Encore Boston Harbor Casino Workers Begin Strike as Contract Talks Stall

More than 1,300 employees at the Encore Boston Harbor casino resort in Everett, Massachusetts, walked off the job on Friday morning after their contract expired on August 31 and negotiations reached an impasse. The action involves members of UNITE HERE Local 26 along with Teamsters Local 25, both of which represent a range of positions from dealers and servers to housekeeping and maintenance staff at the Wynn Resorts property.

Union representatives stated that core issues center on wage increases, including a proposed $10 per hour raise spread across three years for non-tipped employees, alongside improvements in benefits packages, stronger job security measures, and alignment of pay scales with those offered at downtown Boston hotels. The resort has continued operations using replacement and non-union personnel while discussions persist into the following week.

Details of the Labor Action

The strike commenced at the start of the morning shift on Friday, marking the first major work stoppage at the Everett facility since its opening. Picket lines formed outside the property as union members gathered to publicize their positions on wages and working conditions. Casino management confirmed that all gaming floors, hotel services, and dining outlets remain open, though observers note reduced staffing levels in certain departments during the initial days of the dispute.

According to statements released by the unions, contract talks had continued past the August 31 expiration without a new agreement in place. The previous contract had covered terms for roughly three years prior to this expiration, and both sides had exchanged proposals on compensation and protections throughout the summer months. Data from Wynn Resorts’ SEC filings shows the company reported steady revenue growth at its Massachusetts property through 2025, providing context for the economic backdrop against which these negotiations unfolded.

Union Positions and Specific Demands

UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 outlined several priorities during the bargaining process. Higher hourly rates for non-tipped workers formed one central element, with the $10 increase phased over three years intended to address cost-of-living pressures in the Boston metropolitan area. Additional requests focused on enhanced health and retirement benefits, language protecting against subcontracting of union roles, and parity adjustments that would bring certain wage categories in line with comparable positions at other Boston-area hospitality venues.

Those involved in the negotiations emphasized that job security provisions gained particular attention because of recent industry trends toward automation and outsourcing in gaming and hospitality sectors. Union leaders indicated that parity with downtown Boston hotels would help retain experienced staff at the Everett location, where competition for talent remains high.

Resort Operations and Management Response

Encore Boston Harbor has maintained normal hours of operation since the strike began, relying on a combination of salaried staff, temporary replacements, and cross-trained employees to cover essential functions. Wynn Resorts issued statements confirming that guest services continue without interruption, while also noting that bargaining sessions with the unions remain scheduled in the days ahead. The company owns the property outright and has operated it since 2018 as its sole Massachusetts gaming venue.

Local officials in Everett have monitored the situation but have not reported any disruptions to public safety or traffic beyond the expected presence of picket activity near the main entrance. The casino’s continued operation with non-striking personnel follows standard industry practice during such disputes, allowing revenue-generating activities to proceed while talks advance.

Broader Context of the Negotiations

Contract expiration on August 31 set the stage for the current standoff, with both parties having met repeatedly over the preceding months without reaching consensus on the full package of wage, benefit, and security items. The involvement of two separate unions reflects the diverse workforce at the resort, where table games, food service, and support roles fall under different bargaining units. Reports indicate that similar labor agreements at other regional casinos have included phased raises and enhanced protections in recent years, providing a reference point for the current discussions.

Pay parity requests tie directly to compensation benchmarks established at properties closer to downtown Boston, where hospitality unions have secured incremental gains through prior settlements. The Everett workforce, many of whom commute from surrounding communities, has cited these disparities as a key factor in sustaining the current action.

Conclusion

The strike at Encore Boston Harbor continues into its second week with both sides maintaining active communication channels. Replacement staffing has kept the facility functional, while union members sustain their presence outside the property to highlight outstanding contract issues. Further bargaining sessions are expected to address the remaining differences on compensation structures, benefits enhancements, and employment safeguards as the process moves forward.