Hundreds of employees at Encore Boston Harbor walked off the job Friday after negotiations over a new labor agreement failed to produce a deal, marking the start of a strike involving workers represented by two major unions.
The labor action follows months of discussions between Wynn Resorts and representatives from UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25. The unions represent approximately 1,350 workers across the Everett, Massachusetts, casino resort, including housekeepers, cooks, bartenders, servers, drivers, slot attendants, warehouse staff and other hospitality employees.
Workers gathered outside the property early Friday morning carrying signs and using drums, air horns and megaphones as picketing began. Despite the strike, Encore Boston Harbor remained open, with replacement workers and non-union staff continuing operations while negotiations remain unresolved.
The dispute centers on wages, healthcare, pension protections and job security provisions. Union leaders say the company’s proposals have fallen short of employee expectations after their previous contract expired on August 31.
“We’re prepared for a work stoppage if a deal is not reached,” said Rosa Mendoza, a call center worker and shop steward at Teamsters Local 25, according to Boston 25 News. “Now is the time for management to give us a fair contract that reflects our hard work. If we go out on strike, we ask Boston families to stand with us and honor the picket line.”
Unions Push for Higher Pay and Stronger Protections
Labor representatives have outlined several priorities in the negotiations. For non-tipped employees, the unions are seeking wage increases totaling $10 per hour over three years. Tipped workers are seeking raises of $5 per hour over the same period.
Union officials argue that compensation at the casino lags behind rates earned by hospitality workers elsewhere in the Boston area.
“We do not understand why workers at a five-star casino should make less money than workers in a Hampton Inn,” said Laura Moye, executive vice president of Local 26. “It just does not make sense to us.”
Moye also pointed to commitments that union leaders believe should have generated broader benefits for nearby communities since the casino opened seven years ago.
“The casino’s been open for seven years. They promised benefits,” said Moye. “We want to see the benefit. The communities out here, we want to know where our benefit is.”
Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Local 26, said workers are focused on securing wage growth comparable to contracts achieved at Boston hotels, while also preserving existing healthcare and retirement benefits. He also urged customers to avoid crossing the picket line while the dispute continues.
Employees Cite Cost-of-Living Pressures
Many workers participating in the strike pointed to rising living expenses as a major factor behind their demands.
Kathleen Woodard, who works in Encore’s public areas department and has been with the property since it opened, described the impact that inflation has had on everyday expenses.
“It’s horrible,” Woodard said. “Every week I go to the grocery store, and I don’t have anybody I have to support; it’s just me, and every week I’m like, oh my God, it just went up another $50. What the heck? It’s really getting tough to live.” Woodard said she worries about colleagues who face childcare and family expenses in addition to rising household costs.
Her responsibilities include cleaning the gaming floor, resort facilities and employee areas throughout the property. She said workers are seeking compensation that reflects the work they perform every day. “I don’t think any of us are greedy asking for that amount,” Woodard said. “I think we are just trying to survive.”
Negotiations Remain at a Standstill
The unions voted in mid-August to authorize a strike after bargaining sessions failed to produce a new agreement. According to Teamsters representatives, management did not return to negotiations with proposals that addressed workers’ concerns after the authorization vote.
“Encore slow-walked negotiations and played games with our members, and now they’re going to see how big of a mistake that was,” Thomas G. Mari, president of Local 25, said. “When a company refuses to respect the workers who make its profits possible, we shut it down. The Teamsters don’t cross picket lines and won’t be intimidated.”
“Encore management has pushed our members to the brink because they thought they could take our labor for granted,” added Tommy Blitsch, director of the Teamsters convention, trade show, and casino division. “If Encore wants its casino running, it needs the workers who make it run. And the Teamsters are standing up and fighting back.”
James Atkins, a lead gardener and chief steward with Local 25, said employees are prepared for a lengthy dispute if necessary.
“We make Encore a world-class resort that generates enormous profits because of our hard work,” Atkins said. “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.”
Wynn Resorts said it remains committed to reaching an agreement despite the strike.
“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,” a Wynn spokesperson said.
The company has stated that casino operations will continue while negotiations proceed. As of Friday, no additional bargaining sessions had been scheduled between the two sides.