivered adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $236.7 million. That marked a 4.2% decline from 2024 ($247.1 million).

Last year’s operating result was also lower than 2023, when EBITDA totaled $257.4 million, and below 2022, when EBITDA was $243.4 million.