Encore Boston Harbor Workers Authorize Strike Over Wages and Benefits

Workers at Encore Boston Harbor have authorized a strike after voting this week, escalating labor tensions at one of the Northeast's largest casino operators. The action comes as two major unions representing approximately 1,350 employees prepare for contract negotiations with Wynn Resorts ahead of an August 31 deadline.

Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, which represent housekeeping, culinary, beverage, gaming, and warehouse staff, are seeking $10 per hour in wage increases over four years, along with protections for existing health care benefits and pension guarantees for longer-tenured employees. The unions argue that Encore's base pay of $25 per hour falls short of what workers need to live in the Boston metropolitan area, one of the most expensive regions in the United States. According to analysis cited in the unions' campaign, a family of four in Massachusetts requires approximately $329,555 annually to live comfortably.

The strike authorization carries significant weight: union leaders have stated they will not provide advance notice if they decide to walk off the job, meaning a work stoppage could begin without warning. This stance reflects the unions' intent to maximize leverage in negotiations. Thomas Mari, president of Teamsters Local 25, publicly urged the Boston community to support striking workers, saying 'This is a union town' and calling for a boycott of Encore if the strike occurs.

Encore Boston Harbor is a major economic asset for the region, generating $846.9 million in 2025 revenue, with gaming accounting for $629.2 million of that figure. The property's EBITDA reached $236.7 million, though this represented a 4.2 percent decline from 2024 results. A prolonged strike would directly impact this revenue stream and operational capacity.

Wynn Resorts has previously stated that its corporate philosophy centers on employing 'talented and empowered employees, working in an environment in which they feel valued and well compensated.' However, union leadership has framed the current contract offer as inadequate. Carlos Aramayo, Unite Here Local 26 president, delivered pointed criticism, stating that workers provide 'five-star service' but receive contracts worse than budget hotel chains.

The Encore situation reflects broader tensions within the casino industry regarding labor compensation and worker protections in high-cost-of-living markets. As more casino properties operate in major metropolitan areas with elevated living expenses, similar wage disputes have become increasingly common across the sector. The outcome of negotiations at Encore Boston Harbor may establish precedent for other properties navigating similar labor challenges. For Wynn Resorts, the strike authorization represents a material operational risk that investors and industry observers will likely monitor closely through the August 31 deadline.