Encore Boston Harbor Workers Schedule Strike Authorization Vote Ahead of Contract Deadlines
Union members from Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, who represent approximately 1,350 employees at Encore Boston Harbor, have scheduled a strike authorization vote for August 19 and 20, while contract negotiations continue in Everett, Massachusetts, and the current agreements reach expiration on August 31.
The casino, operated by Wynn Resorts, faces the possibility of a work stoppage beginning September 1 if the vote passes and talks stall, with the unions seeking higher wages and improved pension benefits as key points in the discussions.
Details of the Labor Action and Contract Timeline
Workers at the property have coordinated the two-day vote through their respective locals, which together cover a substantial portion of the casino's staff, and the outcome will determine whether union leadership receives approval to call a strike once the existing contracts conclude at the end of August.
Encore Boston Harbor opened in 2018 as the only casino in the Boston area, and labor agreements have governed employment terms since that time, yet current negotiations center on compensation adjustments that reflect both revenue performance and operational costs.
Financial Performance Reported for 2025
The property recorded nearly $847 million in total revenue during 2025, including more than $629 million generated from casino operations, while adjusted EBITDA fell 4.2 percent year-over-year to $236.7 million according to figures shared in industry reporting.
These results provide context for the bargaining process, as union representatives reference overall earnings when discussing wage and benefit proposals, and management teams evaluate labor costs against the reported decline in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
Scope of Union Representation at the Property
Unite Here Local 26 organizes hospitality and food service employees at the casino, while Teamsters Local 25 covers transportation and warehouse roles, creating a combined workforce of roughly 1,350 individuals who participate in the authorization process.
The coordinated vote reflects joint strategy between the two locals, each of which maintains separate contracts that expire simultaneously, and members will cast ballots over the two days in August to signal support for potential job actions if agreements remain out of reach.
Contract talks have proceeded in the weeks leading up to the vote, with both sides exchanging proposals on compensation structures, yet the unions have emphasized that improved pension contributions remain a priority alongside base pay increases.
Potential Outcomes Following the August Vote
If the strike authorization receives majority support, union leadership gains the ability to initiate a work stoppage on September 1, although negotiations could still produce a new agreement before that date arrives.
Management at Wynn Resorts has continued operations planning while the vote approaches, and observers note that similar authorization processes at other properties have sometimes led to renewed bargaining momentum without an actual strike taking place.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission maintains oversight of the casino's license and operations, yet the current labor matter falls under standard collective bargaining procedures rather than regulatory intervention at this stage.
Background on Encore Boston Harbor Operations
Located along the Mystic River in Everett, the resort includes gaming floors, hotel accommodations, and multiple dining venues that rely on the represented workforce for daily functions, and any interruption would affect both casino revenue streams and hospitality services.
Revenue data from 2025 shows the property maintained strong casino performance even as adjusted EBITDA experienced the noted decline, and those figures now inform discussions about sustainable wage growth within the next contract period.
Conclusion
The strike authorization vote scheduled for August 19-20 at Encore Boston Harbor sets the stage for potential labor developments as contracts near expiration, with union members weighing options for higher wages and enhanced pension terms while the property reports its 2025 financial results. Data from industry sources such as casino.org outlines the revenue totals and EBITDA changes that frame the current negotiations, and further updates will depend on the vote outcome and subsequent bargaining sessions through the end of August.