Encore Boston Harbor Faces Strike as Union Workers Seek New Contract Terms
Ellis Werner · Sep 6, 2026
Encore Boston Harbor Faces Strike as Union Workers Seek New Contract Terms
More than 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor walked off the job after contract negotiations with Wynn Resorts reached an impasse, and the action began shortly after the previous agreement expired on August 31. The unions involved, United Here Local 26 along with Teamsters Local 25, represent employees across multiple departments at the property, and they cited demands for improved wages, enhanced benefits packages, and stronger job protections as central issues. The casino itself has continued operations with management and non-union staff filling key roles while talks proceed.
Observers note that the timing places the dispute in early September 2026, a period when seasonal visitor patterns typically influence revenue streams at Massachusetts gaming facilities. Union representatives have emphasized that the expired contract no longer reflects current economic conditions in the region, and they point to the property's reported $847 million in revenue from the prior year as evidence that resources exist for improved compensation. Average union compensation and benefits already exceed $95,000 annually, yet negotiators argue that adjustments remain necessary to address rising living costs and industry standards.
Contract Background and Negotiation Timeline
The previous agreement between Wynn Resorts and the two locals covered a multi-year period that concluded at the end of August, and both sides had engaged in extended bargaining sessions before the deadline. When talks stalled, union leadership authorized the strike, which commenced with coordinated action across hotel, food service, and transportation roles. The property remains open to the public, and management has stated that guest services continue without interruption despite the reduced workforce.
Data from industry reports shows that Encore Boston Harbor generated substantial income last year, and those figures have factored into union arguments for contract improvements. Wynn Resorts has not publicly detailed its counteroffers, yet company statements indicate ongoing commitment to reaching a resolution through continued dialogue. Both parties have described the process as active, with mediators occasionally involved to bridge gaps on specific provisions.
Key Union Priorities in the Dispute
Union members have outlined several priorities that include wage increases tied to inflation metrics, expanded health coverage options, and language that limits subcontracting of positions. These elements appear in statements released by Local 26 and Local 25, and they reflect broader patterns seen in hospitality labor agreements across the Northeast. Job protections rank high on the list because automation trends and operational changes have raised concerns among long-term employees at integrated resorts.
One study revealed that similar contracts at other regional casinos incorporated stronger safeguards against layoffs during slower periods, and union leaders have referenced those examples during public updates. The average compensation figure above $95,000 already incorporates overtime and benefits, yet representatives maintain that base pay adjustments would better align with the revenue performance reported by the property.
Operational Impact and Revenue Context
The casino has maintained full gaming floor access and hotel operations since the strike began, and management has relied on temporary staffing arrangements to cover affected shifts. Revenue data from the previous fiscal year reached $847 million, a total that underscores the property's position within the Massachusetts market. This performance occurred under the terms of the now-expired contract, and observers note that continued strong results could influence the pace of future negotiations.
According to industry coverage from CDC Gaming, the strike involves workers across departments that directly support guest experiences, and the unions have scheduled informational pickets to communicate their positions. The facility's parent company, Wynn Resorts, operates additional properties nationwide, and labor agreements at those locations sometimes serve as reference points during talks in Massachusetts.
Broader Industry Patterns
Similar labor actions have occurred at other gaming properties when contracts lapse without agreement, and researchers discovered that wage and benefit improvements often emerge after extended negotiations. The current situation at Encore Boston Harbor aligns with those precedents, while the involvement of two distinct unions adds complexity to the bargaining process. Teamsters Local 25 focuses on transportation and warehouse roles, whereas United Here Local 26 covers hospitality positions, and their combined membership exceeds 1,300 at this single site.
Figures reveal that average annual compensation already surpasses $95,000 when benefits are included, yet union proposals seek further gains tied to the property's financial results. The $847 million revenue total from last year provides context for these discussions, and both sides continue to exchange proposals as the strike enters its initial weeks in September 2026.
Current Status of Talks
Negotiations remain active with no set end date announced, and representatives from each union have indicated willingness to resume intensive sessions. The casino continues to operate normally for patrons, and state gaming regulators have received required notifications about the staffing changes. Additional meetings are scheduled, and mediators have participated in some rounds to clarify positions on disputed items.
Conclusion
The strike at Encore Boston Harbor centers on contract terms for more than 1,300 union employees, and it follows the expiration of the prior agreement on August 31. Union demands focus on wages, benefits, and job protections, while the property reports ongoing operations alongside last year's $847 million revenue figure and average compensation above $95,000. Talks continue into September 2026 with both parties engaged in the process, and developments will depend on progress at the bargaining table.