Encore Boston Harbor Strike Ends as 1,300 Casino Workers Reach Labor Agreement

EVERETT, Massachusetts – Union workers at Encore Boston Harbor ratified a new collective bargaining agreement on November 5, ending a two-month strike. The deal resolves a labor dispute involving approximately 1,300 casino employees who walked off the job in September over wages, benefits and workplace protections.

UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 confirmed that members approved the agreement with the Wynn Resorts-owned property. Both unions welcomed the settlement, while casino management said it looked forward to bringing its workforce back together.

Encore Boston Harbor Workers Ratify New Labor Agreement

The agreement brings an end to a strike that began September 4, four days after the workers’ previous contract expired without a replacement agreement.

Approximately 1,300 employees participated in the walkout, including housekeepers, cooks, waiters, bartenders, slot attendants, warehouse staff and drivers. The dispute also involved workers in guest services, horticulture, transportation and other departments across the casino resort.

Union members had authorized the strike in August after months of unsuccessful negotiations. They were seeking higher wages, stronger benefits and additional job protections, arguing that compensation should reflect the cost of living in the Boston area and remain competitive with unionized hotels in the city.

Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Local 26, praised workers for remaining united throughout the dispute and expressed optimism about their return to the property.

Tom Mari, president of Teamsters Local 25, also welcomed the outcome, saying the agreement recognized the contribution of workers to the casino’s operations and reflected the strength of cooperation between the unions.

Casino and Unions Welcome End of Two-Month Dispute

Encore Boston Harbor confirmed the agreement in a statement, describing the settlement as an outcome that supports both employees and the property’s long-term operations.

“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement that works for our employees and the long-term future of Encore Boston Harbor”, the casino said.

Management also expressed its intention to welcome union employees back and restore a full workforce after more than two months of disrupted staffing.

Although both sides confirmed that the agreement had been ratified, they did not immediately disclose the full financial terms. Details concerning wage increases, healthcare contributions, pension arrangements and other negotiated protections had not been publicly outlined.

Before the settlement, union representatives had called for substantial wage improvements while seeking to maintain existing health insurance and retirement benefits. Wynn Resorts had previously said it wanted an agreement that was financially sustainable and protected employment over the long term.

Encore Boston Harbor Prepares for Workers’ Return

Encore Boston Harbor remained open throughout the strike, relying on management and nonunion employees to maintain casino and hospitality operations. However, the walkout affected a wide range of services at the Everett property, including food and beverage operations, housekeeping and guest assistance.

The casino, which opened in 2019, is one of Massachusetts’ largest gaming and hospitality destinations. Its operations include casino gaming, hotel accommodations, restaurants and entertainment facilities.

The labor dispute had also attracted attention beyond the property, with union supporters and community members joining workers on picket lines and calling for an agreement.

With the contract now ratified, the unions said employees were looking forward to returning to work and beginning a new chapter at Encore Boston Harbor. The parties had not announced a detailed schedule for the return of all affected staff.

The November 5 agreement closes a lengthy labor dispute at one of New England’s major casino resorts, allowing workers and management to move forward under a new collective bargaining agreement.

RELATED TOPICS: Business