Encore Boston Harbor Union Workers Prepare Strike Authorization Vote
Geschrieben von Ben Sullivan · 19.8.2026
Encore Boston Harbor Union Workers Prepare Strike Authorization Vote
Workers represented by Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 have scheduled a vote for August 19 and 20 on whether to authorize a strike at Wynn Resorts’ Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett, Massachusetts; the vote comes as current contracts reach expiration on August 31 and negotiations continue over wages and pension terms. The two locals together account for 1,350 members employed at the property, and union leadership has stated that a strike could begin September 1 if no agreement is reached. Current minimum pay stands at $25 per hour, yet the unions seek increases above that level along with enhanced pension contributions, citing the casino’s revenue performance as context for their demands.
Contract Timeline and Voting Process
The contracts covering these positions end August 31, which places the August 19-20 authorization vote several weeks before the deadline; if members approve the measure, union representatives gain the ability to call a work stoppage starting September 1. Observers note that strike authorization votes serve as a procedural step that signals member support without immediately halting operations, allowing continued bargaining in the intervening days. The process requires participation from both locals, and turnout details will determine whether the unions proceed with further action after the ballots close.
Financial Performance Cited in Negotiations
Union statements reference the property’s 2025 results, which showed nearly $847 million in total revenue and $236.7 million in adjusted EBITDA; those figures represent a 4.2 percent decline from the prior year yet remain substantial for the single-site operation. Data from industry reports indicate that Encore Boston Harbor has maintained consistent guest traffic since opening, supporting arguments from labor representatives that the financial position allows for improved compensation packages. Figures released by the company and tracked through regulatory filings provide the basis for these comparisons, and negotiators on both sides continue to reference the same numbers during talks.
Those familiar with similar labor agreements at other Massachusetts gaming facilities point out that pension contributions often form a central point of discussion because they affect long-term retirement security for hourly staff. The current proposal from the unions seeks higher employer payments into existing plans, while management has not publicly detailed its counter-offers at this stage. Contract language typically covers wage scales across multiple job classifications, so any increase above the $25 minimum would apply differently depending on seniority and role.
Scope of Representation at the Property
Unite Here Local 26 represents hospitality and food service employees, whereas Teamsters Local 25 covers transportation and warehouse positions; together they encompass a significant portion of the non-supervisory workforce at the Everett location. The combined membership of 1,350 reflects the scale of operations at a resort casino that includes hotel rooms, multiple dining outlets, and extensive gaming space. Contract terms for these groups historically align on major economic issues even when separate bargaining units exist, which explains the coordinated vote schedule.
Potential Timeline After the Vote
Should teh authorization pass, the unions retain discretion on when to initiate a stoppage, though September 1 has been identified as the earliest possible date. Continued negotiations between now and the contract expiration could still produce a tentative agreement that members would then ratify, avoiding any disruption. Labor relations at the property have followed standard National Labor Relations Board procedures, and both sides maintain communication channels through federal mediators if needed.
Revenue and earnings data released for 2025 continue to serve as reference points in public statements, with union communications highlighting the adjusted EBITDA margin as evidence of operational strength. Company filings submitted to state regulators provide the detailed breakdowns that allow comparisons across years, and those documents remain available for review by interested parties. The 4.2 percent year-over-year change in adjusted EBITDA reflects shifts in both revenue and operating costs that management attributes to market conditions.
Background on Massachusetts Casino Labor Environment
Encore Boston Harbor operates under a license issued by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which oversees compliance with state labor and gaming statutes; similar facilities elsewhere in the state maintain union contracts that cover comparable job categories. Historical patterns at other licensed properties show that authorization votes often precede final agreements without resulting in extended work stoppages. The current round of talks at Encore follows this pattern, with both parties continuing discussions while the vote proceeds on schedule.
Conclusion
The upcoming August 19-20 vote will determine whether the unions move forward with strike preparations ahead of the August 31 contract deadline, and the outcome hinges on member participation and the status of ongoing wage and pension discussions. Revenue figures from 2025 remain central to the dialogue, providing context for demands that exceed the existing $25 hourly minimum. Further developments will unfold after ballots are counted and bargaining resumes in the final days before expiration.