Encore Boston Harbor Faces Potential Labor Action as Unions Schedule Authorization Vote

Workers at Wynn Resorts’ Encore Boston Harbor casino have scheduled a strike authorization vote for August 19-20, with a possible work stoppage set to begin September 1 if new contracts are not in place before the current agreements expire on August 31. The effort involves 1,350 members represented by Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, who are seeking wage increases above the existing $25 per hour minimum along with stronger pension provisions.

The unions point to the property’s recent financial results as context for their proposals. Figures for 2025 show nearly $847 million in total revenue and $236.7 million in adjusted EBITDA, a figure that declined 4.2 percent from the prior year. Observers note that these numbers form the basis for discussions around compensation and benefits during the current round of bargaining.

Contract Timeline and Worker Demands

Current contracts cover a range of roles including dealers, servers, housekeepers and maintenance staff. Negotiations have centered on raising the minimum hourly rate and adjusting retirement contributions to reflect ongoing operational performance. Union representatives have indicated that the vote will determine whether members grant authority to call a strike beginning September 1 if talks do not produce agreements by the August 31 deadline.

Encore Boston Harbor opened in 2019 and operates under the regulatory oversight of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The facility has maintained steady employment levels since its launch, and the upcoming vote represents the first major labor action threat since operations began. Data from the property shows consistent visitor traffic and gaming volume that support the revenue totals reported for 2025.

Financial Context and Regional Comparisons

Revenue and EBITDA figures for Encore Boston Harbor sit within broader trends observed across New England gaming properties. While the 4.2 percent EBITDA decline appears in the 2025 results, total revenue remained above $846 million, a level that unions reference when discussing compensation packages. Similar properties in neighboring states have reached agreements that include wage adjustments tied to revenue performance, though each negotiation reflects local market conditions and workforce composition.

Those who track casino labor agreements across the region have seen contract cycles produce varied outcomes depending on property performance and union priorities. The current talks at Encore Boston Harbor follow patterns established in prior years at other Massachusetts facilities, where pension funding and minimum wage levels frequently appear among the central issues.

Union Structure and Voting Process

Unite Here Local 26 represents hospitality and food service employees at the property, while Teamsters Local 25 covers transportation and certain warehouse roles. The combined membership totals 1,350 workers who will participate in the August 19-20 vote. Authorization requires a majority in favor before any strike can be called after September 1.

Ballots will be cast over the two-day period, with results expected shortly afterward. If approved, the authorization gives union leadership flexibility to set a strike date once the existing contracts lapse. Management at Encore Boston Harbor has not issued public statements on the status of negotiations at the time of this report.

Regulatory Environment in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission oversees licensing and compliance for Encore Boston Harbor. State regulations require casinos to maintain specific staffing and operational standards, which remain in effect regardless of labor developments. Historical data from the commission shows that gaming facilities in the state have experienced periodic contract renewals without extended disruptions, though each round carries its own set of variables.

Industry reports from organizations such as the American Gaming Association track employment and revenue trends across U.S. properties, providing benchmarks that local parties sometimes reference during talks. These reports indicate that New England casinos have shown resilience in both visitor numbers and financial metrics despite national economic shifts.

Potential Timeline Following the Vote

Should the authorization pass, the period between late August and early September becomes critical for final negotiations. Contracts expiring August 31 create a defined window in which both sides can continue discussions before any work stoppage begins. Past agreements at similar properties have been reached either shortly before or shortly after expiration dates, depending on the issues under discussion.

The revenue and EBITDA numbers for 2025 continue to serve as reference points for both union proposals and management responses. Additional financial updates expected in subsequent quarters may influence the pace of talks as the September 1 deadline approaches.

Conclusion

The August 19-20 strike authorization vote at Encore Boston Harbor marks a defined point in ongoing contract negotiations between Wynn Resorts and the two unions representing 1,350 workers. The outcome will determine whether a work stoppage begins September 1 if agreements on wages and pensions are not finalized. Financial results for 2025 provide one data point in these discussions, while regulatory oversight by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission continues unchanged. Further developments will depend on the vote results and the status of talks leading into the contract expiration date.