‘It’s about respect’: Union workers at Encore Boston Harbor vote to authorize strike

EVERETT, Mass. — Union workers at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett voted Wednesday to authorize a labor strike in a continued push to secure a new contract.

More than 98 percent of Encore workers who are members of Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 voted in favor of a labor strike that will begin at midnight on June 30, according to a Unite Here spokesperson.

The strike will impact an array of workers at the resort casino, including room attendants, cocktail servers, bar porters, cooks, dishwashers, public area cleaners, and drivers, the spokesperson said.

Encore opened its doors in June 2019 with the first contract for union workers expiring in April 2023. Negotiations for a new deal have been ongoing for four months.

The Wynn Resorts-operated casino is a “Forbes Five-Star” luxury property that promised to bring good-paying jobs to the residents of Everett and surrounding towns, the unions noted. In 2022, Encore had the second-highest revenue among casinos outside of Nevada.

Workers’ wages and benefits, however, have not kept up with the increased cost of living in greater Boston, according to the unions. Striking workers are pushing for improved wages and benefits that align with Encore’s profitability.

In a statement, Encore bar porter David Hernandez said, “Living in the Boston area is very expensive. A lot of people who work at Encore, including myself, need to have more than one job to survive. This means we spend less time with our families. The company calls us the ‘Five-Star Team,’ but that just means we are doing all the hard work so that the casino can maintain its Forbes Five-Star rating. We are not treated as Five-Star employees in terms of our pay, benefits, or job security. This is why we have to go on strike and fight for that Five-Star contract. It’s about respect.”

“Going on strike is not easy for anyone, but the workers have spoken and they are united. They want a better future for themselves, for their families, and for each other. They are not asking for anything outrageous; they simply want Encore Boston Harbor to be the best place to work in Everett. They are ready to do what it takes to win,” Unite Here President Carlos Aramayo added.

Encore tells Boston 25 News that they are disappointed the Union voted to strike but hope to come to an agreement soon.

“Encore has been actively bargaining in good faith with Unite Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 since early March, with the goal of providing our employees with competitive wages, benefits and a working environment that reflects our high standards and the experience we strive to create. We have provided a proposal that directly addresses the union’s request for compensation market parity,” said Encore in a statement.” We will continue business operations while we work to resolve the issue and are fully prepared to serve our guests if a strike should occur.”

If the strike ultimately happens next week, the unions said that picket lines will be 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Delivery drivers who are members of Teamsters Local 25 have also pledged to not cross the picket line to drop off liquor, food, and other essential items at the casino.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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