As the strike at Encore Boston Harbor enters its second week, regional elected officials are increasingly voicing support for the workers and urging the public to honor the picket lines. On Wednesday, the Boston City Council unanimously approved a resolution pledging not to dine, conduct meetings, or stay at the Everett casino resort until labor disputes are resolved. The vote came with the presence of numerous striking employees.
Councilor Henry Santana, who co-sponsored the resolution alongside Sharon Durkan and Gabriela Coletta Zapata, emphasized the broader impact of working conditions at Encore on Boston residents and the local economy. The move builds on recent actions by other local governments; the Somerville City Council passed a similar resolution last week, and the Everett City Council followed suit with a unanimous vote on Monday night.
Encore Boston Harbor’s management, represented by Wynn Resorts, responded by affirming its respect for officials’ rights to express their views. A spokesperson underscored the company’s commitment to ensuring the long-term viability of the resort and preserving thousands of jobs in the area. Wynn Resorts also reiterated its focus on reaching a fair and financially sustainable agreement that maintains Encore’s role as a major employer and community partner.
The strike began on September 4 after contracts for over 1,300 workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 expired on August 31. Employees involved range from slot attendants and waitstaff to housekeepers, delivery drivers, and groundskeepers. Union leaders report a lack of substantial progress in negotiations since the work stoppage began.
Unions are demanding wage increases of $10 per hour for non-tipped workers and $5 per hour for tipped workers over the next three years. They contend that Wynn Resorts’ offer falls short of these figures, proposing less than half the requested raises. Current hourly wages at Encore vary between $15 and $32, with tipped workers earning less than the baseline range, according to union statements.
The strike has disrupted casino operations, with valet parking and the free water shuttle—both staffed by union workers—remaining closed. Everett City Councilor Peter Pietrantonio, whose district includes Encore, criticized the company for what he described as unfair labor practices and a refusal to meet wage standards reflective of Boston’s market. Councilor Pietrantonio highlighted concerns voiced during the city council’s June renewal of Encore’s hotel license, noting missed promises to benefit local businesses and residents since the resort opened in 2019.
Pietrantonio also called attention to the fact that more than 500 Everett residents are employed by Encore and expressed intentions to invite casino representatives to future council meetings to discuss the trajectory of negotiations. He lamented the company’s reluctance to fulfill its commitments to workers.
In addition to local support, elected officials at the state and federal levels have joined workers on the picket line. Representative Ayanna Pressley engaged with strikers on Labor Day, and Everett Mayor Robert van Campen has publicly expressed solidarity with workers exercising their right to strike, visiting the picket line during the strike’s first week.
The standoff between Encore Boston Harbor employees and management continues as negotiations remain stalled, with workers and officials alike seeking a resolution that addresses wage concerns and working conditions.