The Massachusetts Casino Strike 2026: The Core Conflict
More than 1,300 Encore Boston Harbor workers went on strike Friday. The labor action follows months of discussions over a new labor agreement that failed to produce a deal before the previous contract with Wynn Resorts expired on August 31. The workers on strike are represented by two major unions: UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25.
The dispute centers on wages, healthcare, pension protections, and job security provisions. According to Teamsters representatives, Encore management did not return to negotiations with proposals that addressed workers’ concerns, refusing to offer meaningful improvements even after the unions voted in mid-August to authorize a strike.
Union leaders say the company’s proposals have fallen short of employee expectations. Labor representatives have outlined several specific priorities for the ongoing Wynn Resorts contract talks: for non-tipped employees, the unions are seeking wage increases totaling $10 per hour over three years. For tipped workers, the unions are seeking raises of $5 per hour over the same period.
Many workers participating in the UNITE HERE Local 26 strike pointed to rising living expenses as a major factor behind their demands. Kathleen Woodard, who works in Encore’s public areas department and has been with the property since it opened, explicitly described the impact that inflation has had on everyday expenses.
Boston Hospitality Wages: The Dueling Financial Narratives
Union officials argue that compensation at the casino lags behind rates earned by hospitality workers elsewhere in the Boston area.
“We do not understand why workers at a five-star casino should make less money than workers in a Hampton Inn,” said Laura Moye, executive vice president of Local 26. “It just does not make sense to us.”
The unions stated in a release that the resort near Boston took in an estimated $847 million in revenue last year. Highlighting this wealth generation, Moye added: “The casino’s been open for seven years. They promised benefits. We want to see the benefit. The communities out here, we want to know where our benefit is.”
Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Local 26, affirmed that workers are focused on securing wage growth comparable to contracts achieved at Boston hotels, while also preserving existing healthcare and retirement benefits.
Conversely, figures released by Encore present a starkly different financial narrative regarding the Wynn Resorts contract talks. The casino stated that the average compensation and benefits for union-represented employees already exceeds $95,000 per year. Encore management notes that over the past four years, union wages and benefits have increased 36.8%, while property revenue has grown just 1.9%. The casino also emphasized workforce satisfaction metrics, citing that 86% of union employees are proud to work at Encore Boston Harbor, 83% plan to stay, and voluntary turnover is low at 3.9%.
On a corporate level, Wynn recently reported second-quarter operating revenue from Encore Boston Harbor of $209.3 million, which is 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%, falling below the 21.3% experienced in the second quarter of 2025.
Teamsters Local 25 Boston and UNITE HERE Speak Out
The 1,300 striking employees include 211 Teamsters who operate essential services throughout the property. These workers are utilized in the warehouse, horticulture, call center, cage cashiers, limo drivers, dispatchers, traffic attendants, valet, and guest experience attendants.
Thomas G. Mari, president of Teamsters Local 25, heavily criticized Encore management for their approach to the negotiations.
“Encore slow-walked negotiations and played games with our members, and 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.”
James Atkins, lead gardener and chief steward at Local 25, echoed the unified resolve of the workers. “We didn’t want to strike, but we won’t accept a contract that blatantly disrespects our labor,” Atkins stated. “We’re on the picket line and will stay out as long as it takes to get a fair deal.”
Is Encore Boston Open During Strike? Guest Impact and Operations
Despite hundreds of workers gathering outside the property carrying signs and using drums, air horns, and megaphones as picketing began early Friday morning, the facility has not shut its doors.
Wynn Resorts addressed the work stoppage directly, stating that the company remains committed to reaching an agreement despite the strike.
“The unions have chosen to initiate a strike despite our continued efforts to reach an agreement through negotiations,” a Wynn spokesperson said. “We are committed to finding common ground that is fair, financially sustainable, and protects jobs for the long term.”
To answer queries regarding whether the property is fully functioning, the company confirmed: “Encore Boston Harbor remains open and operational, and we stand ready to service our guests while we continue negotiations.” The casino is officially continuing operations utilizing replacement workers and non-union staff.
As of Friday afternoon, no additional bargaining sessions had been scheduled between the unions and Wynn Resorts.
Sources: CDC Gaming (Chris Sieroty) and World Casino Directory.
