Strike Ends at Encore Boston Harbor

The strike at the Encore Boston Harbor casino in Massachusetts, which lasted more than two months, ended on Thursday, November 5, after approximately 1,300 workers ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The strike began on September 4, a few days after the previous contract expired. Members of UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 were among the workers who walked out. Housekeepers, cooks, servers, bartenders, slot attendants, and warehouse staff at the Everett facility took part in the strike.

The terms of the new contract have not been made public. The unions had demanded wages comparable to unionized hotels in downtown Boston, stronger job security, preservation of health benefits, and guaranteed working hours. Union president Carlos Aramayo said members went on strike without knowing what the outcome would be, and that they held firm through cold, rain, and storms. Aramayo also said that they would return to the workplace as partners with Encore, based on mutual respect between both sides.

Wynn Resorts said it was pleased with the agreement. The company said a fair deal had been reached for the long-term future of its employees and the resort. The facility remained open throughout the strike. While the strike was ongoing, the unions had called for a boycott of the property.

According to data from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, Encore brought in $46.1 million in gross gaming revenue in September. That figure was about 22 percent lower than the $59.1 million recorded a year earlier, and it was the lowest monthly total since February 2021. The state's other two casinos, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park, saw their revenue remain relatively stable.

According to Wynn's third-quarter results, Encore's total operating revenue fell from $211.8 million to $194.7 million. Adjusted property EBITDAR dropped from $58.4 million to $50.1 million. During the earnings call, CEO Craig Billings described the strike as having a modest negative impact and said that a framework agreement had been reached with union leaders during that period. Governor Maura Healey visited the picket line, and federal lawmakers asked Wynn about the dispute.