TLDR
- About 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor went on strike Friday after labor talks broke down
- Workers are represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25
- The previous contract expired on August 31, and a strike was authorized on August 20
- Workers are seeking higher wages, better healthcare, pension benefits and job security protections
- The casino remains open and operational during the strike
Workers at Encore Boston Harbor walked off the job Friday after a deadline for a new labor deal passed without an agreement.
About 1,300 workers took part in the strike. They are represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25.
The previous collective bargaining agreement expired on August 31. Workers had already voted to authorize a strike back on August 20.
Wynn Resorts, which owns the property, said the unions chose to strike despite the company’s efforts to reach a deal.
“We are committed to finding common ground that is fair, financially sustainable and protects jobs for the long term,” Wynn said in a statement.
Workers say they are pushing for wage increases, better healthcare coverage and stronger pension benefits. Job security protections are also a key demand.
Despite the walkout, the casino has stayed open and continues to operate as normal.
Recent Financial Results
Wynn Resorts posted its second quarter results last month. Encore Boston Harbor brought in $209 million in revenue for the period, a drop of 3% compared to the year before.
A 12% year over year decline in table games win led to a 6% drop in overall casino revenue at the property.
Even so, Wynn CEO Craig Billings said the property set second quarter records for both hotel revenue and revenue per available room.
Billings said demand in Boston has stayed healthy, with slot handle running slightly ahead of last year’s numbers.
Thomas G Mari, president of Teamsters Local 25, defended the decision to strike. “When a company refuses to respect the workers who make its profits possible, we shut it down,” he said. “The teamsters don’t cross picket lines and won’t be intimidated.”
Labor Deals Across The Country
Labor negotiations have become a common issue for casino operators across the United States in recent years.
Workers in several states have pushed for stronger benefits and job protections as concerns grow over economic pressures and new technology like AI.
All nine casinos in Atlantic City reached new labor deals this summer without a strike. However, the union there agreed to shorter one year deals instead of the usual three or more years.
That shorter timeline reflects uncertainty tied to upcoming competition from New York City casinos and New Jersey’s own online gaming market.
In Las Vegas, the Culinary Union has unionized the entire Las Vegas Strip and secured wage increases in its most recent round of talks. Those agreements are roughly halfway through their term.
The Culinary Union has used strikes as leverage before, including ahead of the first Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023 and the Super Bowl the following February.
