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An Encore casino strike could begin this Friday, sending more than 1,300 workers off the job. The move follows months of stalled contract talks between the unions and Wynn Resorts. Here is what is driving the dispute and what could happen next.
Why an Encore Casino Strike Is on the Table
The unions representing employees at Encore Boston Harbor say their contracts expired on Aug. 31, increasing the possibility of a strike. On Aug. 20, members of Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 voted 1,006 to 53 to authorize strike action.
The unions represent a wide range of Encore Boston Harbor workers, including housekeepers, cooks, servers, bartenders, and slot attendants. Teamsters Local 25 also represents 211 employees working in areas such as the warehouse, casino cage, valet, and guest services.
Together, these workers account for a significant portion of the resort’s workforce, meaning any walkout could have a substantial impact on Encore Boston Harbor’s day-to-day operations.
What the Unions Are Asking For
Workers want hourly pay increases over the life of the new contract. Reports put the ask at roughly $10 an hour in raises for non-tipped staff. Tipped employees are seeking a smaller increase, closer to $5 an hour.
Union leaders say the goal is to match pay at other unionized hotels in the Boston area. They also want the company to protect current health care and pension benefits. Some union statements have also called for a $25 starting wage.
How Wynn Resorts Is Responding
Wynn Resorts says any new deal must reflect the business as it stands today. The company puts total compensation growth for the union workforce at close to 37% over the past four years, a pace it says has beaten inflation.
The operator also cites Boston-area cost data, pointing to roughly 8.5% inflation over that same span. Wynn adds that new competition from casinos in nearby states and the rise of online sports betting shape what it can offer at the table.
Encore Casino Strike Timeline
- 20: Unions vote 1,006 to 53 to authorize a strike
- 31: Union contracts expire
- 1: Unions announce the strike date and time
- 4: Picketing set to begin at 7 a.m. if no deal is reached
Union Demands vs. Wynn Resorts’ Position
| Issue | What unions want | What Wynn Resorts says |
| Hourly pay | $10 raise over the contract, $25 starting wage | Average union pay and benefits already total $95,718 |
| Wage growth | Keep pace with the rising cost of living | Wages rose nearly 37% while Boston prices rose 8.5% |
| Benefits | Protect current health care and pension plans | Any deal must stay grounded in financial reality |
What Happens If the Encore Casino Strike Goes Ahead
If a deal isn’t reached in time, the unions say Friday’s picket line forms outside Encore Boston Harbor’s entrance at 7 in the morning. That timing falls just before a busy holiday weekend for the resort. A strike could disrupt housekeeping, food service, and other guest-facing operations.
Both sides say they want to avoid a walkout. Encore Boston Harbor has not faced an actual strike since it opened in 2019. A similar strike vote in 2023 set a deadline of its own, but the two sides reached a new agreement before workers left the job.
Follow CasinoUS for updates on the Encore casino strike and how it could affect casino floor and hotel operations this holiday weekend, as well as the latest developments across the US casino industry
