More than 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor, represented by Teamsters Local 25 and Unite Here Local 26, have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike.
Local 25 represents 211 workers spanning the warehouse, horticulture and floral departments, along with call center staff, cage cashiers, limo drivers and dispatchers, traffic attendants, valet and guest experience attendants.
Recently, a group of 85 cage cashiers at Encore Boston Harbor also voted to join Teamsters Local 25, seeking union representation to push for higher pay, better benefits and a stronger workplace voice.
Warehouse worker and Local 25 member Sem Avdic said the union takes pride in its work at Encore but wants a contract that reflects it.
"We work hard to make this company successful, and we believe we deserve a fair contract that allows us to provide for our families. Nobody wants to strike. But nobody is going to keep making Wynn rich while our own families fall behind," he said.
According to Wynn Resorts' SEC filings, Encore Boston Harbor generated $847m in revenue last year. The current labor contract expires August 31, and workers say they're prepared for a work stoppage if a deal isn't reached before then.
Local 25 President Thomas G. Mari called for broader community support if a strike goes ahead.
"This is a union town. Teamsters don't cross picket lines, and neither does Boston. If our members are on that sidewalk, we're asking every worker and every family in this city to stand with them: while they're out, stay out," he said.
"Management's failure to negotiate is leaving this group with no other choice but to head to the picket line. There is only one way this ends, with a fair agreement,” added Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division.
Encore Boston Harbor features over 2,700 slot titles, 175 table games and a poker room, including poker tournament play
