Boston – Workers at the Encore Boston Harbor casino and resort have now been on strike for four days, pressing the employer for a fair wage increase that would bring their pay in line with hotel employees in downtown Boston.
Key demands and union perspective
Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, representing roughly 1,300 workers, say the current wage gap is about three dollars an hour. “The difference right now is about three bucks an hour and what we don’t understand is how can workers at a five‑star casino be making less than workers at the Hampton Inn,” said Laura Moye, executive vice president of Local 26.
The unions are also fighting to preserve health‑insurance coverage, pension benefits, and long‑term job security. They argue that without a new contract, workers risk losing the hard‑won benefits that have been built up over years of service.
Employer response
Encore Boston Harbor issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to a mutually acceptable agreement. “We are committed to finding common ground that is fair, financially sustainable and protects jobs for the long term,” the company said.
Encore also highlighted that employee compensation has outpaced inflation, noting a nearly 40 % increase in union wages and benefits over the past four years, while company revenue has grown about 2 % in the same period. The resort and casino remain open, with replacement and non‑union staff filling in for striking employees.
No new bargaining sessions scheduled
As of Monday, no additional bargaining sessions have been set, leaving the dispute at an impasse. Both sides appear to be weighing the financial implications of a prolonged work stoppage against the need to maintain a competitive labor market in the region.
Impact on the community
The strike affects not only the workers and the casino but also the broader Boston hospitality sector, which relies on a stable labor force to serve tourists and local patrons. Local businesses near the resort have reported mixed reactions, with some expressing concern over reduced foot traffic while others support the workers’ call for equitable pay.
City officials have not intervened publicly, noting that labor negotiations are a private matter between the employer and the unions. However, the strike underscores ongoing tensions in the hospitality industry, where wage growth often lags behind rising living costs.
What’s next?
Both parties have indicated a willingness to return to the negotiating table, but concrete dates remain unannounced. Workers and union leaders say they will continue the walkout until a satisfactory agreement is reached, while Encore hopes to avoid a prolonged disruption that could affect its reputation and revenue.
Stakeholders, including local elected officials and community leaders, are watching closely, recognizing that a resolution could set a precedent for future labor discussions in the Massachusetts hospitality market.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
