On Friday morning, over 1,300 workers at the Encore Boston Harbor resort casino in Everett, Massachusetts, officially began a strike. The employees, represented by Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, voted in August to authorize the walkout after their contract with Wynn Resorts expired on August 31 without a new agreement in place.

Union demands and community appeal

Unite Here Local 26 President Carlos Aramayo outlined three core demands: a fair wage increase that matches recent hotel wage hikes downtown, the preservation of health insurance and pension benefits, and stronger job‑security provisions at the property. He urged Boston residents and surrounding communities to avoid the casino during the strike, asking them not to cross the picket line for gambling, dining, or drinking.

Workers’ perspective

Encore employee Kathy Woodard expressed pride in the casino’s appearance and her coworkers, but said the current offer falls short of what the staff deserves. “We work very, very hard to make Encore beautiful, and I love my job, but we need better than what they’re offering,” she said.

Employer response

Wynn Resorts, the casino’s owner, released a statement emphasizing its commitment to finding common ground that is fair, financially stable and protects employees over the long term. The company has not yet disclosed specific details of a proposed new contract.

Impact on the community

The strike affects not only the casino’s operations but also local businesses that rely on casino traffic. Residents are encouraged to consider the workers’ call for fair treatment as part of the broader conversation about supporting families and preserving jobs in the Everett area.

Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.