Employees at Encore Boston Harbor have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement, bringing an end to a 63-day strike that involved approximately 1,300 workers.
Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26 announced the agreement on Thursday, confirming that their members had approved the new contract following months of negotiations with the resort’s operator, Wynn Resorts. Staff are scheduled to return to work on Friday, with some shifts beginning as early as 6:00 a.m.
The strike began on September 4, following the expiration of the previous labor agreement on August 31. Workers had sought higher wages, improved benefits, greater job security, and better terms regarding healthcare and pensions.
Neither union has immediately disclosed the specific financial or contractual details of the agreement. However, union representatives stated that the outcome serves as recognition of the contributions made by the employees to the casino resort, located in Everett, Massachusetts.
Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Local 26, noted that workers remained steadfast throughout the labor dispute, despite harsh conditions outside the casino.
“Our members walked out not knowing what would happen next. They stood their ground through the cold, the wind, and the rain—remaining united,” Aramayo said in an interview with The Boston Globe. “Now, they return to Encore Boston Harbor as partners, with mutual respect. This community stood with us. Now, we can finally provide the five-star service that [guests] deserve.”
Labor Dispute Disrupts Casino Operations
The strike affected various departments at Encore Boston Harbor. Employees including room attendants, bartenders, servers, cooks, slot attendants, drivers, groundskeepers, receptionists, and warehouse staff all walked off the job. The labor dispute lasted for nine weeks, with striking employees maintaining picket lines near the casino entrances—a move that drew increasing attention to the conflict. Their actions also garnered support from labor organizations and elected officials across Massachusetts.
The prolonged absence of unionized staff affected various aspects of the resort’s operations. Encore suspended its complimentary water shuttle service and closed its valet parking, while several upscale restaurants ceased operations for the duration of the dispute.
Management relied on non-striking staff and other personnel to keep some operations running. However, the reduced workforce and operational disruptions coincided with a decline in casino revenue.
Data from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission shows that Encore’s revenue fell by more than 20% in September, dropping to its lowest level since the pandemic. The strike also deterred some patrons from visiting, further compounding the business impact of the labor dispute.
Prior to the union’s announcement that the agreement had been ratified, the casino operator had indicated progress toward a settlement. During an investor call on Thursday afternoon, Wynn Resorts stated that it had reached a “framework for a resolution” with union representatives.
Following the ratification of the agreement, a spokesperson for Encore welcomed the outcome and noted that the company is preparing for the return of its unionized employees.
“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that is beneficial for our employees and for the long-term success of Encore Boston Harbor. Our staff bring this property to life every single day; we look forward to their return and to having our full team back together.”
Political and Community Support During the Strike
As the strike extended through September and October, it drew significant attention from politicians and local authorities across Massachusetts.
Governor Maura Healey visited the picket line to publicly express her support for the workers. Municipal leaders in Boston and Everett also backed the employees, with the city councils of both municipalities passing resolutions in support of the strike. On October 24, U.S. Senator Ed Markey addressed striking workers and union representatives from across the country at a rally—more than 50 days into the strike.
U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley and Senator Elizabeth Warren also intervened in the dispute. On October 9, the two lawmakers sent a joint letter to Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings, requesting information regarding the company’s profits and investments.
In addition to its casinos and hotels in Las Vegas, Macau, and London, Wynn Resorts operates Encore Boston Harbor. Throughout the negotiations, other state lawmakers and mayors visited the picket lines, further pressuring the company to resolve the conflict.
Thomas Mari, president of Teamsters Local 25, stated that the outcome of the strike demonstrates the vital importance of collective action by employees in the pursuit of better working conditions.
“This strike has shown the power of working people standing together, unyielding. Our members remained united throughout, fighting for the respect and rights they deserve.”
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