Encore Boston Harbor Casino Workers Launch Strike After Negotiations Stall
Written by Devon Flores · Sep 7, 2026
Encore Boston Harbor Casino Workers Launch Strike After Negotiations Stall
More than 1,300 employees at the Encore Boston Harbor casino resort in Everett, Massachusetts walked off the job on September 4, 2026 after contract talks with Wynn Resorts broke down, and union representatives from UNITE HERE Local 26 along with Teamsters Local 25 confirmed the action began that morning. The workers include housekeepers, cooks, slot attendants and support staff across multiple departments, and they cite stalled progress on wage scales, benefit packages and job protections as the core reasons the strike started on that date.
Details of the Labor Action
The strike unfolded after months of bargaining sessions failed to produce a new agreement, while the unions point to revenue figures from recent company filings that showed the property generating approximately $847 million in one recent year as evidence that resources exist for improved terms. Casino operations continued without interruption on opening day of the strike, and management emphasized that prior wage and benefit increases had already been implemented in recent contracts, yet the unions maintain that additional adjustments are needed to reach parity with other unionized hotels in the Boston area.
Worker Demands and Union Positions
Representatives outlined specific requests that include a $10 per hour wage increase spread over several years for non-tipped employees, enhanced healthcare and pension contributions, plus stronger language around job security during potential future changes in operations or ownership. These proposals aim to align compensation and protections with contracts already in place at comparable Boston-area properties, and union statements noted that similar provisions have been secured elsewhere without disrupting service levels. Data from state labor records indicate that hospitality roles at the resort cover a wide range of positions, each facing distinct challenges related to scheduling, tips and physical demands that the proposed contract language seeks to address directly.
Company Response and Operational Continuity
Wynn Resorts has highlighted the growth in wages and benefits delivered through earlier agreements and expressed a commitment to reaching a sustainable deal that supports both employees and the long-term viability of the property. The casino has remained fully open since the strike began, with management confirming that contingency plans allow core services to continue while negotiations resume. Observers note that the facility continues to draw visitors, and no immediate changes to operating hours or available amenities have been announced as a result of the labor action.
Revenue data released in company filings underscores the scale of the operation, and union leaders reference those numbers when explaining why they believe current proposals fall short of what the property can support. Meanwhile, state gaming oversight records show consistent reporting requirements that track both financial performance and employment levels at licensed facilities such as this one, providing a public benchmark for ongoing discussions between the parties.
Broader Context of the Dispute
Contract negotiations in the hospitality sector often center on aligning local agreements with regional standards, and this case follows a similar pattern where the unions seek to close gaps identified in healthcare coverage, retirement contributions and protections against layoffs tied to automation or restructuring. Figures from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission illustrate employment trends across the state's casino properties, offering context for how labor agreements at one site can influence expectations at others. Those who've reviewed comparable contracts in neighboring states point to provisions that address both wage progression and benefit portability as models under discussion here.
Job classifications involved range from food service and cleaning crews to gaming floor support, each group bringing distinct priorities to the bargaining table. The combined membership represented by the two locals exceeds 1,300 individuals, and daily picket activity has been organized around shift changes to maintain visibility without interfering with public access. Company statements continue to stress a willingness to negotiate further, while union communications emphasize that the current offer does not yet meet the benchmarks set at peer properties in the same market.
Next Steps in Negotiations
Both sides have indicated they remain open to continued dialogue, and mediators familiar with Massachusetts labor disputes have been referenced as a potential resource should talks require additional structure. Historical patterns in the region show that extended strikes in the casino and hotel sectors have occasionally led to mediated settlements that incorporate phased wage adjustments alongside strengthened benefit language, though each case depends on the specific economics of the property involved. Records maintained by federal labor agencies track the frequency and duration of such actions, providing data points that analysts use when assessing outcomes across different jurisdictions.
Conclusion
The strike at Encore Boston Harbor that began on September 4, 2026 reflects ongoing negotiations over compensation, benefits and job security for more than 1,300 workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, with the property continuing operations amid the dispute. Revenue figures from company filings and employment data maintained by state regulators supply context for the positions presented by each party, while both sides have expressed readiness to resume discussions aimed at a new contract. Updates on the situation will depend on further developments in the bargaining process and any adjustments to operational plans announced by management.