jili tutorial

Encore Boston Harbor Unions Strike After Contract Talks Reach Boiling Point

By jili tutorial · September 5, 2026

Encore Boston Harbor Unions Strike After Contract Talks Reach Boiling Point

Union Workers Walk Off the Job

Union employees at Encore Boston Harbor walked off the job on Friday, September 4, 2026, after contract negotiations with the luxury casino resort broke down. The strike began when talks between the unions and Wynn Resorts failed to produce a new labor agreement.

The picket lines went up early, with workers rallying outside the property in Everett, located across the Mystic River from downtown Boston.

Which Unions Are Involved?

Teamsters Local 25 and Unite Here Local 26 represent more than 1,300 employees at the Wynn Resorts property. The striking workers include front desk staff, housekeepers, cooks, servers, bartenders, slot attendants, and warehouse operations personnel.

Union leaders expressed frustration with management’s approach to the negotiations.

“Encore management has pushed our members to the brink because they thought they could take our labor for granted,” said Tommy Blitsch, a Teamsters spokesperson. “If Encore wants its casino running, it needs the workers who make it run.”

James Atkins, lead gardener and chief steward at Local 25, added: “We make Encore a world-class resort that generates enormous profits because of our hard work. We didn’t want to strike, but we won’t accept a contract that blatantly disrespects our labor. We’re on the picket line and will stay out as long as it takes to get a fair deal.”

Resort Remains Open

Despite the walkout, an Encore Boston Harbor spokesperson confirmed that the resort is operating as normal. Hotel reservations are being honored, and the casino remains open to guests.

“Encore Boston Harbor remains open and operational, and we stand ready to service our guests while we continue negotiations,” the spokesperson said. “The unions have chosen to initiate a strike despite our continued efforts to reach an agreement through negotiations. We are committed to finding common ground that is fair, financially sustainable, and protects jobs for the long term.”

What the Unions Are Demanding

Union leaders are seeking guarantees that their existing health care and pension benefits will continue. Their key demands include:

Wynn Resorts Defends Its Offer

Officials with Wynn Resorts say Encore Boston Harbor union workers are already well compensated, with employees earning an average of $95,718 in pay and benefits per year.

“Encore Boston Harbor has invested in its workforce since day one — competitive wages, strong benefits, and stable careers,” a company spokesperson said. “We are approaching these negotiations in good faith, with open communication and a genuine desire to reach an agreement that works for everyone.”

According to Wynn, union pay and benefits have grown by nearly 37% over the past four years, while resort revenue increased by only 1.9% during the same period. The company argues that “wages have significantly outpaced inflation.”

“Our focus is long-term job protection and economic stability,” the company added. “Short-term proposals that ignore these realities do not protect jobs.”