Encore Boston Harbor Union Workers Schedule August Vote on Strike Authorization

Union members at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts, prepare for a contract vote that could lead to a strike beginning September 1, and the process centers on 1,350 workers represented by Unite Here Local 26 together with Teamsters Local 25. Their current agreements expire August 31, so the upcoming authorization ballot on August 19 and 20 determines whether a walkout becomes possible if negotiations fail to produce higher wages above the existing $25 hourly minimum along with improved pension terms.

Contract Renewal Process and Worker Representation

The two locals have coordinated their efforts at the Wynn Resorts property, where members handle roles across hospitality, food service, transportation, and maintenance. Contract talks have focused on compensation adjustments that reflect both inflation trends and the operational demands of a large resort casino. Union representatives have stated that the $25 hourly floor no longer matches living costs in the greater Boston area, and they seek pension enhancements to strengthen retirement security for long-term employees. The August vote gives members a direct say in whether to grant strike authority, a standard step that strengthens bargaining leverage without immediately halting operations.

Property Financial Performance in Recent Years

Encore Boston Harbor reported nearly $847 million in total revenue for 2025 along with $236.7 million in adjusted EBITDA, a figure that declined 4.2 percent compared with the prior year. Company filings show steady guest traffic and strong non-gaming revenue streams from hotel rooms, dining, and entertainment, yet the modest EBITDA dip has not altered the unions' position that the resort maintains capacity to meet their wage and benefit requests. Observers note that management has highlighted cost controls and capital investments as reasons for the year-over-year change, while union statements emphasize the property's overall profitability as context for negotiations.

Those financial results place Encore Boston Harbor among the stronger performers in the Massachusetts gaming market, where competition from other licensed properties continues to shape revenue patterns. The 2025 numbers reflect a full year of post-pandemic recovery, with hotel occupancy and table game hold percentages contributing to the totals. Union leaders have referenced these figures during bargaining sessions to support their proposals, while company negotiators have countered with data on regional labor costs and ongoing property upgrades.

Timeline Leading Into September

If the August 19-20 vote passes, the unions gain formal authority to initiate a strike on September 1 should no new agreement be reached by the contract deadline. Both sides continue to meet with mediators, and additional bargaining sessions remain scheduled before the end of August. State labor laws require notice periods and cooling-off procedures, which means any work stoppage would follow established protocols rather than occur without warning. Employees have begun informational picketing at shift changes to raise awareness among guests and the surrounding community in Everett.

Impact Considerations for Guests and Operations

A potential strike would affect hotel check-ins, restaurant service, valet operations, and certain gaming floor support roles, yet management has indicated contingency plans that include temporary staffing and cross-training. Guests booking rooms or events for early September have received notices outlining possible service adjustments, while the resort continues normal operations through the current contract period. Past labor actions at other East Coast casinos demonstrate that properties can maintain partial functionality, although full service levels typically decline when large numbers of union members step away from their positions.

Conclusion

The August 19-20 authorization vote therefore serves as the immediate next marker in a process that could shape labor relations at Encore Boston Harbor for years to come. Contract outcomes will determine wage scales above the current $25 minimum and pension adjustments that unions argue are necessary given the property's revenue performance. Both parties remain at the table, and the coming weeks will reveal whether the sides reach terms before the September 1 deadline or whether the authorized strike becomes active.