Encore Boston Harbor Workers Prepare for Strike Authorization Vote

More than 1,350 union workers at Encore Boston Harbor face a key decision as they prepare to cast ballots on strike authorization during the August 19–20 vote period, while their current contracts reach expiration on August 31. The unions representing these employees, UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, have outlined specific demands that center on wage increases above the existing $25 per hour minimum along with enhancements to pension benefits, and they point to the casino's financial results as context for their position.

Property Performance and Worker Context

Encore Boston Harbor, operated by Wynn Resorts in Everett, Massachusetts, generated nearly $847 million in revenue during 2025, and union representatives have referenced this figure when presenting their case for improved compensation packages. Workers at the property include roles across hospitality, food service, transportation, and maintenance, all of which fall under the two locals negotiating new agreements. Observers note that the revenue total reflects steady guest traffic and operational scale at the waterfront facility since its opening, while contract talks continue against this backdrop.

The upcoming vote allows members to grant their negotiating teams authority to call a work stoppage if talks stall, though no immediate action occurs until after the August 31 deadline. A potential strike could start after midnight on September 1 in the absence of a ratified deal, and both sides continue meeting to address outstanding issues before that point.

Union Positions and Negotiation Details

UNITE HERE Local 26 covers the majority of service and hospitality positions at the casino, whereas Teamsters Local 25 represents drivers and certain logistics staff, and together the groups coordinate their bargaining strategy. Their joint demands focus on raising the minimum hourly rate beyond the current $25 level and strengthening retirement contributions, with union statements highlighting how these adjustments align with the property's reported earnings. Data from the casino's financial disclosures shows consistent revenue streams that support the unions' reference points during discussions.

Contract negotiations have proceeded through multiple rounds, and representatives from both unions emphasize that the strong 2025 performance provides room for the requested improvements without disrupting operations. Management at Wynn Resorts has not released detailed counterproposals in public statements, yet the process remains active as the vote date approaches. Those familiar with similar labor situations at other gaming properties point out that authorization votes often serve as leverage rather than an immediate signal of work stoppage.

Timeline and Potential Outcomes

Ballots will be collected over the two-day window of August 19 and 20, after which union leadership will review results and determine next steps based on member input. If authorization passes and no agreement is reached by August 31, the earliest strike date falls on September 1, giving both parties additional time for continued dialogue. Historical patterns at Massachusetts casinos show that most contract renewals conclude without work stoppages, although the current revenue figures and benefit requests create distinct pressure points in these talks.

State labor records indicate that Encore Boston Harbor employs a sizable unionized workforce relative to other regional gaming venues, and the coordinated approach between the two locals adds structure to the bargaining process. Revenue data released for 2025 provides a concrete reference that union negotiators continue to cite when advocating for wage and pension adjustments.

Conclusion

The August 19–20 strike authorization vote at Encore Boston Harbor centers on contract terms that expire August 31, with UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 seeking wage gains above $25 per hour and stronger pension terms amid the property's $847 million revenue performance in 2025. A possible work stoppage remains tied to the September 1 threshold if negotiations do not produce an agreement, and the outcome of the member vote will shape the direction of talks in the weeks ahead.