Encore Boston Harbor Union Workers Schedule Strike Authorization Vote

More than 1,350 union workers at Encore Boston Harbor will cast ballots on August 19 and 20 to decide whether to authorize a strike, and the contracts covering these employees expire on August 31. Unions UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 represent the workforce, and they have tied their demands to the property’s reported revenue of nearly $847 million in 2025.

Contract Expiration and Voting Process

The upcoming vote gives members the formal power to initiate work stoppages if negotiations fail to produce new agreements before the current contracts lapse, and a strike could start after midnight on September 1 once authorization is secured. Union leaders have stated that members will decide the next steps based on progress at the bargaining table, while management at Wynn Resorts, the parent company of the Everett property, continues to meet with representatives from both locals.

Wage and Benefit Proposals on the Table

Current minimum hourly pay at the casino sits at $25, and the unions are seeking increases above that level along with strengthened pension contributions. Negotiators for the locals point to rising living costs in the Boston area and comparable compensation packages at other regional gaming facilities as benchmarks for their requests. The Teamsters Local 25 covers roles that include transportation and warehouse functions, whereas UNITE HERE Local 26 represents food service, housekeeping, and guest-facing positions.

Potential Effects of a Work Stoppage

If a strike occurs, operations at the 671-room hotel and gaming floor could face immediate disruptions because the covered workers handle guest services, food preparation, and logistics that support daily revenue streams. Historical patterns at other unionized casinos show that prolonged stoppages can reduce visitor traffic and prompt temporary staffing adjustments, although management has not released specific contingency plans for this round of talks. Observers note that both sides have incentive to reach agreement before September 1 to avoid interrupting the busy late-summer and fall seasons.

Role of State Gaming Oversight

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission licenses and monitors all casino operations in the state, and any labor action at Encore Boston Harbor would fall under its ongoing regulatory review. Commission rules require operators to maintain staffing levels sufficient for public safety and responsible gaming standards, which could shape how a work stoppage is managed if one begins.

Broader Industry Labor Patterns

Union activity at East Coast casinos has increased in recent years as hospitality and service workers seek to renegotiate terms following pandemic-era changes, and the Encore Boston Harbor negotiations fit within that larger trend. The American Gaming Association tracks employment data across U.S. commercial casinos and reports that union representation varies widely by jurisdiction, with Massachusetts properties operating under collective bargaining agreements that set regional precedents.

Timeline Leading to September Deadlines

Ballots will be counted after the two-day voting window closes on August 20, and union officials have indicated they will assess the results before scheduling further bargaining sessions. If no deal is reached by the contract expiration, the authorization vote gives workers the option to withhold labor starting September 1, although extensions or mediated talks remain possible until that point. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that hospitality sector contract renewals often conclude in the final weeks before deadlines when both parties intensify negotiations.

Conclusion

The August 19–20 strike authorization vote at Encore Boston Harbor centers on wage and pension terms for 1,350 union members whose contracts end August 31, with the property’s 2025 revenue of nearly $847 million serving as context for the discussions. Outcomes of the vote and subsequent talks will determine whether operations continue uninterrupted after September 1 or face the first work stoppage since the resort opened. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission maintains oversight throughout the process, and both UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 continue to represent their members at the bargaining table.