More than 1,300 Encore Boston Harbor workers went on strike Friday after contract talks with casino owner Wynn Resorts broke down.
The workers, part of labor Union United Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, voted in August to authorize a strike. Their contract with Wynn Resorts expired on August 31, and a new contract has yet to be negotiated.
According to the Teamsters Union, Encore management refused to come back to the bargaining table and offer any meaningful improvements, even after the strike authorization vote.
Encore’s union workforce is seeking a contract with better wages, stronger benefits and enhanced protections on the job. The resort near Boston took in an estimated $847 million in revenue last year, the unions said in a statement.
“The unions have chosen to initiate a strike despite our continued efforts to reach an agreement through negotiations,” the company said in a statement emailed to CDC Gaming.
“We are committed to finding common ground that is fair, financially sustainable and protects jobs for the long term,” the company said. “Encore Boston Harbor remains open and operational, and we stand ready to service our guests while we continue negotiations.”
According to figures released by Encore, average compensation and benefits for union represented employees exceeds $95,000 per year.
Over the past four years, union wages and benefits have increased 36.8%, while revenue has grown 1.9%. The casino says 86% of union employees are proud to work at Encore Boston Harbor, 83% plan to stay, and voluntary turnover is 3.9%.
Last month, Wynn reported second-quarter operating revenues from Encore Boston Harbor were $209.3 million, down $6.4 million from $215.7 million for the second quarter of 2025. Table games win percentage for the second quarter was 18.1%, within the property’s expected range of 18% to 22% and below the 21.3% experienced in the second quarter of 2025.
Thomas Mari, president of Local 25, criticized Encore management for slow-walking negotiations while playing games with union members.
“Now they’re going to see how big of a mistake that was,” Mari said. “When a company refuses to respect the workers who make its profits possible, we shut it down.”
The workers on strike include 211 Teamsters who work in the warehouse, horticulture, call center, cage cashiers, limo drivers, dispatchers, traffic attendants, valet and guest experience attendants.
“We didn’t want to strike but we won’t accept a contract that blatantly disrespects our labor,” James Atkins, lead gardener and chief steward at Local 25, said in a statement. “We’re on the picket line and will stay out as long as it takes to get a fair deal.”
