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Boston City Council Backs Striking Encore Workers: A Comprehensive Guide to the Labor Dispute and Political Pressure

By jili tutorial · September 18, 2026

Boston City Council Backs Striking Encore Workers: A Comprehensive Guide to the Labor Dispute and Political Pressure

Overview: Three Municipal Councils Unite in Solidarity

The Boston City Council has formally joined neighboring Everett in publicly supporting striking union workers at Encore Boston Harbor, marking a significant escalation in political pressure on Wynn Resorts. During its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the council voted unanimously to pass a resolution backing the strike, which involves approximately 1,350 workers represented by Teamsters Local 25 and Unite Here Local 26.

This move follows similar actions by the Everett and Somerville city councils, creating a united front across three municipalities. The workers walked off the job on September 4, 2026, after their collective bargaining contracts expired on August 31, 2026.

What the Boston City Council Resolution Actually Does

The resolution, sponsored by Councilor Henry Santana, carries both symbolic and practical weight. It places the council on official record in support of the striking workers and includes a pledge that councilors will not:

This boycott remains in effect until new union contracts are reached. While the resolution does not carry the force of law, it signals strong political backing and could influence public perception, media coverage, and the negotiating atmosphere.

Key Language from the Resolution

The council’s statement emphasizes that union workers “serve as ambassadors for the Greater Boston area to travelers and tourists” and that “access to a living wage, job security, and quality healthcare are concerns that all Bostonians share and are essential to economic security and dignity.”

Background on the Strike: Who Is Involved and Why

The Unions and Their Members

The strike is led by two major labor organizations:

Together, these unions represent the vast majority of hourly workers at the $2.6 billion casino resort, which sits across the Mystic River in Everett, Massachusetts.

Key Demands from the Unions

The workers are asking for:

These demands reflect broader concerns about the cost of living in the Boston area, where housing, transportation, and healthcare costs continue to rise.

Wynn Resorts’ Response: Financial Claims and Counterarguments

The Company’s Position

Officials with Wynn Resorts argue that the union demands are unreasonable. They point to data showing that Encore Boston Harbor workers are already well-compensated compared to peers in similar roles across Greater Boston.

According to Wynn, the average total compensation (including wages, tips, and benefits) for a housekeeper, server, cook, bartender, slot attendant, or warehouse worker at Encore is nearly $96,000 per year. This figure is:

A spokesperson for Wynn Resorts stated: “We’re proud of the role Encore Boston Harbor plays in the community. Since 2019, we’ve invested $2.6 billion in Everett, generated $1.1 billion in state tax revenue, made $370 million in community payments, and paid $1.3 billion in employee compensation. We remain committed to this community, which is why we’re focused on reaching an agreement that is financially sustainable to protect jobs for the long term.”

Financial Performance of Encore Boston Harbor

The company also highlighted the resort’s financial health. Encore Boston Harbor reported Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of:

YearEBITDA
2021$210.1 million
2022$243.4 million
2023$257.4 million
2024$247.1 million
2025$236.7 million

EBITDA is a commonly used metric to measure a company’s operational profitability by excluding non-cash expenses and financing costs.

Despite the slight dip in 2025, these figures show sustained profitability. Unions and their supporters argue that this financial strength means the company can afford to meet worker demands without jeopardizing long-term sustainability.

Political and Community Context: Why This Matters Beyond the Casino

This labor dispute is playing out in a region with a strong labor history and growing concerns about income inequality. The Boston metropolitan area has seen a surge in the cost of living, and many service-sector workers struggle to afford housing within commuting distance of their jobs.

The three municipal councils—Boston, Everett, and Somerville—collectively represent hundreds of thousands of residents. Their resolutions, while non-binding, create a political climate that can:

Examples of Similar Labor Actions in the Casino Industry

Casino labor disputes have become more visible nationwide in recent years. For instance:

These precedents show that sustained public and political support can shift outcomes in labor negotiations.

What Happens Next: The Path Forward

With three city councils now on record in support of the strike, the pressure is mounting on both sides. Negotiations are expected to resume, but the contract stalemate remains. Key factors that could influence the outcome include:

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Encore Boston Harbor

The Boston City Council’s unanimous vote is a clear signal that local government stands with the striking workers. As the strike enters its second month, the true test will be whether political solidarity translates into a fair contract—one that balances the workers’ need for a living wage with the company’s desire for financial sustainability.

The eyes of the region are on Everett, and the outcome of this dispute may set a precedent for labor relations in the Massachusetts casino industry for years to come.