Encore Boston Harbor strike drags on as workers seek new contract
More than 1,000 unionised employees at the Massachusetts casino are seeking higher wages and guarantees on healthcare and pension benefits.
U.S.- The strike by unionised workers at Encore Boston Harbor has entered its third week, with employees continuing to picket the Massachusetts casino over stalled contract negotiations. More than 1,000 workers represented by Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 are taking part in the action, which began on September 4.
The unions represent employees in positions including drivers, valets, cashiers, attendants and cooks. Their contracts expired on August 31, leaving the workers without a new agreement after negotiations with casino management failed to resolve their demands. Among their requests are hourly wage increases totalling $10 over four years, a starting base wage of $25 per hour, and guarantees covering healthcare and pension benefits.
As the action entered a third week, Teamsters Boston shared footage on Facebook showing hundreds of people demonstrating and said the striking workers had received significant support from local organisations. UFCW Local 1445 has also backed the employees, calling on management to reach an agreement.
Encore Boston Harbor is operated by Wynn Resorts, which previously said it remains committed to supporting its employees while casting doubt on whether all of the unions’ demands can be accommodated. The company said workers’ requests need to be “grounded in financial reality” to avoid creating conditions that could lead to layoffs.
