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Encore Boston Harbor Strike: 1,300 Workers Demand a “Boston Standard” Contract

By jili tutorial · October 7, 2026

Encore Boston Harbor Strike: 1,300 Workers Demand a “Boston Standard” Contract

Overview: A Labor Dispute Enters Its Second Month

Since Sept. 4, more than 1,300 employees at Encore Boston Harbor have been walking the picket line outside the casino. What began as a strike threat after failed contract negotiations has stretched into a multiweek labor standoff between Wynn Resorts and two major unions. As of early October, the two sides have met only twice since the walkout began, according to union officials.

The strike involves workers in roles that are essential to daily resort operations: housekeepers, servers, cooks, bartenders, slot attendants, and warehouse staff. These employees are represented by Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26. Their collective bargaining agreements with Wynn Resorts expired on Aug. 31. When negotiations broke down and the company did not agree to the unions’ contract demands, the unions made good on their warning and went on strike.

Who Is on Strike and What Do They Want?

The striking workers are not just casino floor employees. Many are behind-the-scenes and guest-facing staff who keep a large resort running smoothly. The unions are negotiating on behalf of:

The unions’ central demands include:

Union leaders say these demands are a direct response to the rapidly rising cost of living in Greater Boston. They argue that without meaningful wage growth, workers at Encore Boston Harbor are falling behind compared with unionized hotel employees in the same region.

The “Boston Standard” Benchmark Explained

Union negotiators are using a specific term to frame their demands: the “Boston standard.” This refers to the pay and benefits that union hotel workers already receive at nearby unionized properties, often only a few miles away from Encore Boston Harbor. In the unions’ view, workers performing the same jobs should not be paid less simply because they work at a casino resort rather than a hotel.

A UNITE HERE Local 26 spokesperson said that throughout every bargaining session before and during the strike, Wynn Resorts has not proposed a concrete way to close the gap between its current contract offers and the Boston standard.

“Wynn has never offered a trade, a phase-in, or any new condition that would get workers there,” the spokesperson said. “It has simply said ‘no.’”

The unions believe a contract that meets the Boston standard is achievable without threatening the resort’s long-term financial health. They say workers want an agreement that is fair now and sustainable for years to come.

Wynn’s Position: Compensation Is Already Strong

Wynn Resorts has offered a different picture of the situation. The company points out that union members at Encore Boston Harbor already earn an average of almost $96,000 per year in combined pay and benefits. From the company’s perspective, that total compensation package should be the starting point for negotiations.

A spokesperson for Wynn Resorts told Casino.org that the company remains committed to reaching an agreement that “recognizes the contributions of employees while protecting the thousands of jobs and economic benefits Encore Boston Harbor provides.” The company also said it is working toward a “financially sound agreement” that keeps the resort a strong employer and a major economic engine for Massachusetts.

The public statements from both sides sound similar in tone. Both say they want a fair deal. The problem is that they remain far apart on what “fair” means in practice.

Negotiation Stalls: Only Two Meetings in a Month

Perhaps the most striking development in this dispute is how little conversation has taken place since the strike began. A UNITE HERE Local 26 spokesperson told Casino.org on Tuesday, Oct. 6, that union negotiators have met with Wynn management only twice since the Sept. 4 walkout. The most recent session took place on Sept. 30.

Union leaders say the lack of frequent bargaining is itself a concern. With workers on the picket line, they had hoped Wynn would return to the table quickly and with a serious proposal. Instead, the unions say the company has offered no substantive path toward the Boston standard.

The union’s account contrasts with Wynn’s public messaging. While Wynn says it is still committed to an agreement, the limited number of negotiating sessions suggests that meaningful progress has not been made.

What Is Happening Inside the Resort During the Strike?

Wynn officials say most resort operations at Encore Boston Harbor are running normally despite the strike. But guest reviews on platforms like Google paint a more complicated picture.

Some recent visitors reported a surprisingly normal experience. One reviewer wrote that “even under strike, this place is immaculate, spotless, and service top-notch.” That suggests that in some areas of the resort, guests may not notice the labor dispute at all.

Other guests described a very different scene. One reviewer said the resort was “not worth a visit during the strike,” citing terrible service, closed restaurants, and a closed valet. The same reviewer added that the sound of drums from the picket line could be heard “banging all night long.”

Room pricing does not appear to reflect the labor conflict. Midweek night stays at Encore Boston Harbor currently start at $527 before taxes and resort fees. That is a high price point for a property where some amenities may be unavailable and picket-line noise can reach guest rooms.

What Travelers Should Consider Before Visiting

For anyone thinking about booking a stay at Encore Boston Harbor while the strike is ongoing, a little advance planning is worthwhile.

These considerations do not necessarily mean a stay will be negative. Some guests have reported clean rooms and attentive service even with workers on the picket line. But the mixed reviews show that a resort under strike can be unpredictable.

Where the Standoff Stands

Both sides say they want an agreement that is fair, financially sustainable, and protective of jobs. The unions say that agreement should meet the Boston standard. Wynn says it needs to balance worker compensation with the long-term health of the resort.

As of the union’s Oct. 6 update, the most recent negotiating session had taken place on Sept. 30. No breakthrough had been announced. With picket lines still active and new contracts still unreached, the standoff at Encore Boston Harbor remains unresolved.