Encore Boston Harbor Union Members Prepare Strike Authorization Vote Before Contract Deadline

Union workers at Encore Boston Harbor have scheduled a strike authorization vote for August 19 and 20 as contract negotiations continue with the Wynn Resorts property in Everett, Massachusetts. The vote involves members of Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, representing approximately 1,350 employees who seek higher wages along with improved pension benefits. Their current agreements expire on August 31, which sets the stage for potential work stoppages beginning September 1 if the unions authorize and later initiate a strike.

Details of the Upcoming Vote and Worker Demands

Workers will cast ballots over two days to determine whether their bargaining committees receive authorization to call a strike if talks fail to produce new contracts. Unite Here Local 26 covers hospitality and food service roles while Teamsters Local 25 represents transportation and warehouse positions, and together these groups form the core labor force at the casino resort. The unions have stated their priority centers on wage increases that reflect recent revenue performance and pension contributions that secure long-term retirement security for members.

Data from the property shows nearly $847 million in total revenue during 2025, with casino operations generating more than $629 million of that amount. Adjusted EBITDA reached $236.7 million yet declined 4.2 percent compared with the prior year, which provides context for the financial environment surrounding the labor discussions. Observers note that contract talks have proceeded without a formal strike notice so far, though the authorization vote gives union leadership flexibility should negotiations stall.

Property Performance and Labor Negotiations

Encore Boston Harbor operates as a major resort casino in the Boston area market, and its revenue figures reflect steady customer traffic through slot machines, table games, and non-gaming amenities. The reported decline in adjusted EBITDA occurred even as overall revenue remained substantial, which highlights operational cost pressures that both management and unions must navigate during bargaining. Those familiar with similar casino labor agreements point out that pension improvements often become central issues when contracts reach expiration, particularly in regions where hospitality employment remains competitive.

Contract expiration on August 31 creates a firm timeline for both sides, and any failure to reach agreement by that date could lead to continued operations under existing terms or a work stoppage if the unions choose to act. The strike authorization vote itself does not guarantee a walkout; instead it serves as a procedural step that strengthens the unions' position at the bargaining table. Management at the Wynn Resorts property has not issued public statements detailing counteroffers, while union representatives have emphasized their focus on securing compensation packages that match the scale of the operation's reported earnings.

Timeline and Potential Outcomes

Balloting concludes on August 20, after which union leadership will review results and decide next steps in coordination with ongoing talks. Should the vote pass, the earliest possible strike date remains September 1, though actual timing depends on the status of negotiations and any extensions both parties might agree to pursue. Historical patterns in casino labor disputes show that authorization votes frequently precede renewed bargaining momentum rather than immediate stoppages, yet the option remains available if progress stalls.

Figures released for 2025 indicate the property maintained strong top-line performance despite the EBITDA dip, which gives unions concrete data to reference when discussing wage and benefit adjustments. The combined membership of roughly 1,350 workers covers essential functions across the resort, from guest services to logistics, and any interruption in those roles would affect daily operations at the Everett location. State gaming regulators continue to monitor the situation as part of routine oversight, though no formal intervention has been reported at this stage.

Conclusion

The strike authorization vote scheduled for August 19-20 at Encore Boston Harbor represents a key procedural moment ahead of the August 31 contract expirations for Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 members. Revenue data from 2025 shows the property generated nearly $847 million overall, including more than $629 million from casino activity, while adjusted EBITDA declined 4.2 percent to $236.7 million. Workers seek wage gains and enhanced pension terms, and the outcome of the vote will determine whether the unions gain formal authority to initiate a strike beginning September 1. Both parties continue negotiations under the existing timeline, with the process unfolding in the weeks ahead.