Approximately 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor, represented by the UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 unions, began a strike on Friday following the expiration of their collective bargaining agreement on August 31. In a statement, Wynn Resorts indicated that the unions opted to strike despite the company’s ongoing efforts to reach a new agreement. The striking workers are seeking wage increases, enhanced healthcare and pension benefits, as well as job security. Despite the strike, the casino intends to continue its operations. Workers had authorized the strike on August 20.
Wynn Resorts expressed commitment to finding a resolution that is fair and sustainable. "We are dedicated to discovering common ground that is fair, financially sustainable, and protects jobs for the long term," the company said.
In its second-quarter financial results released last month, Encore Boston Harbor reported $209 million in revenue, reflecting a 3% decrease from the previous year. A 12% year-over-year decline in table games revenue contributed to an overall casino revenue drop of 6%. However, Wynn CEO Craig Billings noted that the property achieved record highs for hotel revenue and revenue per available room during the same period. "Demand in Boston has remained healthy, with slot handle running slightly ahead of last year," he stated.
Thomas G. Mari, president of Teamsters Local 25, emphasized the union's stance in a statement: "When a company refuses to respect the workers who make its profits possible, we shut it down. The Teamsters don’t cross picket lines and won’t be intimidated."
Across the United States, union contracts have become a significant issue for casino operators. In light of macroeconomic uncertainty and the rise of potentially disruptive technologies like AI, workers have been advocating for improved benefits and job security.
This summer, all nine casinos in Atlantic City reached new labor agreements without strikes, though the local union opted for one-year contracts amid fears of competition from upcoming casinos in New York City and New Jersey's online gaming sector. Meanwhile, the Culinary Union in Las Vegas has successfully unionized the entire Las Vegas Strip and secured substantial wage increases in recent negotiations. Those contracts are currently halfway through their term, and the Culinary Union has a history of leveraging strikes to negotiate better deals, notably in the lead-up to the inaugural Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023 and the Super Bowl scheduled for February.
