Encore Boston Harbor Strike Reaches Day 20 as Casino Workers Demand Better Wages

The labor strike at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts, has now entered its 20th day, with over 1,000 unionized casino workers continuing to walk the picket line. The dispute, which began on September 4, stems from failed contract negotiations between workers and casino management, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Workers represented by Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 voted to strike after their collective bargaining agreements expired on August 31. The walkout includes drivers, valets, cashiers, attendants, cooks and other casino staff who have been unable to reach a new agreement with Wynn Resorts, the operator of Encore Boston Harbor.

Key facts

Wage demands at the center of dispute

The striking workers are calling for hourly pay increases of $10 over four years, with a starting base wage of $25 per hour. In addition to wage hikes, the union is seeking guarantees on healthcare and pension benefits. Workers have stated that their goal is to have the casino management recognize their contributions and provide compensation that reflects the cost of living in the Boston area.

Union members have asked local residents and customers to honor the picket line and support the striking employees. Social media posts from Teamsters Boston show what appear to be hundreds of people marching in support of the workers, with the organization noting strong community backing.

Wynn Resorts responds with call for financial realism

Wynn Resorts has publicly acknowledged the strike but maintains that the union’s demands must be grounded in what the company describes as financial reality. In a statement provided to Casino.org, the company said it remains committed to supporting its workers but argued that wages at Encore Boston Harbor have already outpaced the average increase in consumer prices in Boston.

The company warned that an unsustainable agreement could lead to layoffs, suggesting that any new contract must reflect the actual financial performance of the casino. This position has created a clear divide between the two sides, with workers arguing that the casino can afford to meet their demands given its revenue.

Impact on casino operations and visitors

For regular visitors to Encore Boston Harbor, the strike has likely caused disruptions to normal casino operations. With drivers, valets, cashiers and cooks on the picket line, services such as valet parking, food and beverage, and front-of-house operations may be affected. Players planning to visit the property for video poker or other casino games should be aware that reduced staffing levels could impact their experience.

The strike also serves as a reminder of the labor dynamics that underpin the casino industry. While much of the public focus is on gaming floors and jackpots, the workers who handle parking, food service and guest check-in play an essential role in the overall casino experience. A prolonged labor dispute can affect customer satisfaction and potentially drive visitors to other regional casinos.

Broader context for Massachusetts casino workers

The Encore Boston Harbor strike is one of the more significant labor actions in the Massachusetts casino sector in recent years. The state has three commercial casinos — Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino — along with the slots parlor at Raynham Park. Unionized workers at these properties have generally maintained stable labor relations, making the current strike notable.

For video poker players and casino patrons in the region, the outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for wages and working conditions at other Massachusetts gaming properties. If the union succeeds in securing significant wage increases, similar demands may follow at other casinos in the state.

What happens next

As of this writing, no new negotiation sessions have been announced, and the strike continues with no clear end date. The picket line remains active, and union leaders have indicated they are prepared to continue the strike as long as necessary to achieve their goals. Wynn Resorts has not signaled any willingness to revise its position.

Workers have also received support from other labor organizations, including UFCW Local 1445, which issued a statement backing the striking employees and calling on management to settle the contract.

For casino patrons, the practical takeaway is that Encore Boston Harbor remains open but with reduced services in certain areas. Anyone planning a visit should check for service updates before traveling. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as both sides weigh their next moves.

Source: GamblingNews – https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/encore-boston-harbor-strike-enters-its-20th-day/