jili tutorial

Everett City Council Takes a Stand in the Ongoing Encore Boston Harbor Labor Dispute

By jili tutorial · September 15, 2026

Everett City Council Takes a Stand in the Ongoing Encore Boston Harbor Labor Dispute

Overview of the Conflict

On September 14, 2026—ten days after union workers at Encore Boston Harbor walked off the job—the Everett City Council prepared to vote on a resolution that would officially side with striking employees. The move marks a significant moment in the labor dispute between Wynn Resorts and its unionized workforce, and it highlights the complex relationship between the casino giant and the city that welcomed it.

The casino, a $2.4 billion integrated resort owned by Wynn Resorts, sits on the Everett waterfront across the Mystic River from downtown Boston. Since opening, it has been a major economic engine for the city—but also a source of tension over wages, community integration, and job quality.

The Strike: What’s at Stake

Who Is on Strike?

Approximately 1,350 union employees at Encore Boston Harbor are participating in the work stoppage. These workers belong to Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, and they fill a wide range of roles:

The strike began on September 4, 2026, and has continued daily with picket lines outside the casino. Wynn Resorts has maintained that operations inside Encore Boston Harbor remain normal, using non-union employees or temporary replacements.

Key Demands of the Unions

The unions are seeking a new contract that includes:

These demands reflect broader trends in the hospitality industry, where workers in gateway cities like Boston have seen cost-of-living increases outpace wage growth.

The City Council’s Role: Resolution C 0197-26

What the Resolution Does

During its regularly scheduled meeting on the evening of September 14, the Everett City Council was expected to consider Resolution C 0197-26, introduced by Councilor Peter Pietrantonio, whose 6th Ward includes the casino property. If passed, the resolution would express the council’s formal support for the unions in their contract negotiations.

Before the vote, members of Locals 25 and 26 were given time to address the council directly, explaining why they believe they deserve better wages and benefits. The meeting took place at 7 p.m. in Everett City Hall.

A Shift in Tone

This show of support is notable because the City of Everett has long been strongly aligned with Wynn Resorts. The city, along with then-Mayor Carlo DeMaria and a majority of the community, actively campaigned to bring Wynn to Everett. In exchange for hosting the resort, Wynn spent $68 million to clean up the contaminated waterfront site, which had been used for chemical manufacturing. The company also committed to:

Despite this partnership, councilors signaled they would back the unions. Mayor Robert Van Campen remarked, “Encore is an important part of Everett. But so are the people who show up every day and make it successful.”

Community Relations: A Growing Divide

Tensions Over Local Hiring

The labor dispute is not just about wages—it also reflects frustration over how well Encore Boston Harbor has integrated into the Everett community. During the casino’s innholder’s license renewal in June 2026, Wynn officials reported that 567 Everett residents worked at the resort, representing about 17% of the total workforce.

City councilors expressed disappointment with that number. Councilor Wayne Matewsky told Eileen McAnneny, Encore Boston Harbor’s executive director of government relations, “As a council we have no connection with you. It’s like you’re a separate city. The people of Everett thought we’d get a bigger bang out of this. I thought we’d get more.”

A Heated Exchange Over Service Standards

McAnneny responded that the property gives preference to Everett residents, but those residents must meet the service standards of a five-star resort. This prompted a sharp reply from Councilor Michele Capone:

“Are you saying Everett residents are not five-star? Are you looking down on the residents of Everett?”

McAnneny reiterated that residents must meet the same standards as any applicant, but the exchange underscored a perception that Wynn has not lived up to its promises of deep community integration.

The Encore Boston Harbor strike is part of a wider wave of labor actions in the U.S. casino and hospitality sectors. In recent years, unions have pushed for:

Hotels and casinos in major markets like Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Boston have seen strikes or near-strikes over similar issues. The support of local government—particularly a city council that helped bring the casino to town—adds political weight to the unions’ cause.

What’s Next for Everett and Encore Boston Harbor

The Vote and Its Impact

The passage of Resolution C 0197-26 would be largely symbolic—it does not compel Wynn Resorts to change its bargaining position. However, it sends a clear message that the city’s elected officials stand with the workers, not just the corporate partner. That could influence public opinion and put additional pressure on Wynn to reach a settlement.

Potential Outcomes

For the 567 Everett residents who work at the casino, the outcome will directly affect their livelihoods. For the broader community, it will test whether the promise of a “good neighbor” casino can be fulfilled.

Explanation of Key Terms

Final Note

The Everett City Council’s decision to support the striking workers marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing labor dispute at Encore Boston Harbor. While the council once championed Wynn’s arrival, the current fight reveals the gap between corporate promises and community expectations—and the real human stakes behind those 1,350 picket lines.